Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program
Application for the 2019-20 award year
(classes BEGINNING July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020)
is now CLOSED
Process for the EETP Awards
- EETP application for 2020-21 will open April 1, 2020.
- Applicants send the required paperwork directly to the institution they will attend.
- The institutions send all applications to NDE by June 1.
- NDE will process the applications and notify all applicants by email with either the contract for recipients to sign, or an explanation of why the applicant did not receive the award. All applicants will be informed of their status by July 10.
Excellence in Teaching Act Forgivable Loans
On April 22, 2009, the Excellence in Teaching Act (§§ 79-8,132−79-8,140 R.R.S.) was signed by Governor Heineman revising the existing Attracting Excellence to Teaching Program (for individuals seeking their initial teaching certificate in Nebraska) and authorizing the Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program (for Nebraska teachers enrolled in a graduate program in Nebraska). Funding is provided by the Excellence in Teaching Cash Fund using a portion of the State Lottery Operation Trust Fund dollars.
Related Information
- Program Information Sheet
- Definitions
- Application Information Sheet
- Application Checklist
- Sample Contracts
- Nebraska Teacher Shortage Reports
- 2018 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
- Very Sparse School Districts in Nebraska
Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program
The Enhancing Excellence in Teaching Program (EETP) provides forgivable loans to Nebraska teachers enrolled in an eligible graduate program at an eligible Nebraska institution.
Check out the 2018 EETP Overview
Eligible students may apply, on an annual basis, for an EETP loan in an amount of up to $175 per credit hour, or a maximum of $3,000, for coursework that has been identified by the institution as part of the student’s graduate program. In return for receiving an EETP loan, the student agrees to complete the graduate program that s/he is currently enrolled in and maintain full-time employment in an accredited or approved public or private school in Nebraska. 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.