Bill > S508

This bill establishes a comprehensive Teacher Apprenticeship Program to address teacher shortages and create a more supportive pathway to professional licensure in North Carolina. The bill modifies existing licensing requirements by allowing teachers with limited licenses to convert to a continuing professional license if they have positive student growth scores for two of the three most recent years, as measured by the Education Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS). The new Teacher Apprenticeship Program will be a competitive grant program administered by the Department of Public Instruction in collaboration with ApprenticeshipNC, designed to increase the number of professionally licensed teachers and improve teacher retention. Eligible apprentices must have a bachelor's degree and hold an emergency, residency, or teaching permit license, and will work full-time in classrooms with mentor teachers. The program provides financial support, including up to $7,500 per apprentice for salary supplements and up to $5,000 for education enrollment costs. Local school administrative units can employ up to 10 apprentices who cannot serve as the primary teacher of record and can work in this role for a maximum of three years. Additionally, the bill requires the University of North Carolina Board of Governors and the State Board of Community Colleges to develop an expedited teacher pipeline pathway for high school students, exploring options for earning college credits and gaining classroom experience simultaneously. The program is set to begin in the 2026-2027 school year, with initial funding of $1 million reallocated from an existing teacher grant program.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S508