The Florida Senate

231.625  Teacher shortage recruitment and referral.--

(1)  The Department of Education, through the Center for Career Development Services, in cooperation with teacher organizations and district personnel directors, shall expand its career information system to concentrate on the recruitment of qualified teachers in teacher shortage areas.

(2)  The Department of Education, through the Center for Career Development Services, shall establish a teacher referral and recruitment center which shall:

(a)  Advertise teacher positions in targeted states with declining student enrollments.

(b)  Advertise in major newspapers, national professional publications, and other professional publications and in graduate schools of education.

(c)  Utilize a nationwide toll-free number and a central post office box.

(d)  Develop standardized resumes for teacher applicant data.

(e)  Conduct periodic communications with district superintendents and personnel directors regarding new applicants.

(f)  Provide district access to the applicant database by computer or telephone.

(g)  Develop and distribute promotional materials related to teaching as a career.

(h)  Publish and distribute information pertaining to teacher salaries and benefits for beginning and continuing teachers.

(i)  Publish information related to alternative certification procedures.

(j)  Develop and sponsor the Future Educator of America clubs throughout the state.

(k)  Review and recommend to the Legislature and school districts incentives for attracting teachers to this state.

(3)  The teacher referral and recruitment center, in cooperation with teacher organizations and district personnel directors, shall sponsor an annual job fair in a central part of the state to match in-state educators and out-of-state educators with teaching opportunities in this state.

History.--s. 20, ch. 85-109.