Except as provided below, a professional employee must hold at all times a valid North Carolina license appropriate to the position in which employed. Licensure renewal is the responsibility of the individual, not of the school district. Any employee allowing a license to expire must have it reinstated prior to the beginning of the next school year. An expired license is a basis for dismissal.
In cases of emergency staffing needs, teachers may be assigned to teach out of their licensed field. As openings occur, the Wilkes County Board of Education will try to place such teachers in their licensed field. Any teacher who elects to remain in a position out of field must actively work toward licensure in that teaching area. When a teacher remains in a position out of field for more than one year either by choice or because no position in his or her field is available, the teacher must enroll in an approved program for at least six semester hours per year until licensure is acquired. Failure to comply with this directive may be a basis for dismissal.
Legal References: G.S. 115C-296, State Board of Education Policy Number 03E112
Adopted: January 9, 2006