VirginiaSchool boards could offer high school courses for three job certifications
The proposed substitute would let Virginia school boards offer high school courses for three job certifications, if the courses and instructors meet state requirements.
What it does
School boards could offer high school courses leading to nurse aide, EMT, or level one firefighter certification. They could teach them at school or arrange them with a community college.
For courses taught on school premises, boards must ensure instructors meet state rules for criminal history checks and fingerprints. Instructors do not need a public school teacher certificate or license.
Argument forStudents could work toward health care or firefighting certifications in high school if their school board chooses to offer a course.
Argument againstSchools could have trouble finding instructors who meet the different training, licensing, and background check rules for these courses.
More detail
A school board may offer high school courses that prepare students for and lead to nurse aide, EMT, or level one firefighter certification. The courses would prepare high school students for nurse aide, emergency medical technician (EMT), or level one firefighter certification. Boards may offer courses at school or arrange them with a comprehensive community college, including through dual enrollment. Nurse aide courses must meet Board of Nursing rules and be taught by a qualified instructor who meets state teacher licensing requirements. EMT courses must meet emergency medical training rules and be taught by a certified EMT instructor who meets state teacher licensing requirements. Firefighter courses must meet the listed national standards and be taught by an instructor approved by the Department of Fire Programs who meets state teacher licensing requirements.
A school board offering a course on school premises must ensure that each person teaching it meets state background check rules. The background check requirement applies to instructors employed, hired by contract, or allowed to volunteer for courses provided on school premises. The rules cover criminal history checks, fingerprints, and information about certain convictions. People teaching courses under this section do not need a public school teacher certificate or license.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 21Continued from last sessionLatest
- Feb 3Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (10-Y 5-N)
- Jan 27Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB102)
- Jan 23Committee substitute printed 26105912D-S1Major
- Jan 22Reported from Education and Health with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N)Minor
- Jan 22Senate subcommittee offered
- Jan 22Senate committee offered
- Jan 15Assigned Education sub: Public EducationMinor
- 2025
- Dec 31Referred to Committee on Education and HealthMinor
- Dec 31Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26100074DIntroduced
Education