1. (1) APPROVED INSTITUTION. A state-supported institution of higher education or a private nonprofit institution of higher education that satisfies all of the following:

   1. (a) Is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
   2. (b) Is approved by the Alabama State Board of Education (ALSBE) to prepare teachers of middle level secondary math, science or computer science.
   3. (c) Is eligible to receive Title IV federal student aid program funds.
   4. (d) Maintains its primary headquarters in Alabama.
2. (2) CHARTER SCHOOL. A form of public school. A teacher employed by a charter school accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is eligible to participate in the program. A teacher employed by a charter school is not eligible for the acute shortage area supplement provided in this article.
3. (3) COMMISSION. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education.
4. (4) ELIGIBLE APPLICANT. A person who satisfies the criteria set out in this act and is found to be eligible by rules adopted by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.
5. (5) PROGRAM. The Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program administered by the commission provides loan repayments to a teacher with a valid Alabama professional educator certificate endorsed in math, science or computer science, who teaches math, science or computer science courses for which the teacher is properly certified for three-fourths of the full-time teaching load in the Alabama public school system.
6. (6) SCIENCE. Biology, chemistry, physics, and general science.
7. (7) YEAR. A school year that shall be divided into fall and spring semesters. The term does not mean calendar, fiscal, or scholastic year.

Author: Tim Vick

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §16-5-53(a).

History: New Rule: Filed September 19, 2018; Effective November 3, 2018. Amended: Published December 31, 2019; effective February 14, 2020. Amended: Published September 30, 2021; effective November 14, 2021.