(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Eligible school” means a Maryland public school that is a:
(i) Title I school; or
(ii) School identified for school improvement, corrective action, or restructuring under the accountability regulations of the State Board.
(3) “NBC teacher” means a teacher who is certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
(4) “Program” means the National Board Certified Teacher Pilot Program.
(b) There is a National Board Certified Teacher Pilot Program in the State.
(c) (1) To participate in the Program an eligible school in the State must have at least three teachers who have:
(i) Agreed to pursue certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and
(ii) Signed a letter of intent to teach at the school for 3 years.
(2) (i) The State Superintendent shall select three public school systems to participate in the Program for a period of 3 years.
(ii) In consultation with the respective county board, the State Superintendent shall select five eligible schools from among the school systems selected to participate in the Program.
(3) (i) A county board shall give preference to an NBC teacher in employing a staff development teacher at an eligible school.
(ii) The State may reimburse the county board for the board’s cost of employing one staff development teacher at an eligible school, not to exceed $62,000 annually.
(4) Candidates for National Board certification under this subsection shall be included in the State and local aid program for certification by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards established under § 6–112 of this subtitle.
(d) For fiscal years 2008 through 2010, the Governor shall include in the annual budget submission $320,000 for the Program.
(e) The State Board shall adopt regulations to implement and administer the Program established under this section.