1. (a)

   1. (1) There is an administrator track on level four of the career ladder.
   2. (2) The primary purpose of the administrator track is to develop teachers into principals.
   3. (3) A teacher on the administrator track is responsible for managing administrative functions in the school.

2. (b)

   1. (1) The first tier of the administrator track is a licensed principal.

   2. (2)

      1. (i) The State Board, in consultation with the Professional Standards and Teacher Education Board, shall establish the criteria that a teacher shall meet to achieve the licensed principal tier.

      2. (ii) The criteria under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph:

         1. 1. Except as provided in subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph and beginning on July 1, 2029, shall include a requirement that a teacher be an NBC teacher before the teacher may be a licensed principal; and
         2. 2. May include a requirement that a teacher shall complete an induction or training program for new principals.

      3. (iii) The State Board, in consultation with the Professional Standards and Teacher Education Board, shall establish a process through which an individual may receive a waiver to serve as a licensed principal if the individual:

         1. 1. Is not an NBC teacher; but
         2. 2. Meets other qualifying criteria, as determined by the State Board, in consultation with the Professional Standards and Education Board.
   3. (3) Beginning with teachers listed under § 6-1002(h)(3) of this subtitle as specified by the State Board, a licensed principal is encouraged to teach in the classroom for at least 10% of the principal's working hours.

   4. (4)

      1. (i) When a licensed principal position becomes available in the county, a licensed principal shall be selected in accordance with this paragraph.

      2. (ii) Throughout the process of selecting a licensed principal under this paragraph, priority shall be given to teachers who have experience teaching in schools that:

         1. 1. Reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the State; or
         2. 2. Have received a grant under § 5-223 of this article.
      3. (iii) Teacher leaders, other licensed principals, and distinguished principals in the county shall provide a list of qualified candidates to the local superintendent.
      4. (iv) The local superintendent shall appoint a candidate from the list provided under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph.

3. (c)

   1. (1) The second tier of the administrator track is distinguished principal.

   2. (2) To be a distinguished principal, a teacher shall demonstrate the ability to:

      1. (i) Effectively identify, attract, lead, and retain highly professional teachers;
      2. (ii) Organize and manage a school in a way that incentivizes and supports teachers to do their best work;
      3. (iii) Set high standards for faculty and students and achieve the standards set by others;
      4. (iv) Work with stakeholders on the teacher's vision;
      5. (v) Identify and help cultivate a teacher's potential for growth;
      6. (vi) Help students, parents, and teachers embrace the goal for all students to achieve internationally competitive standards;
      7. (vii) Mentor and support other principals; and
      8. (viii) Help other principals achieve higher levels of performance.
   3. (3) Beginning with teachers listed under § 6-1002(h)(3) of this subtitle as specified by the State Board, a distinguished principal is encouraged to teach in a classroom for at least 10% of the principal's working hours.

   4. (4)

      1. (i) When a distinguished principal position becomes available in the county, a distinguished principal shall be selected in accordance with this paragraph.

      2. (ii) Throughout the process of selecting a distinguished principal under this paragraph, priority shall be given to licensed principals who have experience teaching and serving as principals in schools that:

         1. 1. Reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the State; or
         2. 2. Have received a grant under § 5-223 of this article.
      3. (iii) Teacher leaders and other distinguished principals in the county shall provide a list of qualified candidates to the local superintendent.
      4. (iv) The local superintendent shall appoint a candidate from the list provided under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph.

4. (d) All licensed and distinguished principals shall:

   1. (1) Be trained in and demonstrate capability with racial awareness and cultural competence, including:

      1. (i) Teaching students and managing teaching faculty from different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds; and
      2. (ii) Implementing restorative practices;

   2. (2) Cultivate a school environment in which teachers:

      1. (i) Develop cultural competence;
      2. (ii) Enhance empathy and respect for students;
      3. (iii) Work to eliminate biases and stereotypes; and
      4. (iv) Provide instruction in a manner that assumes that all students regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or other characteristics are capable of the highest levels of academic achievement; and
   3. (3) Be evaluated on their success in fostering the school environment in item (2) of this subsection.
5. (e) A county board may add a tier to the administrator track for district office directors.

Added by Acts 2021, c. 36, § 3, eff. March 14, 2021. Amended by Acts 2024, c. 164, § 1, eff. June 1, 2024.