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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Re-ref Com On Appropriations/Base Budget2026-04-29

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill removes testing requirements for entry into teacher preparation programs, allows teachers to pass licensing exams within their first three years of teaching instead of before, permits teachers with positive student growth data to skip exams for permanent licensure, and streamlines out-of-state teacher licensing by requiring only three years of experience and good standing rather than additional testing.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill addresses teacher shortages by removing barriers to entering and completing the teaching profession, particularly for career-changers and out-of-state educators.
• •They contend that student growth data and classroom performance are better measures of teacher quality than standardized tests, and that reducing bureaucratic requirements will attract more qualified candidates to fill vacant teaching positions across North Carolina.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents worry that eliminating testing requirements may lower quality standards for teachers and fail to ensure minimum competency in subject matter and pedagogy before educators enter classrooms.
• •They express concern that allowing teachers to pass exams during their first three years rather than beforehand could put students at risk, and argue that weakened out-of-state reciprocity requirements may admit teachers without adequate vetting of their credentials.