The Senate Education Committee is set to consider a CTA-supported measure that would use loan-forgiveness incentives to encourage students to pursue teaching credentials in math, science, and special education, as well as those seeking to become speech and language specialists.
AB 476 by Assembly Member Joe Baca (D-Rialto) would provide targeted assistance through the Assumption of Loans for Education program to students working toward credentialing. The measure would also provide the loan forgiveness to current teachers who are working to obtain a single subject credential in these fields.
CTA believes that loan forgiveness - which allows the state to cancel some or all of a student's debt incurred for college education - should be available to all students pursing a teaching career. The Association believes that AB 476 is an important first step in that direction that will help attract qualified people to work in these shortage fields.
CTA Members:
AB 476 (Benoit) is expected to see a vote soon in the Senate Education Committee. Ask members of that panel to approve the measure.