Monday, January 17, 2011
Tomblin Proposes Loan Forgiveness Program For Teachers
WEST VIRGINIA....
West Virginia has a lack of qualified teachers, but Acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin believes an incentive program might help keep graduates in the state. In his budget proposal released last week, Tomblin included $5-million to go toward a loan forgiveness program for teachers. It would help those just graduating to pay off their debts if they agree to stay in West Virginia and fill teaching assignments in critical need areas. West Virginia American Federation of Teachers president Judy Hale calls the loan forgiveness program a great idea, but Dale Lee, the president of the West Virginia Education Association disagrees, saying all that would do is educate a workforce for other states. Lee says a loan program would only solve the situation for a short while. Hale says this is a first-step in getting subject certified teachers instructing the students.
West Virginia has a lack of qualified teachers, but Acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin believes an incentive program might help keep graduates in the state. In his budget proposal released last week, Tomblin included $5-million to go toward a loan forgiveness program for teachers. It would help those just graduating to pay off their debts if they agree to stay in West Virginia and fill teaching assignments in critical need areas. West Virginia American Federation of Teachers president Judy Hale calls the loan forgiveness program a great idea, but Dale Lee, the president of the West Virginia Education Association disagrees, saying all that would do is educate a workforce for other states. Lee says a loan program would only solve the situation for a short while. Hale says this is a first-step in getting subject certified teachers instructing the students.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:10 PM 
