Hoping to draw more students into the teaching profession, especially at poor schools, a House committee approved a bill that would erase college loans for teachers.
The bill, if passed, could have a major impact in the world of education. Administrators and advisers at the University’s Department of Education believe the bill is a step in the right direction.
“I like the fact that the government is focusing on the need and is willing to forgive loans,” said Josue Cruz, Dean of Education and Human Development. “It can only help to increase the numbers.”
Teachers who teach in Title I schools for more than five years will have their loans forgiven by the government. The bill will offer up to $17,500 in loan repayment for these teachers.
A Title I school is any school seen as lacking appropriate funding and resources for quality education. Many teachers are unwilling to work in these harsh conditions.
Cruz views the bills as being beneficial to the education department.
He said it is much better than any alternatives to the teacher shortage.
Some schools hire their substitute teachers or teachers with alternative certificates. Cruz feels that these teachers lack the experience to make a strong impact in a Title I school.
“Title I schools need the best and most trained teachers,” said Cruz.
The bill would also be another tool for academic advisers.
Those recruiting students into the department could utilize the bill to attract high school students.
“It would ease students’ minds, especially those with tons of loans and no hope of paying them off,” said education adviser Diane Smith.
The Education department expects a large increase in department enrollment, should the bill pass.
Those in the department are not concerned that the bill would bring in students that are not truly dedicated to teaching. They also think students would not decide to be a teacher just to receive the loan forgiveness.
Only dedicated students will teach at Title I schools because the loan forgiveness does not occur until after five years of teaching, according to Cruz.
“At Bowling Green, students will be exposed beforehand, therefore students will be able to decide based on exposure,” Cruz said. “After a student has gone through the hoops, reality sets in and experience will separate those who think they can simply wing it.”
The Education department noted that this type of legislation is nothing new. The government passed similar bills in the 1960s and 1970s. In the past the government has forgiven between 15 to 50 percent of teachers’ college loans.
Rich Wilson, professor and Division of Intervention Services chair, believes the bill will be helpful to the department even if it is not revolutionary.
“It is a fairly effective and inexpensive way to get teachers where they’re needed,” Wilson said. “Ohio has four or five shortage areas and shortages in all areas of special education.”
The bill also forgives loans of those students who enter the field of special education. The turnover rate for special education teachers ranges from 20 to 30 percent, he said. The bill will eventually help in retaining teachers in special education, according to Wilson.
Local students are also in favor of the bill. Many see it as a good opportunity for those in the teaching profession.
“I think this bill proposes great incentives to get good teachers to teach predominately poor students,” said Jessi Meditz, senior middle childhood education major. “Many of my colleagues are nervous about teaching in these schools, so they stray away, but this might just change that.”
