H.R. 6711 — SPELL Act

This section expands eligibility for loan forgiveness under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program teacher loan forgiveness program and loan cancellation under the Federal Perkins Loan Program to include, in addition to mathematics, science, and special education teachers, certain public or nonprofit elementary or secondary school teachers of English learners (as defined in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965), bilingual students, or dual language immersion students. Eligible teachers under the new category (1) must meet general program service requirements, (2) have primary responsibility for teaching such students consistent with their training, and (3) demonstrate knowledge and teaching skills in relevant curriculum areas, as certified by the school's chief administrative officer (or educational service agency's, if applicable).

This section provides that the amendments made by section 2 take effect on the date of enactment and apply to individuals eligible after such date for teacher loan forgiveness under section 428J of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (i.e., forgiveness of up to $17,500 in principal on Federal Family Education Loan Program loans for teachers in low-income schools after five years of service) or teacher loan cancellation under section 460 of such Act (i.e., cancellation of up to 100% of Perkins Loan principal and interest for such teachers).