NC H241

Establishes a pilot program during the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium for the Department of Public Instruction to provide forgivable loans to teachers in qualifying public schools to cover the cost of National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification participation fees.

Qualifies teachers employed in low-performing schools, innovative schools, or schools with at least 10% at-risk students, with priority given to teachers in schools meeting multiple qualifying criteria and schools with higher percentages of at-risk students.

Forgives loans if teachers complete the NBPTS certification process (regardless of passing) and remain teaching in a qualifying public school for at least four years from completion, with exceptions for death, disability, illness, family catastrophic illness, or parental leave.

Appropriates $400,000 in nonrecurring funds for fiscal year 2021-2022 and $400,000 for fiscal year 2022-2023, with remaining funds available until expended.

Requires the Department to report annually to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee starting January 15, 2022, on applicant numbers, demographics, employment status, licensure areas, and student performance impacts.