SECTION 23.32. Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) Board--The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(2) Certified Educator--A person who has completed all requirements for a standard teaching certificate in the State of Texas. A person holding a probationary certificate, temporary classroom assignment permit, emergency permit, or a nonrenewable permit is not considered a certified educator. The term does not include a teacher's aide or a full-time administrator.

(3) Default--For purposes of this subchapter, a loan is considered in default if it is reduced to judgment.

(4) Service Period--A period of service of at least 9 months of a 12-month academic year.

(5) Shortage Communities--Texas public schools identified annually by the Texas Commissioner of Education, or his/her designee, whose percentage of economically disadvantaged students is higher than the statewide average percentage of students receiving free or reduced cost lunches.

(6) Shortage Teaching Fields--Subjects identified annually by the Texas Commissioner of Education, or his/her designee, as having a critical shortage of teachers.

(7) Teaching full-time--Teaching at least four hours each day performing instructional duties as a full-time employee of a Texas public school district.

Source Note: The provisions of this §23.32 adopted to be effective June 6, 2016, 41 TexReg 4002; transferred effective December 15, 2016, as published in the Texas Register November 25, 2016, 41 TexReg 9341