NC S582

Expands eligibility for adjunct instructors in K-12 to include individuals with bachelor's or graduate degrees who complete at least 9 credit hours of teacher preparation courses at a community college or educator preparation program in one semester.

Allows local boards of education to contract adjunct instructors for core academic subjects, fine and performing arts, and foreign language courses on an annual or semester basis without requiring teacher licensure.

Adjunct instructors are classified as temporary employees ineligible for paid leave, participation in the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System, or health benefits through the State Health Plan.

Requires adjunct instructors to pass criminal history checks per G.S. 115C-332 and complete preservice training covering disability identification, student behavior management, de-escalation communication, and safe use of seclusion and restraint.

Effective June 21, 2021, applying beginning with the 2021-2022 school year.