Establishes training and incentive program for master teachers.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to part III, subpart B to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A- Master teachers, training program. (a) The department shall establish a master teachers training program to assist teachers who desire to increase the quality of their teaching skills and serve as a resource to other teachers. The department shall develop professional development criteria for the master teachers training program and a course of instruction, which may include hands-on training. At the successful conclusion of the training program, the department shall certify the teacher as a master teacher. The certification shall be valid for five years.

The duties of a master teacher shall include, in addition to the master teacher's regular classroom responsibilities, serving as a mentor, supervisor, or staff developer for other teachers both in or out of the master teachers certification program.

(b) The department shall establish ongoing training for master teachers. Any master teacher who successfully participates in ongoing training as specified by the department within the master teacher's five-year certification period shall have the certification extended for an additional five years. Certification may be extended for additional five-year periods as long as the master teacher complies with the department's ongoing training requirement.

(c) A certified master teacher who is actively serving as a mentor, supervisor, or staff developer at a public school shall be considered as a teacher with a special assignment and be entitled to additional benefits including salary increases or bonuses under section 302A-630.

§302A- Master teachers, staff developer. The department shall provide one master teacher staff developer in each school to assist the teachers in preparing for master teacher certification and for ongoing certification."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.