U.S. CODE

U.S. Code

§ 7442. Professional development for teachers and education professionals

(a) Purposes

The purposes of this section are—

(1) to increase the number of qualified Indian individuals in teaching or other education professions that serve Indian people;

(2) to provide training to qualified Indian individuals to enable such individuals to become teachers, administrators, teacher aides, social workers, and ancillary educational personnel; and

(3) to improve the skills of qualified Indian individuals who serve in the capacities described in paragraph (2).

(b) Eligible entities

For the purpose of this section, the term “eligible entity” means—

(1) an institution of higher education, including an Indian institution of higher education;

(2) a State educational agency or local educational agency, in consortium with an institution of higher education;

(3) an Indian tribe or organization, in consortium with an institution of higher education; and

(4) a Bureau-funded school (as defined in section 2026 ^[1] of title 25).

The Secretary is authorized to award grants to eligible entities having applications approved under this section to enable those entities to carry out the activities described in subsection (d) of this section.

(d) Authorized activities

(1) In general

Grant funds under this section shall be used for activities to provide support and training for Indian individuals in a manner consistent with the purposes of this section. Such activities may include continuing programs, symposia, workshops, conferences, and direct financial support, and may include programs designed to train tribal elders and seniors.

(2) Special rules

(A) Type of training

For education personnel, the training received pursuant to a grant under this section may be inservice or preservice training.

(B) Program

For individuals who are being trained to enter any field other than teaching, the training received pursuant to a grant under this section shall be in a program that results in a graduate degree.

(e) Application

Each eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information, as the Secretary may reasonably require.

(f) Special rule

In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary—

(1) shall consider the prior performance of the eligible entity; and

(2) may not limit eligibility to receive a grant under this section on the basis of—

(A) the number of previous grants the Secretary has awarded such entity; or

(B) the length of any period during which such entity received such grants.

(g) Grant period

Each grant under this section shall be awarded for a period of not more than 5 years.

(h) Service obligation

(1) In general

The Secretary shall require, by regulation, that an individual who receives training pursuant to a grant made under this section—

(A) perform work—

(i) related to the training received under this section; and

(ii) that benefits Indian people; or

(B) repay all or a prorated part of the assistance received.

(2) Reporting

The Secretary shall establish, by regulation, a reporting procedure under which a grant recipient under this section shall, not later than 12 months after the date of completion of the training, and periodically thereafter, provide information concerning compliance with the work requirement under paragraph (1).

[1] See References in Text note below.

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