The bill amends sections 18A-3-1 and 18A-3-2a of the Code of West Virginia to establish the Troops-to-Teachers Program, which aims to recruit veterans of the armed forces to become public school teachers. The new legal language includes the insertion of a provision for this program as part of the state's teacher preparation initiatives, overseen by the state superintendent. Additionally, the bill mandates that professional development for teachers be reviewed every five years, starting in the 2024-2025 school year, to ensure that training requirements remain relevant and to differentiate between required and encouraged professional education opportunities.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions for the issuance of professional teaching certificates, specifically creating a category for honorably discharged veterans who possess a relevant bachelor's degree and have passed the necessary tests, allowing them to obtain certification without additional requirements. It also outlines criteria for various teaching certificates, including those for alternative programs and temporary certificates for armed forces spouses, while emphasizing the need for state board approval to ensure all candidates meet the qualifications necessary to serve in public schools.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-3-1, 18A-3-2a
Committee Substitute: 18A-3-1, 18A-3-2a
Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 18A-3-1, 18A-3-2a