§6–1006.

    (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; and

                2.    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; but

                2.    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; or

                2.    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; or

                2.    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.