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Types of Special Education Scholarships
Student Loan Debt Forgiveness Programs For Special Education Teachers
- You must have no outstanding balance on Direct Loans or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans as of Oct. 1, 1998, or on the date you received a Direct Loan or FFEL Program loan after Oct. 1, 1998
- If you are in default on a subsidized or unsubsidized loan, you must have made satisfactory repayment arrangements with the holder of the defaulted loan
- The loan(s) for must have been made before the end of your five academic years of qualifying teaching service
- You must have been employed as a full-time teacher for five complete and consecutive academic years, and at least one of those years must have been after the 1997–98 academic year.
How do I apply for student load debt forgiveness as a special education teacher?
In order to apply for loan forgiveness you must:
- Have completed the five-year teaching requirement
- Print and complete the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Application
- Have the chief administration officer(s) from your school(s) complete the certification section
- Return the completed application to your loan holder or loan servicer
Federal Student Loan Program Information for Special Education Teachers
Although there are a variety of different federal student loan programs that may be available for qualified individuals, there is one that is intended specifically students who intend to teach upon graduation: the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program.
TEACH Grants[ii]
The TEACH Grant program offers grants of up to $4,000 a year to qualifying students who are completing—or plan to complete—their teaching degree. As a condition for receiving this grant, students must sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve that stipulates you agree to teach:(Source: STUDENTAID.gov)
- In a high-need field
- At an elementary school, secondary school or an educational service agency for low-income families
- For a minimum of four complete academic years within eight years of completing your studies.
Applying for a TEACH Grant?[ii]
In order to apply for a TEACH Grant you must first:
- Meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid programs
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Be enrolled in an TEACH-Grant-eligible undergrad, post-baccalaureate or grad program at a participating school
- Meet certain academic achievement requirements (typically, scoring in the 75th percentile in one or more portions of a college admissions test or maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25)
- Receive TEACH Grant counseling to learn the terms and conditions of the program
- Sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve
Maintaining Eligibility for a TEACH Grant After Graduation[ii]
State and Institutional Scholarship Information for Special Education Graduate Students
Minority Teacher Scholarship[iii]
Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship[iii]
Institutional Scholarship and Grant Information for Special Education Teachers
It may also be a good idea to apply for scholarships or grant programs that may be available for qualified students majoring in special education through your college or university. In some cases, local charities and foundations may partner with schools to award grants to students who meet their specific eligibility requirements. Institution-based scholarships will vary from school to school so be sure to check with the financial aid department at your college to see what’s available for qualified students. Below are two examples of these types of scholarships, which may be available for qualified students.
Dorothy B. Lucas Special Education Scholarship[iv]
- Fall and Spring awards available, one award issued each semester
- Must be enrolled a minimum of 6 units during semester of award
- Must hold a GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Must be a classified graduate pursuing an M.A. in Special Education, with an emphasis in Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Early Childhood Special Education, Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, Orientation & Mobility, Physical & Health Impairments, Visual Impairments, or Vocational Special Education; or must be admitted and enrolled in an Education Specialist Credential in Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Early Childhood Special Education, Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, Physical & Health Impairments, Visual Impairments, or Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential in Orientation & Mobility.
- Award amount is $2,500[v]
William L. Neer Scholarship[iv]
- Available in the fall only
- Must be a classified credential or Master’s degree candidate in Visual Impairment or Orientation and Mobility programs in Special Education
- Must be enrolled in at least 3 units
*Please visit the websites cited for the most up-to-date information on the scholarship and financial aid programs discussed herein.
Sources: [i] studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/teacher#teacher-loan-forgiveness | [ii] studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/teach#what-is-teach | [iii] in.gov/sfa/2342.htm | 3.http://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/2239-current-teachscholarshipinfo.pdf#activePanels_ | [iv] sfsu.edu/~coe/coe/scholarships.html#2 | [v]gcoe.sfsu.edu/current-students/scholarships