A bill introduced by Assemblymember Susan A. Bonilla would help new teachers get access to induction programs without having to pay out of pocket to participate.

“Induction programs are designed to provide a strong support structure for new teachers and help them transition to becoming high-quality, career educators,” said Bonilla, the Concord Democrat who represents Benicia in the state Assembly.

“Induction programs are instrumental in the development and retention of recently credentialed teachers,” she said.

Currently, however, the financial burden of identifying, accessing and financing a quality induction program is placed on many of these new teachers, Bonilla said.

“The additional barriers are making it extremely difficult for some to receive the training necessary for their career development,” she said.

Bonilla explained that teachers who are at the beginning of their careers are required to complete an induction program within their first five years of teaching to earn a full credential.

Previously, the costs were underwritten by the Teacher Credentialing Block Grant. But since the state has shifted to the Local Control Funding Formula, she said, local school districts decide how cost of the induction programs is paid.

“As a result, some school districts have dismantled their induction programs, while others are now charging teachers up to $5,000 to complete induction,” she said.

Bonilla’s legislation, Assembly Bill 141, would require schools to provide an induction program and prevent them from charging a fee for participation.

“We have seen a sharp decline in the issuance of new teacher credentials,” Bonilla said. “AB 141 will improve teacher recruitment and retention by removing further financial burdens and keeping high quality induction programs accessible for all beginning teachers.”

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