Tuition program seeks teachers wanting STEM certification

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana teachers can get state grants to cover tuition at regionally accredited colleges and universities.
 
The Louisiana Department of Education and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education said in a news release Friday that the program is competitive, with at least 21 seats available. They say top priority will go to applicants working toward certification to teach science, technology, engineering or math. Louisiana has a shortage of such teachers.
 
The department says the latest educator workforce report shows that 12 percent of all math courses and 13 percent of all science courses statewide are taught by people who aren't certified in those areas.
 
It says all teachers are encouraged to apply, particularly those who teach in rural or low-performing school systems or are seeking a higher degree.