Bill > H806

This bill modifies North Carolina's public school regulations by removing several existing class size requirements and implementing a new teacher licensing standard. Specifically, the bill repeals multiple existing statutes related to class size recommendations and reporting, effectively eliminating previous mandates about maximum class sizes and reporting exceptions. The bill introduces a new requirement that at least 50% of teachers in a school must hold a teaching license, with an additional stipulation that teachers in core subject areas (mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts) must be college graduates. For unlicensed teachers, the bill mandates pre-service training in areas such as identifying and educating children with disabilities, managing student behavior, communication strategies for defusing potentially dangerous situations, and understanding appropriate use of seclusion and restraint techniques. The legislation removes previous language that made it unlawful to employ teachers without licenses, instead creating a more flexible framework that requires only half of teachers to be licensed while still maintaining some professional standards. The changes will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, giving schools time to adapt to the new requirements. This bill represents a significant shift in North Carolina's approach to teacher qualifications and classroom management.

Education, Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H806