Missouri Western State University graduated four math teachers and one science teacher in 2007.

One physics teacher graduated in the entire state that year, a gubernatorial hopeful said Friday at the St. Joseph university while plugging a campaign initiative that's proved controversial in the statewide education community.

The locals aren't thrilled, either.

"I hope you're not cutting class," U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Columbia, said to a handful of students who attended the news conference. "We need a strong work force."

That's the overall goal behind Mr. Hulshof's proposal to offer bonuses to math and science teachers - a self-described "far field" approach he released earlier this week.

In order to attract 1,500 new math and science teachers, Mr. Hulshof looks to offer subsidies ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 in either salary bonuses or student loan repayment.

The program would last five years, with 300 teachers becoming eligible each year.

"We see we have a gap and the only way to plug that gap is to be aggressive," Mr. Hulshof said.

Education groups across the state appear open, but stiff to the notion, while members of the St. Joseph Regional Missouri State Teachers Association haven't formally discussed the issue yet. Speaking on her own behalf, President Luanne Haggard said she appreciated the dialogue, but felt helping teachers across the board would be the best course for gubernatorial hopefuls.

"While it's great we're working on helping teachers and counteracting the teacher shortage in math and science, as well as other subjects, it could be a concern to have the perception that one subject matter be considered elevated over another," said Ms. Haggard, a Central High School American history teacher.

Mr. Hulshof said he applauded all professional teachers, but an immediate special need existed.

"I know sometimes people don't want to hear that," said Sen. Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, who attended the conference.

The St. Joseph School District isn't experiencing a math and science teacher shortage, said human resources director Doug Flowers.

The district this fall employs 40 math teachers and 39 science teachers.

"Those position are always hard to fill," Mr. Flowers said.

In the past three years, Mr. Flowers said the district has hired more math and science teachers from the non-education work force who obtained alternative certifications, but has been able to meet its staffing needs.

He added the district is having a more difficult time filling language arts vacancies this year.

"Individual districts will feel a crunch in many different areas," Mr. Flowers said.

A plan to develop the work force from Mr. Hulshof's Democratic opponent, Attorney General Jay Nixon, offers a free college education to high-performing Missouri students who do community service and opt for community colleges before attending a university, according to the Associated Press.

Alyson E. Raletz can be reached at alysonraletz@npgco.com.