The proposed bill aims to establish the "West Virginia Math, Science and Special Education Teacher Scholarship Act," which is designed to incentivize and retain educators in the fields of mathematics, science, and special education within West Virginia. The legislation outlines the creation of a scholarship program that will provide financial assistance to certified teachers who meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum of three years of employment in public schools for an initial debt relief of up to $2,000, and six years for an additional $2,000, with a cap of $4,000 in total debt relief. The program will be administered by the vice chancellor for administration and will be funded through a designated line item in the state budget.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be U.S. citizens, residents of West Virginia for at least one year, and hold a master's degree in education with a specialization in the relevant fields. They must also be employed in a qualifying position within the state's public school system. The program is set to commence on January 1, 2026, and will include a sunset provision, terminating on January 1, 2036. The bill emphasizes the importance of retaining qualified educators to improve student performance and address the current shortage of teachers in these critical areas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18C-10-1, 18C-10-2, 18C-10-3, 18C-10-4