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 includes provisions for 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 a public school for an initial scholarship 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, hold a master's degree in education with a specialization in the relevant fields, and fulfill specific employment requirements. The bill also includes a sunset provision, stating that the scholarship program will commence on January 1, 2026, and will conclude on January 1, 2036. This initiative is a response to the current shortage of qualified educators in these critical areas, aiming to improve educational outcomes and employment opportunities for students in West Virginia.

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