This bill proposes an amendment to the Code of West Virginia, specifically 18A-4-2a, to provide a salary increase of $6,000 per year for teachers who achieve National Board Certification. The current law stipulates a $3,500 annual bonus for certified teachers, which will be increased to $6,000. Additionally, the bill removes the previous limitation that capped the bonus at ten years for any one certification or renewal certificate. The legislation aims to encourage teachers to pursue this certification by offering financial incentives, including reimbursement for certification fees and related expenses.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the reimbursement process for teachers seeking initial and renewal certifications, ensuring that they receive half of the certification fee upon enrollment and completion of the certification process. It also mandates that the state Department of Education administer the funding for these reimbursements, with provisions for proration if funds are insufficient. The state board is tasked with establishing selection criteria and promulgating legislative rules to implement the new provisions effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-4-2a