Report of Regents Higher Education Committee to The Board of Regents

Regents Committee on Higher Education Members

Regent Rivera, Chair, Vice Chancellor Chin, Regent Norwood, Regent Wills, Regent Ferrer, Regent Catania, Regent Hale, and Regent Pratts.

The Higher Education Committee held its scheduled meeting on July 14, 2025. All members were present except Regent Adrian Hale who was excused. Regent Christine D. Cea, Regent Susan W. Mittler, Regent Patrick A. Mannion, and Regent Keith B. Wiley also attended the meeting but did not vote on any action.

ACTION ITEMS

Proposed Amendment of Section 80-5.3 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Relating to Extending the Flexibility for Incidental Teaching [HE (A) 1] - Department staff presented recommendations regarding extending for an additional school year the increased amount of incidental teaching permitted in schools, allowing for 10 classroom hours a week.

At its December 2020, October 2021, September 2022, September 2023 and November 2024 meetings, the Board of Regents permanently adopted regulatory amendments to increase the amount of incidental teaching permitted in schools from up to five classroom hours a week to up to 10 classroom hours a week during the 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025 school years, respectively. This amendment helped school districts address staffing challenges related to and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through incidental teaching, certified teachers can teach a subject not covered by their certificate when the school district determines that no certified or qualified teachers are available. The school district must engage in extensive and documented recruitment efforts prior to making such a determination.

The Department now proposes to extend the flexibility for incidental teaching again through the 2025-2026 school year. This proposal will enable school districts to address ongoing staffing challenges by providing them with flexibility in making teaching assignments. Extending this flexibility for one additional school year will also provide time for the Department and Board of Regents to consider further reforms to the teacher and school leader certification process, one goal of which is to increase the supply of available and qualified educators.

MATTERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD ACTION

Deputy Commissioner William Murphy reviewed the items on the Consent Agenda.