AUSTIN, Texas—The University of Texas at Austin has scholarships available for all qualifying students who plan to become teachers in six subject areas facing severe shortages in Texas schools.
Students seeking initial teacher certification in secondary math, science, foreign language or technology, or certification in special education or bilingual/ESL education may be eligible to receive scholarships of $1,000 to $1,500 per semester during their last four semesters of teacher preparation. Degree-holders pursuing initial certification in one of these high-need areas as part of their graduate degree also may be eligible.
The scholarships, which will be awarded beginning in fall 2001, are not based on financial need. Students are required, however, to meet certain criteria. All undergraduate students who are accepted into one of these teacher education programs, enroll on a full-time basis, maintain a grade-point-average of 2.5 or above, and follow some basic requirements will be eligible to receive the scholarship. Graduate students must enroll in at least six units per semester.
The Austin Independent School District generated funds for the scholarship program as part of a state requirement to disseminate property tax revenue above a state-imposed cap. The scholarships should be available at least through the 2002-03 school year.
Students must apply by July 16 to receive the scholarship for fall 2001 and Oct. 25 for spring 2002. For additional information on these scholarships and teacher certification programs, contact Jeff Early in the College of Education Office for Teacher Education, Sanchez Building 216, (512) 471-3223.
