Concerned over the critical shortage of math and science faculty in the United States, global IT major IBM has announced a programme that encourages employees to take up the teaching profession.

The world's largest Information Technology company said on Friday that it would reimburse participants in its new
transition to teaching programme up to $15,000 for tuition and stipends.

Participants will also be able to remain at IBM while they conduct course work and training, the company said.

"Many of our experienced employees have math and science backgrounds and have made it clear that when they are ready to leave IBM, they aren't ready to stop contributing," Stanley Litow, vice president of IBM Corporate Community Relations, said in a statement.

"Transferring their skills from IBM to the classroom is a natural for many--especially in the areas of math and
science."

The IBM transition to teaching programme will begin as a pilot with as many as 100 United States employees in various geographic areas participating across the country and, if successful, will be expanded significantly and engage other companies, too.

Employees will need management approval and to fulfill general requirements such as 10 years of service with IBM, a
bachelor's degree in math or science or a higher degree in a related field, and some experience in teaching, tutoring or
volunteering in a school or other children's programme.

The move comes as technology executives voice concern about the US losing ground to China, India and other countries in math and science education.