Bill > HB2723

This bill modifies the existing state law regarding salary bonuses for teachers who obtain National Board Certification (a rigorous professional certification process by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards). The bill increases the annual salary bonus from $3,500 to $6,000 for classroom teachers who hold a valid National Board certification or renewal certificate, to be paid for the entire life of the certification without the previous ten-year limitation. The bill maintains provisions for partial reimbursement of certification fees, with teachers eligible to receive up to $600 in expense reimbursements for obtaining the initial certification. Teachers must submit evidence of enrollment and completion of the certification process to the West Virginia Department of Education. The bonus payments will be made in equal monthly installments and are considered part of the state minimum teacher salaries. If insufficient funds are appropriated, the state education department is required to prorate reimbursements and request additional funding from the Legislature. The state board is also required to establish selection criteria and create legislative rules to implement these provisions.