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Committee lays over bill that would clarify grant access for PELSB-approved alternative teacher-prep programs
Summary
House File 1959, sponsored by Representative Mueller, would clarify that PELSB‑approved alternative certification programs may apply for state grants that support teacher candidates. Testimony from higher-education and alternative-prep representatives urged clarification to ensure equitable access to funding.
Representative Mueller presented House File 1959 to the Education Finance Committee on March 13, 2025, explaining the bill would clarify eligibility so that any Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB)–approved teacher-preparation program — including alternative pathways — can apply for state grants and programs intended to support teacher candidates.
Laura Mogelson of the Minnesota Association of Colleges for Teacher Preparation provided a summary table that outlined which grants currently go to districts, programs or individual candidates and where alternate or post-baccalaureate programs already participate. She told the committee that some grants are administered by the Office of Higher Education and some by PELSB, and said the bill’s clarification was intended to ensure parity for PELSB‑approved programs that are not traditional four‑year institutions.
Magna Sohoney of Teach Minnesota (a TNTP program) testified remotely in support of House File 1959. Sohoney said Teach Minnesota certifies teacher candidates who are hired as Tier 2 teachers while they earn coursework and pay tuition, and argued those candidates should be able to apply for existing state grant programs that support teacher preparation. “House File 19 59 would allow PELSB‑approved alt prep and certification programs like Teach Minnesota to provide our teacher candidates access to an affordable, cost‑effective, and rigorous pathway into teaching,” Sohoney said.
Committee members discussed whether the bill would change program eligibility automatically or simply clarify that PELSB‑approved programs may apply for existing funding streams. Representative Mueller and others emphasized that the measure clarifies access rather than automatically allotting funds.
The chair laid over House File 1959 for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill or for further consideration at a later date; no appropriation vote was taken at the hearing.
