Student Loan Pause Extended and Targeted Debt Cancellation 

In an August 24 press release, the U.S. Department of Education (USED) announced a final extension of the pause on student loan repayment, interest, and collections through December 31, 2022. Borrowers should plan to resume payments in January 2023. While the economy continues to improve, COVID cases remain at an elevated level, and the President has made clear that pandemic-related relief should be phased out responsibly so that people do not suffer unnecessary financial harm. 

To address the financial harms of the pandemic by smoothing the transition back to repayment and helping borrowers at highest risk of delinquencies or default once payments resume, USED will provide targeted student debt cancellation to borrowers with loans held by the USED. Borrowers with annual income during the pandemic of under $125,000 (for individuals) or under $250,000 (for married couples or heads of households) who received a Pell Grant in college will be eligible for up to $20,000 in debt cancellation. Borrowers who met those income standards but did not receive a Pell Grant will be eligible for up to $10,000 in relief. USED will be announcing further details on how borrowers can claim this relief in the weeks ahead. The application will be available no later than when the pause on federal student loan repayments terminates at the end of the year. 

Staffing Flexibilities 

Did you know that a Daily Substitute Permit is limited to 90-consecutive CALENDAR days in the same assignment?  While designed for intermittent absences, the Daily Substitute Permit can support staffing for longer-term assignments.  It is not designed for year-long placement in the same assignment.  For information on which permits can support year-long staffing, review all our permit guidance. 

Stipends Available to Advise the Development of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification   

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE), in partnership with the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson, seeks a diverse pool of early career and veteran educators to become part of the Bias Review Committee, Content Advisory Committees, and Standard Setting Committees for multiple tests in the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) program. Beginning this summer, participants may earn stipends of $75 for one-day committee meetings and $150 for multi-day committee meetings. These committees review test materials to help ensure that they are fair to all candidates, reflect the diversity of the Michigan population, and address the essential knowledge and skills expected of a well-prepared beginning teacher. In addition to stipends, benefits of participation include substitute reimbursement, State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs), the chance to make a difference in Michigan teacher development and performance, and the opportunity for professional growth and collaboration with educators in your field. Visit the Michigan Teacher Test for Certification website for further information and to apply today!