Bill > HB1023

This bill proposes several amendments to the State Teacher Education Program to expand and modify loan forgiveness and eligibility requirements for teachers. The changes include broadening the program's scope to allow loan repayments for teachers working in public early childhood education programs serving children from birth through prekindergarten, in addition to traditional public school teachers. The bill increases the annual loan repayment amount from $6,000 to $10,000 and extends the maximum repayment period from three to five years. Eligibility is now expanded to include not only teachers with a standard Arkansas teaching license but also those with a birth through prekindergarten teaching credential from the Department of Human Services. The bill also clarifies that individuals who complete alternative educator preparation programs are eligible for the program. Additionally, the bill specifies that teachers who are on intensive support status under the Teacher Excellence and Support System will be ineligible for loan repayments during that school year. These modifications aim to provide more financial support and flexibility for educators in areas with teacher shortages or in early childhood education settings.

Education

https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1023&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R