Bill
HB 5355
The bill requires annual bids for any WV public school teaching job held by an uncertified teacher until it is filled by a certified teacher.
HB 5355 (West Virginia, 2026 Session)
Summary of bill purpose, provisions, and potential impact
Overview
- Title: If a person who is not certified is holding a teaching position in a WV public school - that position has to come up for bid every year until it is held by a certified person.
- Purpose: Require annual bid (procurement) for any teaching position currently filled by an uncertified individual, with the vacancy remaining open to competitive bidding until filled by a certified teacher.
Key provisions (proposed changes)
- Certification requirement: Any public school position that is currently held by a person who is not certified to teach would be subject to an annual bid process.
- Annual bidding: Each year, the school system must open the position to bids/selection in which qualified, certified candidates compete for the role.
- Longitudinal constraint: The position would remain in the bidding cycle until a certified teacher is placed in the role.
- Scope: Applies to teaching positions within West Virginia public schools. Specific grade levels or subject areas are not detailed in the provided text, but the bill’s general intent targets any uncertified teacher holding a position.
- Process mechanics: The bill implies a formal bidding or selection framework, potentially involving application by certified teachers, review of qualifications, and assignment based on standards established by the district or state.
Who is affected
- Primary: Uncertified individuals currently employed in WV public school teaching positions.
- Secondary: Certified teachers and applicants seeking WV public school teaching roles; school hiring administrators; school districts and state education officials responsible for staffing, oversight, and compliance with certification requirements.
- Implications for current staff: uncertified teachers would face ongoing competition and could be displaced if a certified candidate is selected to fill the position.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Timing: The bill introduces an annual bid requirement for affected positions. If a position is held by an uncertified person, it must be reopened for bids each year until a certified teacher occupies the role.
- Enforcement: The text provided does not specify enforcement mechanisms, penalties, or remedies for non-compliance. It would presumably require district-level implementation and adherence to state education department rules.
- Transition: The bill envisions a gradual shift as uncertified teachers are replaced by certified personnel through successive annual bidding rounds.
Sponsors
- Primary and co-sponsors include multiple members of the West Virginia House (Jeff Stephens, Mark Dean, Chuck Sheedy, Bill Bell, Dana Ferrell, Dave Foggin, David Green, Mike Hornby, Elliott Pritt, Joe Ellington).
Notes and considerations
- Certification standards: The bill’s effectiveness depends on how “certified” is defined (standard WV teacher licensure, specific endorsements, ongoing certification requirements).
- Funding and resources: Annual bidding processes may require administrative capacity and potentially new training or evaluation protocols for applicants.
- Impact on student outcomes: The policy aims to increase the proportion of certified teachers, which research generally associates with improved instructional quality, though implementation details will influence outcomes.
- Implementation details (not specified in the text): Appeals, timelines for certification renewal, temporary assignments during bidding, impact on current class schedules, and collective bargaining considerations.
Conclusion
HB 5355 proposes a mechanism to ensure that WV public school teaching positions currently held by uncertified teachers are regularly re-advertised and filled by certified personnel, through an annual bidding process until certification is achieved. The bill would affect staffing practices at the district level and could lead to a gradual increase in certified teaching staff, with important implications for districts’ administrative capacity and for uncertified teachers seeking to maintain positions.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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