Section 6-1006 - Administrator track(a)(1) There is an administrator track on level four of the career ladder.(2) The primary purpose of the administrator track is to develop teachers into principals.(3) A teacher on the administrator track is responsible for managing administrative functions in the school.(b)(1) The first tier of the administrator track is a licensed principal.(2)(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.(ii) The criteria under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph: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; and2. May include a requirement that a teacher shall complete an induction or training program for new principals.(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. Is not an NBC teacher; but2. Meets other qualifying criteria, as determined by the State Board, in consultation with the Professional Standards and Education Board.(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)(i) When a licensed principal position becomes available in the county, a licensed principal shall be selected in accordance with this paragraph.(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. Reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the State; or2. Have received a grant under § 5-223 of this article.(iii) Teacher leaders, other licensed principals, and distinguished principals in the county shall provide a list of qualified candidates to the local superintendent.(iv) The local superintendent shall appoint a candidate from the list provided under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph.(c)(1) The second tier of the administrator track is distinguished principal.(2) To be a distinguished principal, a teacher shall demonstrate the ability to:(i) Effectively identify, attract, lead, and retain highly professional teachers;(ii) Organize and manage a school in a way that incentivizes and supports teachers to do their best work;(iii) Set high standards for faculty and students and achieve the standards set by others;(iv) Work with stakeholders on the teacher's vision;(v) Identify and help cultivate a teacher's potential for growth;(vi) Help students, parents, and teachers embrace the goal for all students to achieve internationally competitive standards;(vii) Mentor and support other principals; and(viii) Help other principals achieve higher levels of performance.(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)(i) When a distinguished principal position becomes available in the county, a distinguished principal shall be selected in accordance with this paragraph.(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. Reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the State; or2. Have received a grant under § 5-223 of this article.(iii) Teacher leaders and other distinguished principals in the county shall provide a list of qualified candidates to the local superintendent.(iv) The local superintendent shall appoint a candidate from the list provided under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph.(d) All licensed and distinguished principals shall: (1) Be trained in and demonstrate capability with racial awareness and cultural competence, including: (i) Teaching students and managing teaching faculty from different racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds; and(ii) Implementing restorative practices;(2) Cultivate a school environment in which teachers:(i) Develop cultural competence;(ii) Enhance empathy and respect for students;(iii) Work to eliminate biases and stereotypes; and(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) Be evaluated on their success in fostering the school environment in item (2) of this subsection.(e) A county board may add a tier to the administrator track for district office directors.Amended by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 164,Sec. 1, eff. 6/1/2024.Added by 2021 Md. Laws, Ch. 36, Sec. 3, eff. 3/12/2021.