Educator Workforce
HF 2230 – Teacher Prep Programs: This bill, introduced by the Department of Education (DE), makes changes to the requirements of the state’s teacher preparation programs:
Require all students complete a minimum of 15 hours of practicum related to differentiation of instruction for special education students and English learners.
For an endorsement in English learner instruction, a minimum of 40 hours of practicum will be required.
Administer an end-of-program summative assessment, designed to assess the student’s content endorsement area preparedness.
IASB is registered undecided on the bill. We are supportive of providing more instruction and experiences for all teacher candidates in differentiated instruction and English language instruction. We appreciate clarification from the DE that the summative assessment is not required for either graduation or licensure, but question if it’s necessary. The bill passed the House by a vote of 94-2 and passed the Senate by a vote of 28-15. Governor Reynolds signed the bill into law on June 2, 2026.
HF 2724 – Teaching Authorizations: This bill would establish, through rules, additional teaching authorizations for fine arts, math, and science. This authorization would be similar to the CTE authorizations that have been added recently which allow for those with industry experience to become teachers. This would require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, the bill establishes an instructional strategist II endorsement that does not require a master’s degree.
IASB is registered in support of the bill. This is another avenue to address the teacher shortage, especially in these high-need areas. The bill passed the House by a vote of 94-2 and passed the Senate by a vote of 30-16. Governor Reynolds signed the bill into law on June 2, 2026.
SF 273 – Grooming Definition: This bill amends the definition of grooming to read: any pattern of behavior, which in light of all relevant circumstances, constitutes actions to entice or entrap a student with the intent to take advantage of such student for the benefit of the individual engaging in the pattern of behavior, including but not limited to by engaging in a sex act with the student.
IASB is registered in favor of the bill, but we want to ensure the definition is clear and narrowly defined. The bill passed the Senate last session and passed the House by a vote of 92-0. Governor Reynolds signed the bill into law on May 2, 2026.
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