NC H474

Appropriates $500,000 in nonrecurring funds for each year of the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium to provide grants covering full participation fees for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification to up to 500 public school teachers.

Grants distributed by the State Education Assistance Authority on a first-come, first-served basis beginning no later than September 1 each year, with no repayment obligation even if the teacher does not obtain certification.

Teachers receiving grants are also eligible for up to three days of approved paid leave to support NBPTS certification participation.

State Education Assistance Authority may retain up to $25,000 annually for administrative costs associated with grant distribution.

Act becomes effective July 1, 2021, with stated goal of diversifying the teacher workforce, as only 7% of NBPTS-certified teachers are teachers of color compared to 21% of all public school teachers.