Senate committee substitute to the 1st edition removes the content of the previous edition and rewrites the bill as follows. Makes conforming changes to the act’s long and short titles.

Part I.

Now amends GS 115C-270.15 (exam requirements) to waive the licensure exam requirements for a teacher with a limited license who has available growth data under the Education Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS) and has a positive growth score for two of the three most recent years for which growth scores are available. Directs the State Board of Education (Board) to convert that teacher’s limited license to a continuing professional license. Makes conforming changes. Applies to limited licenses expiring on or after the act becomes law.

Part II.

Establishes a Teacher Apprenticeship Program (Program) in GS 115C-269.33 as a competitive grant program to increase the number of professionally licensed teachers in the State and improve teacher competency, student outcomes, and teacher retention in the State. Requires the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to administer the Program in collaboration with ApprenticeshipNC. Defines six terms, including advanced teaching role (ATR) unit (a local school administrative unit operating under a Board-approved ATR plan, which implements teaching assignments that either require teaching an increased number of students or serving as an ATR team lead). Provides for annual requests for proposals (RFP) by November 1st each year with ATR units submitting proposals containing the specified content by January 1st annually. Directs the first RFP to be issued by November 1, 2025, with applications to established apprenticeship programs beginning in the 2026-27 school year. Provides for allocation of funds for grants as specified if funds are appropriated by the General Assembly for the Program. Requires DPI to allocate the greater of 15% of any allocated funds or $300,000 to perform the seven administrative tasks in consultation with DPI.  

Sets forth six minimum requirements that apply to Program apprentices and apprenticeship employers, including that an employer employ no more than a maximum of ten total apprentices as described, salary supplements, classroom mentors, and required enrollment in a recognized educator preparation program, as described. Provides for grant terms of three years. Allows an apprenticeship employer to convert one position allocated to the unit for classroom teachers to its dollar equivalent at the salary on the first step of the "A" Teachers Salary Schedule for every one apprentice employed by the unit who is receiving State grant funds if the funds are used for the specified purposes and the apprentice receiving State grant funds would have been eligible to fill the vacant position using a residency license, emergency license, or permit to teach, but was instead hired into the apprentice position.

Directs ApprenticeshipNC to provide an annual report on the Program to the specified NCGA committee by March 15th each year, with the first report due by March 15, 2027.

Repeals GS 115C-269.32, the Teacher Apprentice Grant Program.

Of the $1 million in recurring funds allocated for the Teacher Apprentice Grant Program pursuant to GS 115C-269.32, beginning in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, requires that the funds instead be used for the Program established by the act.

Effective July 1, 2025.

Part III.

By no later than February 15, 2026, requires the UNC Board of Governors in collaboration with the State Board of Community Colleges (SBCC), to submit a report to the specified NCGA committee on a plan for an expedited pathway for NC high school students to enter the teaching profession, to cover three specified matters, including any necessary legislative changes or appropriations.