Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver Program

Name: Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver (SETTW) Program

Award Amount:

• Waiver of tuition and mandatory fees for up to four calendar years at eligible Illinois public universities.

Information and Eligibility:
The Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver (SETTW) Program encourages current teachers and academically talented students to pursue careers in special education. By waiving tuition and mandatory fees, the program aims to address the shortage of qualified special education teachers in Illinois.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Residency: Must be a resident of Illinois.
• Academic Status: Must be a current high school senior or hold a valid teaching license.
• Commitment: Must agree to teach in the Illinois public, private, or parochial preschool, elementary, or secondary school as a full-time special education teacher for at least two of the five years following graduation.
• Enrollment: Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment on at least a half-time basis at an eligible Illinois public university in a program leading to initial special education teacher certification.

Application Requirements:

• Complete the Illinois Special Education Teacher Tuition Waiver application.
• Submit official high school transcripts or college transcripts, as applicable.
• Provide proof of Illinois residency.
• Include a personal essay detailing your commitment to teaching special education and serving in Illinois schools.

Application Timeline:

• Application Deadline: March 1

Additional Information:

• Recipients must fulfill a teaching commitment by working as a full-time special education teacher in Illinois within the specified timeframe.
• Failure to meet the teaching requirement will result in the waiver converting to a loan, which must be repaid with interest.
• Priority is given to renewal applicants and those demonstrating high academic achievement.

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