The House K‑12 Subcommittee considered a package of bills aimed at addressing shortages in career and technical education and maintaining classroom continuity.

Delegate Dan Walker presented HB 2044, a bill to create a one‑year subject‑matter expert credential allowing qualified industry professionals to teach a single CTE course under supervision of a licensed teacher. The bill was amended during the hearing to shorten credential term and limit instructors to one course per semester. Supporters — including the Virginia Manufacturers Association and delegations from local school systems — said the credential would help districts offer CTE courses when full‑time instructors are unavailable. The Virginia Education Association testified in opposition, saying existing provisional and licensure pathways would better protect employees and students. After discussion and a motion from Delegate Askew, the subcommittee voted 5‑3 to lay HB 2044 on the table.

Separately, Delegate Campbell presented HB 2009 to create a coordinated review of CTE courses and credentials across multiple state education and workforce entities. Supporters said the review would align credentials with workforce demand; the subcommittee moved to table the bill 5‑3.

Lawmakers advanced HB 2201 (substitute) to extend provisions that allow long‑term substitutes to serve up to 180 days and require reporting, professional development plans, and a sunset clause. Speakers from Henrico, Chesterfield and other systems said the tool has helped districts cope with vacancies and has aided transitions from substitute to licensed teacher; critics asked for stronger guardrails and more administrative oversight to prevent abuse. The subcommittee reported the substitute 5‑3.

Why it matters: Committee members said Virginia faces persistent shortages in CTE and classroom staffing. Supporters framed these bills as short‑term tools to maintain student access to courses and to build teacher pipelines; opponents warned about weakening licensure standards or creating long‑standing substitute assignments without safeguards.

Next steps: HB 2201 was reported out of committee for further consideration; HB 2044 and HB 2009 were tabled and may be revised over the interim.