Authority: Teacher Licensure and Certification: §§ 22.1-16, 22.1-298.1, 22.1-299, 22.1-299.2, 22.1-302, 22.1-303, 22.1-305.2, 22.1-316 to 22.1-318, Code of Virginia; P.L. 107-110, Federal Code.

Teacher Education and Assistance: §§ 22.1-290; 22.1-290.01; 22.1-290.1, 22.1-298, 22.1-305.2, 22.1-305.1, Code of Virginia; P. L. 108-446 and P. L. 107-110, Federal Code.

A. Proceeds from the fee schedule for the issuance of teaching certificates shall be utilized to defray all, or any part of, the expenses incurred by the Department of Education in issuing or accounting for teaching certificates. The fee schedule shall take into account the actual costs of issuing certificates. Any portion of the general fund appropriation for this Item may be supplemented by such fees.

B. The Board of Education is authorized to approve changes in the licensure fee amounts charged to school personnel pursuant to 8VAC20-23-40 A.2.

C. In furtherance of the General Assembly's interest in understanding trends in Virginia's teaching work force, teacher turnover rates, and the market for teachers, as evidenced by such metrics as the number of applicants per position, the Department shall develop and provide a model exit questionnaire that Virginia school divisions may administer to their exiting teachers.

D. Out of this appropriation, $93,084 the first year and $93,084 the second year from the general fund is provided to support local school division access to the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Clearinghouse to research educator misconduct.

E. Out of this appropriation, $558,000 the first year and $558,000 the second year from the general fund is provided to support the automated teacher licensure application and intake process.

F. Out of this appropriation, $395,991 the first year and $395,991 the second year from the general fund is provided to strengthen the Department of Education's role in helping school divisions with the most substantial teacher recruitment and retention challenges and to implement a statewide strategic plan for recruiting and retaining teachers in the most critical shortage areas.

G. Statewide non-profit organizations that are affiliated with established national professional associations shall be permitted to apply for state funds to support teacher training for educators.