California public schools are facing a shortage of teachers who are qualified to teach math, science, bilingual or special education.
So, state lawmakers are considering offering prospective teachers scholarships if they commit to teach in these high-need subjects.
Members of the California Assembly recently approved the creation of the "Golden State Teacher Grant Program" that would offer $20,000 scholarships to prospective teachers who promise to teach science, technology, engineering, math, bilingual education or special education in a public school for four years, KPCC reports.
"We need more people getting into teaching," said the bill's author, Assemblyman Patrick O'Donnell (D-Long Beach) to KPCC.
The state's current budget draft sets aside $25 million for the proposed program, which is enough to fund scholarships for roughly 1,200 prospective teachers.
