BILL ANALYSIS
By: Eissler
Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Teaching is one of the most honored professions that exist. Teachers are responsible for helping to shape the minds of our most precious resource and future, the young people of this state. Due to the huge impact the teaching profession has on our society it seems appropriate for the state to recognize and honor the outstanding teachers of Texas. Therefore, CSHB 1668 creates the Governor's Award for Teaching Excellence (GATE) program to accomplish this goal. The purpose of the bill is to annually recognize and honor classroom teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Commissioner of Education in SECTION 1 of this bill.
ANALYSIS
CSHB 1668 sets forth definitions. The commissioner shall establish a program annually recognizing and honoring outstanding classroom teachers demonstrating superior performance. From funds appropriated the commissioner shall pay each person selected for an award a stipend equal to at least $10,000. The commissioner shall adopt rules including those related to eligibility and selection of participants.
EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE
CSHB 1668 changes language that the commissioner is to establish a program to recognize and honor outstanding classroom teachers. The substitute removes the eligibility and preferences sections. Additionally, the substitute changes that awards are the duty of the commissioner and removes language for duties of a program participant. The rules in the substitute have been expanded.