Debt Relief for Educators

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*Debt relief for educators: Resources and support
With the deadline for public loan forgiveness coming up in a month, we’d like to remind members of the resources and support your union is providing as Oct. 31 approaches. 

1. Training for members on loan forgiveness, including the new debt relief announcement from President Joe Biden, is available.
There is one more opportunity for members to receive training on the loan forgiveness options currently available for workers in public education at the MEA conference. Ed MN’s “Degrees Not Debt” class will be offered in-person at 1:15 p.m. and virtually at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 20. Register here!

Members who cannot attend either synchronous class can view a recording of the most recent training via MEA Online. The recorded webinar is titled “UPDATED Degrees Not Debt w/ Cancellation information 8.30.22” and is 90 minutes in length.

2. Virtual student debt clinics from AFT
One of our two national unions, AFT, is running virtual student debt clinics weekly for the next month for those interested in getting information on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness waiver. We recommend these trainings for members who cannot attend Ed MN’s virtual or in-person trainings and want a virtual, live alternative. Members can register online here. 

3. Loan forgiveness fact sheet from NEA
NEA shared a great fact sheet on both the new debt relief announcement and on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness waiver that is in place until Oct. 31. The fact sheet is linked above and is also posted on Ed MN’s  Degrees Not Debt page.

*New BRAVE program helps early career educators build resiliency and voice
Educators within the first five years of their career are invited to join other early career colleagues across the state in strengthening their resilience and professional voice.

Ed MN’s new BRAVE program, which stands for Building Resiliency and Voice with Early Career Educators, is designed to help newer educators in those critical first years of an education career.

BRAVE participants will receive support, mentorship and professional development in establishing work/life balance, building culturally-responsive classrooms and instructional strategies, and developing skills to use their voice to advocate for their students and schools. This six-session, cohort-based course provides early career educators with both time and a safe space to connect with other newer colleagues from across the state facing similar systemic concerns in their locals.

Register here by Tuesday, Oct. 11.

Contact Melissa Del Rosario  at Education Minnesota with questions.

*Foundation grants are now available
Members looking for funding for classroom projects or a professional development opportunity can apply for a grant from the Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Visit the Foundation grant overview page to see if the Classroom-focused, Professional Development, IMPACT Grant or National Board Certified Teachers Scholarship could be the source for your needs.

The Foundation is currently accepting applications for the fall round of Professional Development grants.