The proposed bill aims to address the teacher shortage in West Virginia by creating a statewide initiative to promote teacher preparation programs specifically targeting underrepresented groups, including minorities, males, and individuals from rural, isolated, or impoverished areas. The West Virginia State Board of Education and county boards of education are tasked with developing initiatives to attract these groups into the teaching profession. The bill outlines the establishment of a scholarship fund, which will be funded by an annual appropriation of $10 million from the state general revenue fund, to incentivize individuals from these underrepresented groups to pursue careers in education.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for defining eligible institutions, establishing selection criteria for scholarship recipients, and outlining the terms of scholarship agreements, including renewal conditions and repayment obligations. The scholarship program is designed to ensure that one-third of the funds are allocated to male applicants, one-third to minority applicants, and one-third to applicants from isolated, rural, or impoverished areas. The legislation emphasizes the importance of increasing diversity within the teaching workforce and aims to provide new opportunities for individuals who may not have previously considered a career in education.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2-46, 18-5-52, 18C-10-1, 18C-10-2, 18C-10-3, 18C-10-4, 18C-10-5