Good Morning Members of the committee, Thank you so much for the opportunity to speak this morning. I was signed up this morning to speak and was on at 7:30 AM, but I had another meeting I needed to attend. I am in full support of HB1383 to provide alternatives for individuals to obtain CTE licensure. We want to emphasize the importance of licensure for teachers, however it is becoming more difficult for individuals in the field to career change to teach our youth on the application of skills due to the number of courses they must obtain before they can teach. These are individuals that have spent many years in the field and are considered experts, so having them take numerous courses to teach is quite cumbersome. We are in support of this bill because we believe there can be some flexibility for these individuals to obtain licensure. As we continue to expand pathways and opportunities for students, expanding the opportunities for individuals to obtain licensure is critical. Than you for your time. George C. Hummer Frederick County Public Schools.

Discrepancy in VDOE Licensure Requirements Regarding Curriculum and Instruction Course Completion through Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Purpose: This memorandum addresses a critical inconsistency in the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) licensure requirements concerning the acceptance of the Curriculum and Instruction course completed through the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). We respectfully request clarification and revision of the policy to align with the Code of Virginia and ensure equitable pathways to licensure for technical professionals. Issue: Our division recently encountered a significant obstacle in the licensure process for a Registered Nurse (RN) who completed the required Curriculum and Instruction course through the VCCS. Despite completing a Curriculum and Instruction course that we believed met the requirements for the VDOE license, her licensure application was rejected. The sole reason cited was that the Curriculum and Instruction course must be completed through a four-year institution, not a community college. It has come to our attention that the VDOE recognizes the EducateVA program, a VCCS workforce credential, as meeting the Curriculum and Instruction requirement. However, the RN in question completed her Curriculum and Instruction course through the for-credit side of the community college, not the workforce credential program. This distinction presents several critical issues: Lack of Transparency and Clarity: The VDOE's distinction between workforce credential and for-credit community college courses regarding this specific licensure requirement is not clearly and prominently posted on the VDOE licensure website or in published guidelines. This creates confusion and misleads applicants who rely on the information provided. Inconsistency with Code of Virginia: Our review of the Code of Virginia does not reveal any explicit requirement that the Curriculum and Instruction course for technical professional licensure must be completed at a four-year institution. Arbitrary Distinction: The distinction between workforce and for-credit community college courses, when the content of the Curriculum and Instruction course is substantially similar, appears arbitrary and lacks instructional justification. The rigor and content of the for-credit Curriculum and Instruction course, when taken in totality, should adequately meet the needs of technical professionals seeking licensure. Impact on Technical Professionals: This policy disproportionately affects technical professionals, such as RNs, who often pursue coursework through community colleges due to accessibility and affordability. The unclear distinction between workforce and for-credit courses adds another layer of complexity and potential misinterpretation. Proposed Solution: We propose the following actions: Clarify and Publicize Policy: The VDOE should immediately clarify and prominently publish the specific requirement regarding the Curriculum and Instruction course, clearly outlining the distinction between workforce credential and for-credit community college courses. Align with Code of Virginia: If no explicit requirement exists in the Code of Virginia, the VDOE should revise its policy to accept the Curriculum and Instruction course completed through the for-credit side of the VCCS, provided the content meets established standards.

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I strongly support CTE licensure because it plays a critical role in preparing students for success beyond high school. Career and Technical Education provides hands-on learning that connects classroom instruction with real-world skills, helping students explore career paths, gain industry certifications, and enter the workforce with confidence. Allowing CTE professionals—many of whom bring years of valuable industry experience—to earn licensure ensures that students learn from experts who understand both the technical and professional demands of their fields. This strengthens our schools’ ability to meet workforce needs and builds stronger partnerships between education and industry. By supporting CTE licensure, we open doors for more qualified individuals to teach, address educator shortages in high-demand areas, and create meaningful opportunities for students who thrive through applied learning. CTE is essential to developing the next generation of skilled workers, innovators, and community leaders.