Assistant Teacher Salary Waiver Grant Program; create to help assistant teachers become licensed.

An Act To Establish The Assistant Teacher Salary Waiver Grant Program For The Purpose Of Helping Eligible Assistant Teachers To Become Licensed Teachers Through The Awarding Of Grants To Attract And Retain Qualified Teachers In The Teaching Profession; To Require The State Board Of Education To Implement And Administer The Grant Program; To Authorize School Districts To Enter Into Agreements With Qualified Assistant Teachers To Waive That Portion Of Their Salary Equal To The Amount Established As The Statutory Minimum Salary In Lieu Of A Grant For Tuition At A Postsecondary Institution For The Completion Of A Baccalaureate Degree For Purposes Of Becoming A Licensed Teacher; To Prescribe The Criteria To Be Used In Determining Eligibility And Requirements Of The Program; To Require The State Board Of Education To Make An Annual Report To The Legislature By December 31 Of Each Year On The Number Of Vacant Teacher Positions That Are Available Throughout The State And The Number Of Teacher Positions Filled By Individuals Who Hold A Provisional Or Emergency License; To Impose Financial Liability Upon Any Individual Who Fails To Fulfill His Or Her Teaching Obligation Under The Grant Program Upon Completing A Baccalaureate Degree; To Amend Section 37-21-7, Mississippi Code Of 1972, In Conformity To The Provisions Of This Act; And For Related Purposes.