Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grants Program Now Available to Nonpublic Teachers! We are delighted to report that applications are now being accepted by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)for the Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grants Program, which includes undergraduate and graduate scholarships for current or future teachers who wish to pursue a teaching career in certain teaching fields (*see list below).  Thanks to legislation we were successful in passing last year, nonpublic school teachers are now eligible to participate in this program.  Click here for a detailed explanation of the program. The explanation and scholarship application are also available on the MHEC website. The application deadline for the program is JUNE 1, 2007; to be considered based on need, applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.  Please disseminate this information to your teachers, as well as to graduating seniors who may be interested in coming back to your school to teach someday!! And congratulations to everyone who helped achieve this benefit by participating in our advocacy efforts!!  *Education: Approved teacher education program leading to certification in a critical shortage field, which include: chemistry (grades 7-12); computer science (grades 7-12); dance; earth/space science (grades 7-12); English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) (Pre K-12); health occupations (grades 7-12); Latin (grades 7-12); mathematics (grades 7-12); physical science (grades 7-12); physics (grades 7-12); reading specialist; Spanish (grades 7-12); special education generic: infant/primary (birth-grade 3); special education – generic: elementary/middle (grades 1-8), special education generic: secondary/adult (grades 6-adult), special education - hearing impaired; special education - severely & profoundly disabled; special education - visually impaired; speech language pathology (educational service area); technology education (grades 7-12). NOTE: Elementary Education is not a critical area.