Directs the Department of Education to enter into a contract with a third party to develop and offer online professional development opportunities…

The Act would change the law in several ways to support substitute teachers in this state. (Flesch Readability Score: 74.2). Directs the Department of Education to enter into a contract with a third party to develop and offer online professional development opportunities for substitute teachers in this state. Directs the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission to establish by rule a substitute teaching license and a restricted substitute teaching license. Requires the commission to establish by rule an expedited process for persons with a restricted substitute teaching license to obtain a substitute teaching license. Provides that certain substitute teachers are eligible to enroll in a health benefit plan offered by the Oregon Educators Benefit Board. Requires the substitute teacher to pay 10 percent of the premiums for the plan. Requires the substitute teacher's chosen home district to administer the plan for the substitute teacher and pay the remaining premiums, subject to reimbursement by the board. Requires a district to maintain legacy health care benefits for substitute teachers who are not eligible to enroll in a health benefit plan offered by the board. Establishes the Office of Substitute Teachers in the Department of Education to develop, communicate and coordinate best practices and supports for substitute teachers. Declares an emergency, effective July 1, 2025.

Directs the Department of Education to enter into a contract with a third party to develop and offer online professional development opportunities for substitute teachers in this state.