The bill seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by establishing the Troops-to-Teachers Program, aimed at recruiting veterans of the armed forces into public school teaching positions. It mandates that the state superintendent create this program and grants hiring preference to veterans who are hired through it, aligning with existing state law. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance teacher preparation programs, ensuring that the education of professional educators in West Virginia adheres to high standards. The bill also introduces a new category of certification for veterans, allowing them to obtain a professional teaching certificate if they meet specific criteria, including holding a relevant bachelor's degree and demonstrating prior military instructor certification.

Furthermore, the bill outlines various types of teaching certificates that the State Superintendent can issue, detailing the requirements for each, such as educational qualifications, testing, and experience. It emphasizes the importance of multicultural education, classroom management techniques, and practical teaching experience through partnerships between higher education institutions and county boards. Additionally, the bill mandates periodic reviews of professional development for educators to ensure that training remains relevant and focused on enhancing classroom effectiveness.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18A-3-1, 18A-3-2a