Texas House Bill HB2773

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the Texas Teach Corps Scholarship Program for students who agree to teach in public schools in this state that have shortages of teachers in mathematics or science.

Impact

The program is designed to support public education by ensuring that students have access to qualified mathematics and science teachers, which is increasingly vital for enhancing educational outcomes in these critical subjects. The Texas Education Agency will be responsible for identifying which schools have a shortage of teachers, ensuring that scholarships are directed where they are most needed. This strategic focus is expected to help alleviate some of the teaching shortages faced by these schools, supporting both student achievement and teacher retention.

Summary

House Bill 2773 establishes the Texas Teach Corps Scholarship Program, aimed at addressing the ongoing shortage of teachers in mathematics and science within public schools across Texas. The bill provides financial support in the form of scholarships to undergraduate students who are enrolled in educator preparation programs. To qualify, these students must agree to teach in designated schools for a specified period after graduation, thus tying their educational funding directly to their commitment to service in high-need areas.

Contention

While many stakeholders support the initiative as a way to bolster recruitment of educators in STEM fields, there are potential points of contention regarding the specifics of eligibility and the scholarship distribution process. The cap on the number of scholarships could lead to competition among applicants, raising questions about how fairness and diversity will be addressed in selection criteria. Furthermore, the requirement of a commitment to teach for several years may deter some eligible candidates, particularly if they have other career aspirations or if the teaching environment is perceived as challenging.