Dear CCTE Community,
I am writing to share urgent information and a call for action about a newly proposed federal policy that has significant implications for educator preparation programs across California (and the nation) and for the students we serve.
Student Loan Program Changes for Educators
Student loan programs under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act stipulate that graduate student loan eligibility will be capped at $10,000 per year for part-time students, and the Grad Plus program will be eliminated for new borrowers.
The law allows professional students to borrow up to $50,000 annually; however, education was not included in the Department of Education’s narrow definition of professional programs, which excluded fields such as teaching, nursing, and social work.
At a time when California and the nation continue to face a severe teacher shortage, this proposed regulation risks further weakening the educator pipeline by creating additional financial barriers for future teachers.
CCTE community, please take action.
Requested Actions
Consider taking the following steps:
- Submit a public comment urging the Department to include all post-baccalaureate educator preparation students in the professional student category.
- Encourage faculty, students, alumni, and Pk–12 partners to submit comments as well.
To support these efforts, AACTE has prepared an Explainer, Comment Guide, and Video Support outlining the proposed changes and offering guidance for effective public comments. Please note that comments should be unique and reflect your Local context.
- https://edprepmatters.aacte.org/action-needed-submit-comments-on-professional-student-definition-by-march-2/
- https://contentsharing.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?recipient_id=4456097000&message_id=24521232&user_id=AACTE&group_id=10045493&jobid=68135230
Thank you for your leadership, advocacy, and continued commitment to strengthening educator preparation in California. Our collective voices are critical.
–Karen Escalante, CCTE President
Karen Escalante Ed.D.
Associate Professor, Teacher Education & Foundations
James R. Watson & Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education
California State University, San Bernardino