Virginia House Bill HB1023

Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/26
• Refer: 1/14/26

Caption

<p class=ldtitle>A BILL to amend and reenact § 22.1-298.1, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, of the Code of Virginia, relating to part-time or adjunct instructors in public schools; locally awarded subject matter expert credentials; career and technical education subjects or courses.</p>

Impact

If enacted, this bill would allow school divisions to hire individuals as part-time instructors who may not possess traditional teaching credentials but have significant relevant professional experience. This could lead to an increase in the number of qualified instructors in technical education, potentially improving the education workforce in Virginia. However, it also poses questions about the quality of instruction and the necessary qualifications of educators in public schools, as it differs from the standard educational requirements traditionally expected from full-time teachers.

Summary

House Bill 1023 aims to amend the Code of Virginia regarding the licensure of part-time or adjunct instructors in public schools. The bill introduces provisions for the issuance of a 'locally awarded subject matter expert credential,' which is intended for individuals with relevant industry experience to teach career and technical education subjects in public schools. This change is designed to expand teaching opportunities in specialized fields, addressing the growing demand for professionals with practical expertise to educate students in career-oriented courses.

Contention

The primary points of contention surrounding HB 1023 likely revolve around the balance between expanding access to teaching positions for experts in their fields and maintaining educational standards in public schools. Critics may argue that allowing less formally trained instructors into classrooms could negatively affect the quality of education, while supporters may contend that this approach addresses workforce shortages and brings practical skills into the education system. Additionally, the limited transferability of the locally awarded credentials may limit the overall effectiveness of this initiative across different school divisions.