summary
Introduced
03/24/2025
03/24/2025
In Committee
04/02/2025
04/02/2025
Crossed Over
04/01/2025
04/01/2025
Passed
Dead
04/12/2025
04/12/2025
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
A BILL to amend and reenact §18A-3-2a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new section, designated §18A-3-2b, relating to allowing an adjunct teaching permit to be issued to an individual meeting certain specified requirements; permitting an individual with an adjunct teaching permit to be hired to fill a vacant teaching position, offer a new program or class, or to supplement a program currently being offered only if no other teacher holding certification in the subject area is available and accepts the position or assignment; allowing adjunct teacher to be employed full- or part-time; allowing the compensation to be any amount both the county board and the adjunct teacher agree to; providing that county board is not required to provide any type of employment benefit unless both the county board and the adjunct teacher agree to those benefits; requiring county board and the adjunct teacher enter into a contract; specifying what is to be included in the contract; allowing adjunct teacher to teach in any content area in which the individual is allowed to teach based on the individual’s experience; requiring assignment of a teacher mentor; requiring adjunct teacher to complete certain training and education; prohibiting adjunct teacher from providing special education instruction; requiring each county board that employees an adjunct teacher to report certain information to the West Virginia Department of Education; requiring posting of adjunct teacher position; allowing notification of parents of a vacant adjunct teacher position; and requiring county board to announce any vacant adjunct teacher positions at its meetings.
AI Summary
This bill creates a new pathway for individuals to become teachers in West Virginia through an adjunct teaching permit, designed to address teacher shortages by allowing professionals with relevant experience to teach in public schools. The permit can be issued to individuals who have at least four years of experience or a college degree in the content area they want to teach, and who pass a criminal background check. Adjunct teachers can be hired to fill vacant positions, offer new classes, or supplement existing programs only if no certified teacher is available. The permit is valid for one year and renewable based on performance. Importantly, these teachers can be employed full- or part-time with compensation and benefits negotiated directly with the county board, and they must be assigned a mentor and complete specific training within 90 days of employment. Adjunct teachers are prohibited from teaching special education and must be evaluated according to state board rules. County boards are required to report detailed information about each adjunct teacher to the West Virginia Department of Education, post vacant positions publicly, and may notify parents about these positions. The bill aims to provide flexibility in hiring while maintaining basic standards for instructor qualifications and student safety.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Communicated to Senate (on 04/11/2025)
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