Section 388.1627g - Educator talent initiatives and programs(1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2024-2025 only an amount not to exceed $12,500,000.00 to intermediate districts and consortia of intermediate districts based on the number of pupils in membership in constituent districts of the intermediate district or consortium of intermediate districts to support educator talent initiatives and programs.(2) Intermediate districts and consortia of intermediate districts shall use the money received under this section to partner with 1 eligible nonprofit to provide funding, programs, and technical assistance for the following activities:(a) Teacher recruitment, teacher retention, and teacher development to ensure greater efficacy, satisfaction, and outcomes.(b) Improve teacher certification programs to increase quality and retention, and to foster close relationships with schools.(c) Provide school leader development programs to increase educator retention and efficacy.(d) Serve as a convener and hub for innovation and conversation to support collaboration and coordination among this state's educator talent efforts.(e) Promote research so that this state can learn from its investments and innovations and become a top state for educators.(3) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department.(4) As used in this section, "eligible nonprofit" means an entity that meets all of the following criteria, as determined by the department: (a) Is based in this state.(c) Is an organization that is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code of 1986, 26 USC 501, and the organization is not a higher education organization.(d) Has formal partnerships with more than 35 intermediate districts in this state.(e) Has launched a statewide grow your own program in partnership with intermediate districts.(f) Has staff experienced in implementing research-based programs in all of the following areas:(ii) Teacher development.(iv) Teacher certification.(v) School leader development.(vi) School leader retention.(g) Has staff experienced in designing and developing a department-approved grow your own program.Amended by 2024, Act 120,s 37, eff. 10/1/2024.Added by 2023, Act 103,s 50, eff. 7/21/2023.