NC S447

Expands the teacher assistant tuition reimbursement pilot program to include 10 additional school districts beginning in the 2017-2018 fiscal year (Bertie County Schools, Duplin County Schools, Edenton-Chowan Schools, Edgecombe County Schools, Halifax County Schools, Nash-Rocky Mount Schools, Northampton County Schools, Tyrrell County Schools, Vance County Schools, and Washington County Schools), in addition to the original 5 districts.

Allows teacher assistants to continue receiving salary and benefits while completing student teaching requirements in their employing school administrative unit.

Permits local school boards to grant teacher assistants academic leave to pursue coursework that can only be taken during working hours.

Appropriates $225,000 in recurring General Fund money to the Department of Public Instruction for the 2017-2018 fiscal year to support the program expansion.

Requires all participating local boards to jointly report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee annually beginning September 1, 2018, on the number of awards provided, teacher assistants who achieved licensure, and recipients who remained employed after licensure.