VA HB1023

Creates a new "locally awarded subject matter expert credential" allowing division superintendents or community colleges to credential industry professionals as part-time or adjunct instructors for one career and technical education (CTE) course per semester in grades 6-12

Credential holders must demonstrate expertise through either: a bachelor's degree or higher plus passage of a content test; professional licensure or industry certification plus five years of full-time work experience; or five years of teaching experience at an accredited college in the relevant subject area

Requires credential applicants to complete two Department of Education microcredentials—one in special education student needs and one in classroom management and lesson planning

Mandates that school boards assign a licensed mentor teacher to supervise each credential holder, with the mentor receiving a stipend equal to 2% of their annual salary (eligible for state matching funds through Standards of Quality)

Credentials are valid for one year, renewable with satisfactory performance evaluations, nontransferable between school divisions, and do not confer continuing contract status