Educational Aide Exemption

Texas needs more qualified teachers. That's why the State created a program that covers tuition and some fees for Education Aides who enroll in college to become certified Texas teachers. The exemption may only be used at public colleges or universities in Texas.

Qualifications

To apply for an Education Aide Exemption (EAE), you must:

• Be a Texas resident;
• Have applied for financial aid through the college to be attended, including filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or by qualifying on the basis of adjusted gross income. The institution will determine whether or not the AGI method will be accepted. Effective September 1, 2008, AGI limits are as follows:
  • single independent student - 31,021 or less.
  • married independent student - 62,044 or less.
  • dependent student - 62,044 or less including student and family AGI.
• Have been employed as a full-time educational aide for at least one of the past five school years, or as a substitute teacher for 180 days of the past five school years preceding the term or semester for which the student is awarded his or her initial exemption;
• Be employed in some capacity by a school district in Texas during the full term for which the student receives the award unless granted a hardship waiver as described in Section 21.1089 of this title (relating to Hardship Provision);
• Enroll in courses leading to teacher certification;
• Register for the Selective Service or are exempt from this requirement
and
• Meet academic requirements established by the college or university.

Eligibility

The school district where you are employed and the financial aid office at your school determine your eligibility for this program.

Application Process

1. Complete the admissions and financial aid process at your college, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2. Download the Educational Aide Exemption application (2008/09) or call the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board at (512) 427-6387 (Austin metro) or (800) 242-3062, ext. 6387 (outside Austin) to get a printed application. (Please read the EAE instructions (included as a separate worksheet within the application) before completing the application.)
3. Complete Part I of the EAE Application and give it to a school or school district official.
4. The official completes Part II of the EAE application and sends it to the Director of Financial Aid of the college the aide will attend.
5. The Financial Aid Office completes Part III and forwards the form to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
6. The Board selects recipients and announces awards for the fall term.

Important Deadlines

Additional Information

Contact the school district where you are employed or the Financial Aid Office at the college or university you plan to attend.

You may view the most frequently asked questions (DOC).

You may view the relevant Coordinating Board Rules.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board also provides a list of Texas public institutions.

For more information on certification, visit the State Board for Education Certification website.

For help finding a teaching position, visit the Texas Workforce Commission website.