A new bill filed by State Rep. Johnson-Hostler seeks to expand and improve the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program to address the state’s growing teacher shortage, according to the North Carolina State House.
The bill, filed as HB 941 on April 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Expand & Enhance the Teaching Fellows Program.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill aims to expand and enhance the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program by revising its structure and funding to address the state’s growing teacher shortage, especially in rural areas. It increases the number of participating institutions from 10 to 14, including both public and private educational institutions, and allocates $10 million annually to the program. The bill extends eligibility for forgivable loans to students pursuing licensure in specific areas such as special education and STEM, and increases loan amounts to $12,000 per academic year. It also provides mechanisms for loan forgiveness, requires enhanced recruiting methods, and retroactively applies prior program revisions. The act is set to take effect July 1, 2025, impacting the 2025-26 academic year.
Of the four sponsors of this bill, Julie von Haefen proposed the most bills (30) during the 2025 regular session.
Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.
You can read more about the bills and other measures here.
Johnson-Hostler graduated from Fayetteville State University with a BS.
Johnson-Hostler, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2025 to represent the state’s 33rd House district, replacing previous state representative Rosa Gill.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, Cynthia Ball, Julie von Haefen, and Lindsey Prather | HB 941 | 04/10/2025 | Expand & Enhance the Teaching Fellows Program. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler and Grant L. Campbell, MD | HB 1001 | 04/10/2025 | Reports Related to Sexual Assault Exams. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, Tim Longest, and Tracy Clark | HB 990 | 04/10/2025 | Notice Requirements for Landlord Fees. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, Jordan Lopez, Mary Belk, and Nasif Majeed | HB 706 | 04/02/2025 | Change to Needs-Based Capital Funding. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, Julie von Haefen, Vernetta Alston, and Zack Hawkins | HB 725 | 04/02/2025 | MOMnibus 3.0. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler and Tracy Clark | HB 750 | 04/02/2025 | Community Health Center Grants for LARCs. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, Julia C. Howard, and Maria Cervania | HB 654 | 04/01/2025 | Adopt Girl Scouts Week. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler and Grant L. Campbell, MD | HB 534 | 03/26/2025 | Funds for Sexual Assault Nurse Programs. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, Dante Pittman, Lindsey Prather, and Rodney D. Pierce | HB 507 | 03/25/2025 | The Children First Act. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, Dennis Riddell, Erin Paré, and Heather H. Rhyne | HB 488 | 03/24/2025 | Modify School Performance Grades. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, Allison A. Dahle, Deb Butler, and Marcia Morey | HB 501 | 03/24/2025 | Modernize Domestic Violence Protection Order. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, Allison A. Dahle, Cynthia Ball, and Maria Cervania | HB 429 | 03/18/2025 | Turtle Rescue Team Special Registration Plate. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, Carla D. Cunningham, Julia Greenfield, and Kanika Brown | HB 452 | 03/18/2025 | Revise Law/Obstruction of Health Facility. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, Abe Jones, Charles Smith, and Julie von Haefen | HB 367 | 03/11/2025 | Provide Rape Kit Status Updates to Victims. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, Amber M. Baker, Frances Jackson, PhD, and Rodney D. Pierce | HB 325 | 03/06/2025 | Legislative Building Field Trip Pilot Program. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, Amber M. Baker, Frances Jackson, PhD, and Rodney D. Pierce | HB 340 | 03/06/2025 | Universal AIG Screening in Middle Schools. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, James Roberson, and Zack Hawkins | HB 259 | 03/03/2025 | Brown-Morgan Science Olympiad Grant. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, Amber M. Baker, Carolyn G. Logan, and Frances Jackson, PhD | HB 168 | 02/21/2025 | North Carolina CROWN Act. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, Allison A. Dahle, Erin Paré, and Tim Longest | HB 151 | 02/18/2025 | SchCalFlex/Wake/CC. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, Carla D. Cunningham, Cody Huneycutt, and Mitchell S. Setzer | HB 121 | 02/13/2025 | SchCalFlex/Statewide/Open Cal. |
| Monika Johnson-Hostler, James Roberson, Rodney D. Pierce, and Zack Hawkins | HB 65 | 02/05/2025 | Sigma Gamma Rho Special Registration Plate. |
