Introduction

(1) These rules implement the Tennessee Teaching Scholars Program (TTSP) authorized by the Tennessee Teaching Scholars Act, T.C.A. § 49-4-212, in Public Chapter 392 of the 1995 Public Acts (hereinafter referred to as the “Act”). The Act provides for a forgivable loan program for exemplary students who desire to enter the teaching force in Tennessee. Participation in the program is limited to college juniors, seniors, and post-baccalaureate candidates admitted to teacher education programs in Tennessee. Persons receiving program awards who become public school teachers in Tennessee shall receive forgiveness of the program award balance based on one (1) year’s teaching service for each year an award was received. (2) The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) shall administer the program under the regulations and criteria developed jointly with the Tennessee State Board of Education and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). TSAC shall provide the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) with rosters of program participants completing teacher education programs including their areas of teaching endorsements. TDOE shall use these rosters for assisting in job placement and in considering waiver requests from local education agencies.