The bill seeks to amend sections 18A-3-1 and 18A-3-2a of the Code of West Virginia to create a Troops-to-Teachers Program aimed at recruiting veterans of the armed forces into public school teaching positions. It establishes a hiring preference for veterans and mandates the State Board of Education to conduct reviews of teacher professional development every five years. The bill emphasizes the importance of practical educational experiences, such as student teaching, and outlines the responsibilities of higher education institutions and public schools in preparing prospective teachers to meet the diverse needs of students.

Additionally, the bill introduces new criteria for issuing professional teaching certificates specifically for veterans, which include holding a relevant bachelor's degree, proof of military instructor certification, passing state board tests, and a criminal history check. It also details various types of teaching certificates, including those for alternative programs and temporary certificates for armed forces spouses, each with specific eligibility requirements. These changes aim to streamline the certification process for veterans and enhance the recruitment of qualified individuals into the teaching profession, addressing workforce needs in public education.

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