In the state of Texas, science has been identified as a teaching shortage area. As a result, many schools now offer stipends and bonuses in order to recruit more teachers specializing in science fields. Texas teachers also may be eligible for student loan forgiveness through programs such as Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness, TEACH for Texas Loan Repayment Assistance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Federal Perkins Loan Cancellation. Texas educators must complete a bachelor's degree and certification exam in the area they would like to teach. Our bachelor of science degree in biology with teacher certification leads to the completion of a Texas Secondary Teaching Certificate. Prospective educators majoring in biology may choose from three certification tracks, including grades 4-8 science, grades 7-12 composite science and grades 7-12 life science.