Last year, Governor Brian Kemp introduced his teacher pipeline initiative – a package of bills that were designed to strengthen the teacher pipeline in Georgia and help recruit and retain teachers in the classroom. Kemp reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the teacher pipeline prior to the beginning of the 2022 legislative session, and last week, another Kemp-backed teacher pipeline bill began its way through the House.
HB 385, sponsored by Rep. Shaw Blackmon (R-Bonaire), allows retired educators to return to work full-time in high-needs areas following retirement while continuing to draw full Teachers Retirement System (TRS) benefits. The bill, approved by the House Retirement Committee, initially would have allowed all teachers to return after a 12-month waiting period. However, the committee added a provision. The new wording limits participation to retired educators who have a minimum of 30 years’ experience. Under this legislation, educators who plan to use unused sick leave to achieve 30 years of creditable service are also eligible.
The high-needs areas in each region will be determined by Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs) annually by the Department of Education after meeting with the Professional Standards Commission. According to the legislation, “Such determinations shall be based upon a five-year average review of a survey reported by local school systems to the Department of Education. The areas of highest need for each RESA shall be reported to the retirement system on an annual basis beginning July 1, 2022 and ending July 1, 2025.”
There were questions about the financial certification of the bill due to the new 30-year requirement. Rep. John Carson (R-Marietta), who serves as chair of the House Retirement Committee, said the review would be completed and available in a few days.
The bill now moves to the House Rules committee where it will be scheduled for a House floor vote.
Last year, lawmakers passed SB 88, part of Kemp’s initiative to address the teacher workforce pipeline. That bill – signed into law by Governor Kemp last May — was designed to recruit, retain, and equip educators across Georgia. At the time of the signing Kemp said, “This bill encourages qualified veterans to teach, and promotes educating as a career in Georgia’s historically black colleges and universities. This bill ensures our leaders in the classroom have the tools, support, and training they need to succeed.”
SB 88 was sponsored by Senator Russ Goodman (R-Cogdell) and carried in the House by Representative Dominic LaRiccia (R-Douglas).
