RS 17:427.1: Legislative findings; intent

A. The legislature finds that:

(1) There is a critical shortage of certified teachers in the state especially in the areas of mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and special education.

(2) Postsecondary institutions of higher education are not graduating a sufficient number of teacher applicants in these critical teacher shortage areas to address existing needs.

(3) Incentives are needed in order to attract more individuals into the teaching profession and to encourage them to become certified and teach in these critical shortage areas.

B. Therefore, it is the intention of the legislature, in enacting R.S. 17:427.1 and 427.2, to encourage more individuals to enter the teaching profession and to increase the percentage of certified teachers in the state, especially in the areas of mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and special education.