Teacher student loans authorized; qualifications.

A. The commission [department] may grant a loan to a student deemed qualified by the commission [department] upon such terms and conditions as may be imposed by rule of the commission [department]. B. The commission [department] shall only receive, pass upon and allow or disallow an application for a loan made by a student who declares his intent to serve as a public school teacher in a designated teacher shortage area of New Mexico. Teacher shortage areas may be either geographic or discipline specific. C. The commission [department] shall make a full and careful investigation of the ability and qualifications of each applicant to become a recipient of a loan. The commission [department] shall give preference to qualified applicants who demonstrate financial need. D. The commission [department] and the state department of public education shall arrange for loan recipients to receive assistance in locating employment with public schools in New Mexico.