TEACH Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program was established under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA), to benefit current and prospective teachers. This new grant is available as of the 2008-09 school year.
http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/TEACH.jsp
Award amount
- Up to $4,000 per academic year
- Aggregate amounts are
--$16,000 for students on their first undergraduate or post-baccalaureate (nondegree) program, and
--$8,000 for graduate students.
The award, when combined with other aid, cannot exceed the cost of attendance. The award amount is prorated for those attending less than full-time.
Eligibility
Students need to meet basic eligibility requirements (there is no Expected Family Contribution for this grant), complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA and
- must be currently completing coursework necessary to begin a career in teaching; or
- plan on completing coursework necessary to begin a career in teaching.
There are, however, graduate degree alternatives for teachers or retirees with experience in a teacher shortage area.
Academic requirements
- have at least a 3.25 GPA for each payment period;
- have a score above the 75th percentile on an admissions test, such as the SAT, ACT or GRE.
Agreement to serve/promise to pay
Academic requirements
- Students must sign an understanding of terms to certify that they understand the terms of the grant and the terms of their teaching service requirements.
- The student must teach full-time for at least four years within eight years of completing program as a
--highly qualified teacher;
--at a Title I school;
--in a specified subject area (mathematics, science, a foreign language, bilingual education, special education, as a reading specialist, and other “high-need" fields).
- If service is not met, the grant must be repaid as an Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan, with interest from the date(s) of original disbursement.
School
The college the student attends must
Academic requirements
- provide high quality teacher preparation and professional development services;
- provide pedagogical course work, or assistance in the provision of such coursework;
- provide supervision and support services to teachers;
- participate in Federal Student Aid programs.