| A new scholarship has been created with the goal of attracting math, science, elementary and special education teachers to work in West Virginia.
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission launched an online application for the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program, which will provide $10,000 a year in financial aid to 25 recent high school graduates, a news release from the commission said.
The program is the stateâs largest-dollar financial aid award and the most prestigious scholarship for undergraduate students, the release said.
“This is an important investment in our public education system because quality teachers will produce students who are better prepared to find success in college and the workforce. Itâs a win for students, itâs a win for our schools, itâs a win for our colleges and itâs a win for West Virginia,” Sarah Armstrong Tucker, interim chancellor of the commission, said.
West Virginiaâs State School Superintendent Steven Paine said math, science and special education teachers are especially needed in schools across the state. County boards struggle to fill open positions with appropriately certified teachers, the release said.
“Recruiting teachers to the profession must be a top priority in order to ensure all West Virginia classrooms are filled with highly qualified educators,” Paine said in the release.
Each of the 25 scholars will be paired with a professional teacher mentor throughout their college career. Scholars will be required to teach in West Virginia for five years following graduation. Mentorships will be provided during those five years. A group of 25 more scholars will be added each year.
The application is available at www.teachinwv.com. | 
