For the purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) APPROVED INSTITUTION. A state-supported institution of higher education or a private nonprofit institution of higher education that satisfies all of the following:
a. Is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
b. Is approved by the State Board of Education or the State Department of Education to prepare teachers of secondary math or science, or both.
c. Is eligible to receive Title IV federal student aid program funds.
d. Maintains its primary headquarters in Alabama.
(2) COMMISSION. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education.
(3) ELIGIBLE APPLICANT. A person who satisfies the criteria set out in this article and is found to be eligible by rules adopted by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.
(4) PROGRAM. The Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program created by this article and administered by the commission that provides loan repayments to a teacher with a valid Alabama professional educator certificate endorsed in math or science who teaches math or science full-time in the Alabama public school system.
(5) SCIENCE. Biology, chemistry, physics, and general science.
(6) YEAR. A school year that shall be divided into fall and spring semesters. The term does not mean calendar, fiscal, or scholastic year.
Last modified: May 3, 2021