Bill Would Relieve Student Debt for Some Teachers

Early-career teachers who work in lower-income school districts would be eligible to receive up to $20,000 in total student loan debt relief over 10 consecutive years, under a state Senate bill introduced by several Democratic lawmakers.

Senate Bill 673 would apply fully for newer teachers in districts where at least 45% of students qualify for free and reduced lunch. Those who work in a school that is not so designated “at-risk” could apply to receive up to $10,000 in student loan debt relief over 10 years.

Under the measure, teachers could first apply for the program within three years of receiving initial certification and continue receiving a grant each year for up to 10 years. The annual grant payments would cover 10% of remaining student debt up to $20,000 for teachers in at-risk schools and 5% for those not teaching in at-risk schools.

The bill would create a teachers loan forgiveness fund to pay for the program. House Democrats proposed another student debt relief plan earlier this year as part of their “Respecting Educators” proposal.

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Norway provides lessons for reconfiguring education in Michigan

By Chandra Madafferi, Michigan Education Association President and CEO I recently returned from a trip to Norway, where I joined a group of professors from Michigan State University’s College of Education to observe Norwegian schools in action and bring home lessons for our state. For years, I’ve heard the Scandinavian education model produces students who […]