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 2024-25 AETP Award Application is now closed.
The Attracting Excellence to Teaching Program (AETP) provides forgivable loans to eligible students who are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate teacher education program at an eligible Nebraska institution working towards their initial certificate to teach in Nebraska.
Eligible students may apply, on an annual basis, for an AETP loan in an amount of $3,000 and can apply for, and receive, AETP loans annually for up to five (5) consecutive years. In return for receiving an AETP loan, the student agrees to complete the teacher education program that s/he is currently enrolled in and commits to becoming certified and to teach full-time in an accredited or approved public or private school in Nebraska. If the student meets the loan forgiveness obligations, loans will be forgiven, beginning after the first two years of full-time teaching, in an amount up to $3,000 for each year of teaching or in an amount up to $6,000 for each year of teaching if the student teaches in a school district that has been classified as very sparse or in a school building in which at least 40% of the students qualify for the poverty factor.
Funding is provided by the Excellence in Teaching Cash Fund using a portion of the State Lottery Operation Trust Fund dollars.
Questions regarding the AETP may be directed to the financial aid office of the institution in which you are currently enrolled or to Celeste Thompson at 402-471-4454.
Related Information
Attracting Excellence to Teaching Program Application Page is now closed.
Program information sheet for individuals who applied for the first time on or after April 23, 2009
Nebraska Teacher Shortage Reports
2024 Excellence in Teaching Act Status Report
Rule 25 – Regulations Governing the Excellence in Teaching Act – 2016 version
USDE Teacher Cancellation Low Income Directory – for low income school designation