(b) (1) In this subsection, “Program” means the program established under paragraph (2) of this subsection.

(2) (i) There is a Program to:

1. Encourage and support teachers in the State in obtaining and maintaining an NBC, including teachers from groups historically underrepresented in the teaching profession; and

2. Develop a culture of collaborative support for accomplished teaching.

(ii) The Program shall include:

1. A virtual course for teachers interested in pursuing an NBC;

2. Virtual and in-person support to teachers pursuing an NBC; and

3. Training and support for National Board Facilitators.

(3) The Department shall establish a National Board Coordinator to direct the Program, including by coordinating with the Local National Board Coordinators and the National Board Facilitators in each school system or region.

(4) Each local superintendent shall select a Local National Board Coordinator to:

(i) Organize the delivery of the Program in each local school system by collaborating with:

1. Local teacher preparation programs and nonprofit organizations that have a record of success in helping teachers obtain NBC;

2. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, which has established resources and tools for teachers seeking NBC; and

3. Representatives of employee organizations designated as the exclusive negotiating agent for the public school employees in a unit of the county;

(ii) Recruit, train, and support National Board Facilitators in the region; and

(iii) Collaborate with the National Board Coordinator.

(5) A local superintendent may choose to enter into a regional agreement to implement the Program with one or more local school systems.

(6) (i) National Board Facilitators shall provide teachers in the local school system or in the region with virtual and in-person support and coaching in obtaining and maintaining an NBC.

(ii) National Board Facilitators shall be selected:

1. By the local superintendent; or

2. If the local superintendent entered into a regional agreement under paragraph (5) of this subsection, in a manner as specified under the agreement.

(c) County boards shall encourage teachers to obtain master’s degrees in fields that require special expertise, have shortage areas, and enhance the teacher’s professional skills and qualifications so that teachers are able to teach dual-enrollment courses as adjunct faculty at institutions of higher education including by providing additional compensation as appropriate and through collective bargaining.