Board reviews permits and waivers; district expands mentoring to support 51 permit teachers

Haywood County Schools reported 51 educators currently on teaching permits or waivers this year. District staff told the board they have applied to the state for those permits and will meet with each educator over the next weeks to review progress within their educator preparation programs.

Staff described last year’s comparison: 59 educators were on permits/waivers and five of those moved to full licensure. The district said it meets with each permitted educator twice a year and provides ongoing support, including practice support (referred to in the meeting as practice/prep resources) and an expanded mentoring program this year that adds year-2 mentorship so non‑licensed permit teachers receive additional on-site support.

Discussion clarified that to hold a permit an educator typically already has a bachelor’s degree and is pursuing licensure through an approved program; the subject-specific assessment (Praxis or similar) is required in the content area the teacher will instruct. Staff said teachers generally have three years to complete required program and assessment milestones; the state has options such as a limited license that may extend time under certain conditions.

The board voted to accept the permanent waiver requests and to accept the permits and waivers as presented. The meeting record shows a motion was made and seconded and the chair announced the motion carried on voice vote; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally of individual yes/no votes.

District staff also described expanded mentoring and supports aimed at increasing the number of teachers who move from permit status to full licensure, and said they will continue to meet with educators individually and provide targeted practice supports.