### Question
How is the term shortage areas defined?


### Answer
The term **shortage areas** is defined in *20 U.S.C. § 1104j* as the following:

> (1) geographic areas of the State in which there is a shortage of preschool, elementary, and secondary school teachers, and (2) an area of shortage of preschool, elementary, and secondary school teachers in specific grade levels and in specific academic, instructional, subject matter, and discipline classifications

#### Citation:
  - *20 U.S.C. § 1104j*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 27-NATIONAL VOCATIONAL STUDENT LOAN INSURANCE > SUBCHAPTER V-EDUCATOR RECRUITMENT, RETENTION, AND DEVELOPMENT > Part C-Teacher Scholarships and Fellowships > subpart 1-paul douglas teacher scholarships**

