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 into public school teaching positions. The program will be managed by the state superintendent and will provide veterans with hiring preferences in line with existing laws. It outlines various teacher preparation pathways, including traditional and alternative certification routes, and emphasizes the need for professional development and regular evaluations of training programs to ensure their effectiveness.

Additionally, the bill sets forth the conditions for issuing professional teaching certificates, particularly for veterans who meet specific educational and testing criteria. It allows honorably discharged veterans with a bachelor's degree to obtain teaching certificates after passing required tests, exempting them from further certification requirements except for a criminal history check. The legislation also introduces temporary teaching certificates for spouses of armed forces members, valid for one year and renewable under certain conditions, while detailing the requirements for various teaching and administrative certificates in West Virginia's 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
Enrolled Version: 18A-3-1, 18A-3-2a