Students involved in the Illinois Teacher Education Program will see two revamped forms of financial aid next year.

The I-Teach Scholarship Program and the Teacher Loan Repayment Program are special-incentive programs provided through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for future teachers.

“Illinois is looking for more ways to encourage quality students to become teachers,” said Lori Reimers, ISAC’s director of state relations.

The I-Teach Scholarship Program, formerly the DeBolt Scholarship Program, was designed to address the teacher shortage in Illinois. The DeBolt scholarship provided up to $5,000 to qualified education students enrolled as sophomores or higher.

The recent change adjusted that requirement so freshmen may apply for the I-Teach scholarship next year.

Education students involved in the federal Teacher Loan Repayment Program soon will be able to supplement it with the state’s version.

The federal government currently provides up to $5,000 in loan forgiveness to teachers working in low-income area schools. The state program makes it possible to double that amount.

“The state’s program will provide teachers who fulfill their federal commitment in Illinois up to $5,000 more in assistance,” Reimers said.

A teacher shortage in low-income areas in Illinois and the rest of the country has lawmakers continuing to provide financial aid to education students, even while cutting education program budgets.

Currently, Illinois provides other financial assistance programs designed specifically for the state’s future teachers.

The Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program provides up to $5,000 to minority students hoping to become future educators in the state. The Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver Program allows students to study to become special education teachers without having to pay tuition or fees.

Applications for the I-Teach Scholarship Program and the Teacher Loan Repayment Program are expected to be made available for students by Thanksgiving, Reimers said.

Margee Myles, director of advisement services for the College of Education, said she has noticed an increase of student interest in education programs because of the economy. She thinks the aid programs will encourage further interest.

“I think it is wonderful students have the opportunity to get more money for them being a part of education programs,” she said.

For information about financial aid for education students, visit NIU’s College of Eduction Web site at www.cedu.niu.edu. For information on any state-based financial assistance programs, visit the Financial Aid Office at Swen Parson Hall, or the ISAC Web site at www.isac-online.org.