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Montana’s Governor Schweitzer and Superintendent Juneau Announce Release of Student Loan Assistance Funds

Governor Brian Schweitzer and Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau announce the release of the "Quality Educator Loan Assistance Program" payments to K-12 educators. This is the second year the Quality Educator Loan Assistance program has been in existence. It was authorized by the 2007 legislature, and provides for the direct repayment of educational loans to eligible educators in Montana. The total loan repayment assistance to an individual is limited to $3,000 per year for up to four years. "Great leaders were inspired in the classroom by extraordinary teachers. Montana has some of the best teachers in the nation," said Governor Brian Schweitzer. "It is important that we do what we can to keep them here in Montana so they can inspire our young leaders and help build a brighter future."

Governor Brian Schweitzer and 2007 Montana Legislature appropriated $350,000 for the Quality Educator Loan Assistance Program for K-12 educators and licensed professionals. Nearly 226 educators applied and were ranked based on a scoring system that takes into account the critical shortage areas in Montana. Recipients include 116 quality educators, representing 86 different schools and 4 special education co-ops of which 25% are Special Education educators and professionals.

"Across the state, educators are helping students experience success and the Office of Public Instruction in conjunction with the Governor’s Office, is pleased to assist educators with their loan payments," said Superintendent Juneau.

To qualify for loan assistance an educator must be:

– A full-time educator holding a valid educator license with an endorsement in an impacted subject area or a licensed professional providing services to students in a school district, an education cooperative, the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, the Montana Youth Challenge Program or a state youth correctional facility.

– Teaching in an impacted school. These schools tend to be rural and isolated, have a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students, and/or have greater challenges in closing the achievement gap. A list of qualifying schools is available at http://www.opi.mt.gov/PDF/Cert/CrShortageNov2008.pdf

– Teaching in an impacted academic area. These areas are Music, Mathematics, Special Education, Science, Speech/Language Pathologist, World Languages, School Counselor, Library/ Media, and Business and Art.
The Quality Educator Loan Assistance Program is administered by the Montana Guaranteed Student Loan Program, a division of the Commissionerís Office of Higher Education. Questions regarding the program and application process may be directed to Montana Guaranteed Student Loan Program at 800-537-7508.†

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