Math, Science Teachers Get Bonus
Oklahoma’s math and science teachers will receive more than $13,500 this year, thanks to a recent increase to a financial incentive program by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education approved awards of $13,602 each to participants who complete the Teacher Shortage Employment Incentive Program (TSEIP) after December 2009.
“This award enables Oklahoma to recruit and retain more math and science teachers,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “In today’s global economy we need to make sure our teachers remain in the state in order to provide a top-quality education for our students.”
To be eligible for TSEIP, teachers must agree to participate while in college, obtain a math or science education degree and teach in an Oklahoma secondary school for at least five consecutive years.
Since the first award in 2006, 93 teachers have received more than $1 million cash incentive for teaching secondary math or science in Oklahoma public schools. Enrollment in the program has increased 22 percent in the last three years.
Officials requested this month to increase the financial benefit by $1,434 to keep pace with the cost of college. The legislation that created TSEIP also requires a formula for its incentive amount, which is three times the average annual cost of undergraduate tuition and fees at a state college or university offering teacher education programs.
Students interested in learning more about TSEIP should contact the education department at their respective college or university or visit the TSEIP Web site at www.cashforteachingok.org. They may also contact the State Regents Teacher Education Program at (800) 858-1840 or e-mail ssarani@osrhe.edu.
Updated 02-23-2009
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