The bill amends the State Teacher Education Program by updating eligibility requirements for loan forgiveness and adjusting loan repayment amounts. It specifies that applicants must teach full-time in a public school district or early childhood education program in areas identified as having a teacher shortage. The eligibility criteria now include holding either a valid Arkansas teacher's license or a birth through prekindergarten teaching credential. Additionally, the bill clarifies that individuals who have completed an alternative educator preparation program are also eligible.

Furthermore, the bill increases the annual loan repayment amount from $6,000 to $10,000 for a maximum of five years, expanding the program's support for eligible teachers. The previous requirement for loan repayment was limited to teachers in specific subject or geographic areas with shortages, but the new language broadens the criteria to include all eligible participants under the updated eligibility standards. The bill also states that teachers receiving intensive support under the Teacher Excellence and Support System will be ineligible for these funds during the school year.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1023 Original - 11-20-2024 02:39 PM: 6-81-1604(b), 6-81-1605, 6-81-1606(a)
Old version HB1023 V2 - 1-16-2025 04:04 PM: 6-81-1604(b), 6-81-1605, 01-16-2025, 6-81-1606(a)
HB 1023: 6-81-1604(b), 6-81-1605, 6-81-1606(a)