Section 1012.715 - [Multiple versions] Heroes in the Classroom Bonus Program(1) PURPOSE.-Subject to legislative appropriation, the Department of Education must provide a one-time sign-on bonus, as provided in the General Appropriations Act, to retired first responders and veterans who commit to joining the teaching profession as a full-time classroom teacher. A retired first responder or veteran may receive an additional bonus for teaching a course in a critical teacher shortage area as defined in s. 1012.07.(2) DEFINITIONS.-As used in this section, the term:(a) "Retired first responder" means an individual who can document his or her full retirement as a law enforcement officer as defined in s. 943.10(1), a firefighter as defined in s. 633.102(9), or an emergency medical technician or paramedic as defined in s. 401.23.(b) "Veteran" has the same meaning as in s. 1.01(14).(3) ELIGIBILITY.-To be eligible to receive a bonus under this section, an individual must: (a) As applicable, document that he or she has not been the subject of any disciplinary action during the most recent 5 years of his or her employment. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "disciplinary action" includes suspensions, dismissals, and involuntary demotions associated with disciplinary actions;(b) Document his or her honorable discharge from the military;(c) Document receipt of a professional certificate or temporary certificate under s. 1012.56(7)(a) and (b)1., respectively; and(d) Commit to maintaining employment with the district or charter school for a minimum of 2 school years.(4) DEPARTMENT DUTIES.-The Department of Education shall administer the bonus program. At a minimum, the department shall:(a) Establish a method for determining the estimated number of eligible military veterans and first responders hired in the applicable fiscal year.(b) Establish additional minimum criteria necessary to receive the bonus.(c) Establish an estimated cost to the department associated with developing and administering the program.(d) Establish a method by which a teacher must reimburse the state if he or she receives the bonus payment under the program but fails to maintain continuous employment for the required 2-year school period.(e) Identify critical teacher shortage areas in which a military veteran or retired first responder who teaches may be eligible for an additional bonus.(5) DISTRICT DUTIES.-A school district that hires eligible participants must:(a) Provide any necessary information requested by the department.(b) Notify, in a manner established by the department, eligible employees for whom such employment may impact their pension from a previous position.(6) RULES.-The State Board of Education may adopt rules to implement this section.Added by 2023 Fla. Laws, ch. 38,s 9, eff. 7/1/2023.