September 1 , 2005
Volume 2005 – Issue 38

Teacher Loan Forgiveness Guidance

On August 26, 2005 the Secretary of Education provided new guidance on loan forgiveness under the Taxpayer-Teacher Protection Act (TTPA) of 2004. The Department has determined that a “highly qualified” teacher is one who meets the standards of the definition contained in the No Child Left Behind Legislation (NCLB) without regard to the date of enactment of NCLB. This changes prior policy which stated that the five years of qualifying teaching service required for certain highly qualified teachers to be eligible for up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness could not begin before January 8, 2002.

As a result, some borrowers may immediately qualify for the higher level of loan forgiveness having completed five years of full-time teaching service as a highly qualified teacher in those areas outlined in the TTPA. Under the regulations in 34 CFR 682.215, the loan for which forgiveness is sought must have been made prior to the end of the borrower’s fifth year of qualifying teaching service.

Any questions related to this Bulletin should be directed to UHEAA Policy and Training at 801.321.7166 or by e-mail to mjohnson@utahsbr.edu.