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Posted:  June 10, 2008

Cancellation/Deferment Options for Teachers with Student Loans

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is excited to roll out this year’s Teacher Loan Forgiveness program at both the federal and state levels.  Each year TEA establishes a list of teaching assignments in shortage areas and a list of low-income schools.  Teachers serving in eligible assignments can receive student loan forgiveness benefits.  School principals are authorized to act on behalf of the Commissioner of Education to certify that a teacher has met the minimum qualifications required.

Eligibility for the program is determined by multiple factors including:

1. date of a teacher’s first loan

2. teaching assignment at a designated low-income school

3. length of teaching assignment

4. teaching assignment in a Texas shortage area (see chart)

Please inform current and future teachers about the program.  More information about eligibility for the program and application forms can be found in the following documents:

• Overview of Programs

• Quick Eligibility Chart

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Fact Sheet

All of these documents and related forms are available on the TEA website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/edex/loanforgive.html.  Thank you for directing teachers to this information and helping them complete the necessary application for loan forgiveness.

For additional information, contact Danielle Biehle Danielle.biehle@tea.state.tx.us in the Division of Educator Initiatives and Performance at 512.936.2166.

Sincerely,

Barbara Knaggs
Associate Commissioner for State Initiatives
Texas Education Association