SB 2302 Summary

• Authorizes salary supplement of $5,000 per year for National Board Certified teachers employed in public school districts located in critical teacher shortage areas as designated by the State Board of Education, in addition to existing $6,000 supplement.

• Increases cap on board-certified school nurses eligible for salary supplement from 35 to 40.

• Increases Teaching Fellows Program forgivable loan from $6,500 to $8,000 per year for Mississippi high school seniors pursuing teaching careers at public four-year institutions.

• Establishes Teaching Fellows Program enrollment cap of 40 students and requires minimum ACT score of 23 for loan eligibility.

• Adds new loan forgiveness option allowing recipients to teach three consecutive years in critical shortage subject areas as defined by State Board of Education, and provides $5,000 per year incentive pay (up to 5 years) for teaching in geographic shortage areas.