Howard County will be the first in the state to offer student loan repayment assistance for county public school teachers in an effort to hire and retain educators.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball recently introduced new legislation to help Howard County public school teachers repay their student loans. The assistance program would be the first local one for teachers. The Howard County Council was quick to act and unanimously approved the initiative.

The Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Teachers will provide $1.5 million — or $300,000 per year for the next five years — to offset teachers’ student loan repayments. Individual award amounts will be determined after a collaborative effort between the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), the Howard County Board of Education, the County government, and the Howard County Educators Association (HCEA).

Full-time teachers in Howard County with a minimum of five years of service in the school system will be eligible for the program. Eligible teachers will also need a degree from an accredited college, board certification, and no defaults on existing student loans.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said:

“As we approach annual Maryland Educator Appreciation Day next week, it’s the perfect time to not only celebrate all that our educators do for us and our students, but to also acknowledge their sacrifices. Our educators deserve our respect and should not only be valued but feel valued.”

HCPS Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano noted:

Educational loans can be a significant financial burden for many to entering and staying in the teaching profession. The Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program is a wonderful collaboration that explores opportunities ‘outside the box’ to retain our phenomenal teaching staff. I am grateful to the Howard County Delegation for passing the legislation needed for this opportunity, and to the County Executive and County Council members who supported the establishment of this program and who are committed to funding this program for years to come.

Learn more about the Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Teachers.