MS HB1412

Creates the Teacher Education Alternate Route Certification Scholars Program administered by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, providing annual scholarships up to $5,000 for eligible alternate route teacher certification programs.

Eligible programs include Mississippi Alternate Path to Quality Teachers Training Institute, Teach Mississippi Institute, Career Tech Education, MAT programs, and initial Praxis exams.

Requires scholars to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 credit hours, meet Mississippi educator certification exam requirements, and pass a criminal background check.

Forgives the full scholarship amount if the scholar teaches in a Mississippi public school for two years (or three years for MAT degree holders); scholars in "D" or "F" rated school districts receive an additional $6,000 annual salary supplement for up to five years.

Scholars who fail to complete the program or do not teach in Mississippi must repay the scholarship amount plus interest, with repayment due within five years and a minimum monthly payment of $50.