HB368 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Joe LovvornRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Math and Science Teacher Education Program, computer science teachers included in student loan repayment program, certain other qualifed teachers may earn certification in math, science, or computer science to participate, requirements per participation modified, Secs. 16-5-54.1, 16-5-54.2, 16-5-56 added; Secs. 16-5-51 to 16-5-55, inclusive, am'd.

Summary

HB368 expands AMSTEP to include computer science, broadens eligibility to more teachers (including those certified in other fields or out-of-state), adds incentives for shortage/failing schools, and lowers the teaching-load requirement to qualify for loan repayment.

What This Bill Does

It adds computer science teachers to AMSTEP; it allows teachers who have completed a math/science/CS program and earned certification even if they were certified in another field or live outside Alabama to participate; it extends eligibility to teachers in failing or high-shortage schools and increases or adds supplements for shortages; it lowers the required full-time teaching load to three-fourths for eligibility; it creates new eligibility paths (54.1/54.2) for nonresident or alt-cert teachers and clarifies how repayments are awarded and funded, with annual reapplication and funding limits.

Who It Affects

• Public school teachers in Alabama who teach math, science, or computer science and participate in AMSTEP, especially those in shortage areas or failing schools, who may receive higher loan repayments and additional supplements.
• Teachers certified in other fields (or residing outside Alabama or using alternative certification) who complete a math/science/CS program and obtain certification, making them eligible to participate in AMSTEP.

Key Provisions

• Include computer science teachers in AMSTEP and allow qualified teachers who complete a math/science/CS program and certification (even if currently certified in another field) to participate.
• Extend eligibility to teachers in Alabama who reside in other states and to those with alternative certification; allow teachers in failing schools or geographic shortage areas to qualify for supplemental funds.
• Reduce the required teaching load for eligibility from full-time to three-fourths of a full-time schedule for math/science/computer science courses.
• Base loan repayments: math/science teachers may receive $5,000/year ($2,500/semester) for up to 4 years; computer science teachers may receive $3,000/year ($1,500/semester) for up to 4 years.
• Add-on supplements for shortages/failing schools: math/science an extra $2,500/year ($1,250/semester); computer science an extra $1,000/year ($500/semester), up to 4 years.
• New eligibility pathways (54.1, 54.2) beginning Fall 2020 for nonresident or alt-certified individuals, including reimbursement of up to 12 semester hours for alt-cert coursework and continued eligibility criteria.
• Recipients must reapply annually; disbursements occur in two installments each year; funding is contingent on available funds; changes in status must be reported; IRS recognizes loan repayments as income.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Teachers