Bill > SB489

This bill, titled the "Creating High School Educator Flexibility Act," establishes a new system for high school educators in West Virginia to teach specific, high-quality academic or career-technical courses even if those courses fall outside their original teaching certification areas, known as "endorsements." To do this, certified educators who are considered "eligible educators" – meaning they are currently certified teachers, hold a conditional teaching license with a relevant degree, or have a professional certificate without a specific subject endorsement – can obtain a "course-specific teaching permit." This permit is granted after completing "approved professional learning," which involves at least 30 clock hours of training focused on the specific course content and teaching methods, provided by an "approved provider" (a non-profit educational organization that develops the course curriculum). Once an educator completes this training and receives a certificate, they can be assigned by school districts to teach that particular high-quality course, which is defined as a course developed in partnership with colleges, universities, or industry experts. The Board of Education will maintain an annual list of eligible courses, approved providers, and approved professional learning experiences.

Education

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=489&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill