Virginia House Bill HB708

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Report Pass: 1/31/24
• Refer: 1/31/24

Caption

National Teacher Certification Incentive Reward Program & Fund; eligibility, incentive grant awards.

Impact

The bill includes provisions to disburse incentive grants that cover significant portions of the certification fees for teachers who wish to pursue initial national certification or maintenance of such certification. Eligible candidates can receive financial assistance equating to half the total initial certification fee at the point of registration, with the remaining payment contingent upon successful certification. Those who have already attained national certification can receive initial and annual grants for as long as they maintain their credential, enhancing the overall funding available for educational staff development.

Summary

House Bill 708 establishes the National Teacher Certification Incentive Reward Program and Fund in Virginia, aimed at supporting public school teachers in obtaining or maintaining national certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The bill outlines that funds for this program will be acquired through various means, including state appropriations, donations, and grants. The administration of the program will be under the Board of Education, ensuring that financial aid is appropriately distributed to the eligible teachers.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding HB 708 may include discussions regarding the availability and allocation of funds for the incentive program. Critics might argue about the sustainability of the funding model, especially in light of budget constraints that may affect educational resources. There might be concerns over whether this program effectively addresses broader issues in public education, such as teacher retention, shortages, and the adequacy of overall educational support rather than focusing purely on certification incentives.