Loan relief on the horizon for education majors
Aug. 15, 2003
KALAMAZOO -- While bigger paychecks may be a few years off, new teachers soon could get a big break from Uncle Sam.
Congress is looking at ways to forgive up to $17,500--up from the current $5,000--in student loans for "highly qualified" science, math and special education instructors who commit to teaching in a needy school for at least five years.
The pending bill, which is part of the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act, is likely to motivate some education majors to teach in a disadvantaged community, says Susan O'Flaherty, WMU executive director of student services. "In the past, students have taken advantage of similar programs that have provided loan forgiveness. Congress has created these programs in hopes of using them in a positive way to make change."
Susan O'Flaherty can be reached at (269) 387-6037 or <susan.oflaherty@wmich.edu>.
Media contact: Gail Towns, 269 387-8400, gail.towns@wmich.edu