Per Nebraska Revised Statute 85-3102, on July 1, 2024, administration of the Excellence in Teaching Act transitioned from the Nebraska Department of Education to the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. This includes the Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program, the Attracting Excellence to Teaching Program, and the new Attracting Excellence to Teaching – Student Teacher Program. Celeste Thompson, the Excellence in Teaching Act Specialist, is the contact for all questions related to the programs. All contracts and obligations of previous and new EETP and AETP loan recipients transfer to the Commission.
The EETP/AETP/AETP-ST application will open approximately April 15, 2025. Please check back around this time for more information regarding submitting applications. The deadline to submit these applications for your institution to review will be June 1, 2025. All three ETA forgivable loan programs (AETP, AETP-ST, and EETP) award students on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program (EETP) provides forgivable loans to Nebraska teachers enrolled in an eligible graduate program at an eligible Nebraska institution. If the student meets the loan forgiveness obligations, beginning after the first two years of full-time teaching, loans will be forgiven pursuant to the individuals’ signed contract. Funding is provided by the Excellence in Teaching Cash Fund using a portion of the State Lottery Operation Trust Fund dollars.
Additional information about the EETP is available from the documents listed below or by contacting Celeste Thompson at 402-471-4454.
Related Information
- Program Information Sheet
- Definitions
- Application Process
- Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program Application Page will open April 15, 2025.
- Nebraska Teacher Shortage Reports
- Very Sparse School Districts in Nebraska
- USDE Teacher Cancellation Low Income Directory – for low-income school designation
- Sample Contracts
- Rule 25 – Regulations Governing the Excellence in Teaching Act – 2016 Department of Education version
- 2024 Excellence in Teaching Act Status Report