FL S0944

Establishes the Teacher Scholarship Program within the Department of Education to encourage academically excellent students to pursue careers in education through scholarships and stipends.

Undergraduate applicants must be full-time upper-division students in approved teacher-preparation programs, meet general state financial aid requirements, earn an SAT score at the 80th percentile or concordant ACT score, and maintain a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA.

Graduate applicants must hold an accredited bachelor's degree, be full-time graduate students in eligible teacher education programs, and not have previously received a teaching certificate or undergraduate scholarship under this program.

Undergraduate scholars receive up to $5,000 per semester (not exceeding $10,000 annually) for 2-3 years; graduate scholars receive the same amount for up to 2 years.

Scholarship recipients who complete their degree and first year of classroom teaching employment at a Florida public school receive a one-time $10,000 stipend, with prorated amounts for late hires and prohibition on receiving both this stipend and awards under section 1012.731.