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Board adds state-approved test option for teacher assistant applicants
Summary
Martin County Schools will let candidates who lack 48 semester hours or an associate degree qualify as teacher assistants by passing a DPI‑approved career readiness test (WorkKeys); the change was approved by the board.
The Martin County Board of Education approved a revision to teacher assistant minimum qualifications at its Oct. 7 meeting that allows candidates to qualify by passing a state‑approved test instead of holding 48 semester hours or an associate degree.
Dr. Bowen explained the district has struggled to hire teacher assistants and presented the WorkKeys career readiness test, administered at Martin Community College, as a rigorous, less expensive alternative route recognized by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. "One of the options for that is the WorkKeys career readiness test, which is offered at Martin Community College," Dr. Bowen said, and the board was told the option is DPI‑approved.
Board members asked whether the bus‑driver license requirement affects applications; Dr. Bowen said applicants must be eligible for a bus‑driver license and that the district generally requires the license after hiring, with medical exceptions considered in specific cases. The board moved, seconded and approved the change to teacher assistant requirements.
The board did not provide a timeline for implementing the new qualification route or data on how many candidates are expected to use the test option.
