(a) Schools in school improvement or corrective action.--Eligible teachers who teach in schools identified by the department as in school improvement or corrective action shall receive first priority for payment of assessment fees under this article. The eligible teachers' districts shall also receive first priority for substitute fees reimbursement.

(b) Other priority.--Eligible teachers who teach early childhood education, who teach mathematics or science at the middle or secondary level or who teach special education or foreign languages shall receive second priority for payment of assessment fees under this article. The eligible teachers' districts shall also receive second priority for substitute fees reimbursement.