An act relating to teacher workforce development

This bill creates the Vermont Teacher Forgivable Loan Incentive Program, which offers interest-free loans to students enrolled in teacher training programs who agree to work as public school teachers in Vermont for a minimum of one year for each year of loan received. It also establishes a Peer Review Support Grant Program to provide funding for mentoring, professional development, and exam support for prospective educators seeking licensure through the state's peer review process. Additionally, the bill suspends teacher licensure fees from fiscal year 2024 through 2029 and requires the Agency of Education to assess the costs and benefits of teacher licensure reciprocity agreements and compacts. These measures aim to address teacher workforce development and retention by reducing financial barriers and supporting educator training.