EDUCATORS for America Act

# Summary of Proposed Educator Loan Forgiveness and Teacher Preparation Amendments This document proposes significant amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965, primarily focused on teacher preparation, educator loan forgiveness, and support for educators working in high-need schools and early childhood education programs. ## Key Provisions: 1. **Cost of Attendance Expansion (Section 4)**: - Amends Section 472 to include "reasonable costs associated with clinical experiences related to that program" as part of cost of attendance for students in educator preparation programs. 2. **TEACH Grants (Section 5)**: - Establishes TEACH Grants of $8,000 per year for students in teacher preparation programs. - Requires recipients to teach in high-need fields (math, science, special education, etc.) for 4 years in high-need schools. - Failure to fulfill service obligation converts grants to loans with 0% interest. 3. **Enhanced Loan Forgiveness (Section 6)**: - Creates a new Educator Loan Forgiveness Program requiring 5 years of qualifying service in high-need schools or early childhood education programs. - Includes both: * Full loan forgiveness upon completion of 5 years of service * Monthly loan forgiveness during service (Secretary assumes minimum monthly obligation) - Defines "high need school" broadly to include: * Schools with over 30% poverty rate * Schools identified for improvement * Bureau of Indian Education schools * Tribal schools * Native Hawaiian education systems - Includes provisions for parent PLUS loans on behalf of qualifying educators. 4. **Loan Credit Program (Section 7)**: - Creates a new "Loan Credit for Educators" program applying monthly credits to covered loans for full-time educators. - Credits are applied to the balance of interest and principal due on covered loans. - Designed to encourage individuals to enter and continue in the education profession. ## Overall Purpose: The legislation aims to enhance student access to a well-prepared, diverse, and stable educator workforce by eliminating debt burdens for educators in return for service teaching and leading in high-need schools or early childhood education programs. It includes comprehensive support for educator preparation programs, expanded loan forgiveness options, and new credit mechanisms to reduce financial barriers to entering and remaining in the education profession. The amendments are designed to address educator shortages in high-need areas, particularly in schools serving high-poverty communities, tribal communities, and early childhood education settings.