HB1023
To Amend The State Teacher Education Program; And To Amend The Eligibility Requirements For Loan Forgiveness And The Loan Repayment Amounts Under The State Teacher Education Program.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes amendments to the State Teacher Education Program in Arkansas. It revises eligibility criteria for loan forgiveness and the amount of loan repayment. Specifically, the bill broadens the definition of eligible applicants to include those teaching in public early childhood education programs. It also modifies the criteria for identifying teacher shortages, which are conditions for program eligibility. The annual loan repayment amount is increased, and the maximum number of years a teacher can receive loan repayment is extended. Additionally, the bill excludes teachers who are given "intensive support status" from receiving program funds for that school year. These changes aim to enhance the State Teacher Education Program's effectiveness and appeal.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are teachers in Arkansas seeking loan forgiveness for their student loans. This includes those who teach in subject areas or geographic areas identified as having a teacher shortage, as well as those working in public early childhood education programs. Furthermore, individuals who have completed alternative educator preparation programs and are teaching in public schools are also eligible for these benefits. The program's expansion and increased financial incentives are designed to attract and retain educators in critical areas.
Who Might Suffer?
The groups potentially negatively impacted by this bill are those teachers who may become ineligible for the State Teacher Education Program. Specifically, licensed teachers who are assigned "intensive support status" under the Teacher Excellence and Support System are explicitly excluded from receiving program funds for the school year in which they hold that status. While the bill expands eligibility in some areas, this exclusion represents a direct negative impact for those affected individuals.