Yesterday, the Missouri House gave first round approval to HB 462, sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields. The bill would promote teacher externships to help bring practical experience into the classroom.
Beginning January 1, 2020 the bill provides for a tax credit of up to 50% for the cost incurred by any business that provides an opportunity for a teacher externship. This provision will sunset six years after its effective date.
Rep. Brenda Shields
Under the bill, the Department of Economic Development and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must adopt requirements for teacher externships along with an equivalency schedule to allow externship hours to be considered for increases similar to graduate-level coursework on the salary schedule for districts before July 1, 2020.
The bill was referred to the House Fiscal Review Committee today. Following that committee’s review, the bill will face one more vote before advancing to the Senate for further consideration.