Senator Hickman introduced Senate Resolution 237 and told the committee the resolution urges the Professional Standards Commission to coordinate with state education agencies and stakeholders to develop recommendations addressing teacher recruitment, retention and preparation.

The resolution directs the Professional Standards Commission (PSC) to work with the Department of Education, Department of Early Care and Learning, the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia, the Office of Student Achievement, the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, the Georgia Student Finance Commission, and education associations to produce a comprehensive plan. The PSC’s Jody Barrow told the committee the effort should act like a conductor coordinating many parts.

Key points and data

Jody Barrow, speaking for the Professional Standards Commission, said the PSC’s December 2024 Georgia School Staffing Survey showed 5,300 teacher vacancies; he added that about 6,700 positions were filled provisionally or by waiver. Committee testimony emphasized that a significant share of roles are filled via waivers and that better data collection and coordination are needed to track placement, effectiveness and retention.

The resolution asks for recommendations that include: innovative pathways to teaching (apprenticeships, paid student-teacher placements), data collection on placement and retention at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years, partnerships with postsecondary institutions, consideration of funding to compensate student teachers (including restoration of HOPE access for teacher candidates), mentorship and retention strategies for teachers and school leaders, and other evidence-based practices. The PSC is to submit recommendations to the governor and senate by Dec. 1, 2025, with any proposed policy or budget changes.

Testimony and stakeholder input

Margaret Ciccarelli of PAGE (Professional Association of Georgia Educators) told the committee that educators experience pressures inside and outside the profession that undermine retention and that the resolution is an opportunity to examine preparation program costs and pipeline issues, especially in high-need subjects and high-poverty schools. Senator Kemp and others highlighted student-teacher compensation models in other states as a possible model to examine.

Committee action

Senator Kim moved to pass the committee substitute (LC 492353S) for SR 237; Senator Penner seconded. The committee approved the committee substitute by voice/hand vote and passed the resolution unanimously in committee. The transcript did not include a roll-call tally of individual votes.

What the resolution requests

- PSC to lead a collaborative effort with specified state agencies and stakeholders.
- Data collection and reporting on educator program graduates and retention at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years.
- Exploration of paid student-teacher models, apprenticeships, and other pathways to teaching.
- Recommendations on funding, mentorship programs, professional development for leaders, and other retention strategies.
- Submission of recommendations and any proposed legislation or budget items to the governor and legislature by Dec. 1, 2025.

Next steps

The committee-approved resolution will be transmitted as directed; agencies named in the resolution were instructed to participate in the collaborative process. Timing for agency reports and any required funding decisions would follow the PSC’s recommendations and subsequent legislative or executive actions.