H.R. 8896 — Loan Forgiveness for Educators Act of 2026

This section replaces the existing teacher loan forgiveness program with a new program that forgives 100 percent of covered loans, including interest and fees, for qualifying educators after 5 years of service in high-need schools or early childhood education programs. It also requires the Secretary to assume monthly loan payments during qualifying service and extends eligibility to school leaders, early childhood educators, family child care providers, and certain Parent PLUS borrowers.

This section requires the Secretary of Education, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to notify high-need schools, early childhood education programs, Head Start programs, educators, school leaders, local and state education agencies, and student loan borrowers about the amendments to the loan forgiveness and cancellation programs under sections 428J and 460 of the Higher Education Act. The notice must explain how loans and service performed before enactment may qualify, and must be issued within 180 days after the Secretary implements the programs under this Act.

This section authorizes the Secretary of Education to waive negotiated rulemaking requirements under the Higher Education Act when implementing this Act, its amendments, or any associated regulations.