MS HB1477

Increases financial assistance available to assistant teachers from three (3) to six (6) three-hour academic courses per year under the Assistant Teacher Forgivable Loan Program.

Removes the requirement that loans be limited to critical teacher shortage areas, allowing assistance for any academic subject area.

Eliminates the cap limiting recipients to a maximum of fifteen (15) three-hour academic courses total.

Maintains existing eligibility requirements including full-time employment as assistant teacher, enrollment at Mississippi regionally-accredited baccalaureate institutions, minimum 2.5 GPA, and teaching service obligations.

Effective July 1, 2016.