MS HB136

Allows individuals with baccalaureate degrees in majors not meeting teaching license requirements to receive scholarships under the William F. Winter Teacher Scholar Loan Program for courses necessary to satisfy educational requirements for Standard License - Approved Program Route or Nontraditional Teaching Route.

Modifies the William F. Winter Teacher Scholar Loan Program to permit loan conversions to interest-free scholarships for degree holders taking additional courses at an equivalent rate to traditional education majors.

Extends eligibility for the Critical Needs Teacher Scholarship Program to persons with baccalaureate degrees who need additional courses to meet teaching license educational requirements, limiting scholarships to only those necessary courses.

Requires the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning to ensure equal access to scholarships and loans for both education majors and non-education majors seeking teacher licensure.

Effective July 1, 2010.