Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the recipient of a Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship shall repay the Commission the funds received as set forth in § 18–112 of this title if the recipient does not: Satisfy the degree requirements of the eligible course of study or program or fulfill other requirements as provided in this subtitle; Perform the service obligation to teach in a public school or a public prekindergarten program in a high–needs school, as identified by the Department, or in a grade level or content area in which there is a shortage of qualified educators, as identified by the Department, for a period of at least 2 years; and Become professionally certified to teach in the State of Maryland within the time period specified by the Commission in consultation with the Department. If a recipient is unable to perform the service obligation required under this subtitle because there are no available positions in a qualifying school, grade level, or content area, the recipient may work in any public school or public prekindergarten program in the State. If a recipient performs the service obligation by teaching at a school, grade level, or content area previously identified as high–needs that is no longer identified as high–needs, the recipient may continue to teach in that school, grade level, or content area without being required to repay the funds received under this subtitle. The Office shall forgive a recipient of a Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship for 2 years of an award if: The recipient has taken the teacher certification examination, approved by the State Board of Education, in 2 consecutive years; and The recipient fails to pass the teacher certification examination within the time period specified by the Commission in accordance with subsection (a)(3) of this section; or The recipient provides to the Office satisfactory evidence of extenuating circumstances that prevent the recipient from becoming professionally certified to teach in the State.