A Complete TEACH Grant Overview
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is a federal financial aid program that provides assistance to students who are completing or planning to complete coursework needed to begin a career in teaching.
TEACH Grant recipients could receive up to $4,000 per year.
Here's what you need to know about the TEACH Grant:
Purpose: The TEACH Grant is designed to encourage individuals to enter the teaching profession in high-need subject areas and serve in low-income schools.
Eligibility: To be eligible for the TEACH Grant, students must meet certain criteria, including academic achievement requirements and a commitment to teach in a high-need field at a low-income school for at least four years within eight years of completing their program of study.
High-Need Fields: TEACH Grant recipients must teach in a high-need field, which includes subjects such as mathematics, science, foreign languages, special education, and bilingual education.
Eligible Programs: The TEACH Grant is available for students who are enrolled in eligible programs that prepare them for a career in teaching. These programs must meet certain criteria, and students should confirm their program's eligibility with their college or university.
Service Obligation: Recipients of the TEACH Grant must fulfill a service obligation by teaching in a low-income school in a high-need field for at least four years within eight years of completing their program. If the service obligation is not met, the grant is converted into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan that must be repaid with interest.
Application Process: Three step process for the TEACH Grant
- Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Complete the TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling
- Sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve (ATS) to acknowledge and commit to the service obligation.
Teaching Obligation Suspension: Under certain circumstances, the TEACH Grant service obligation may be temporarily suspended. For example, if a recipient is enrolled in a qualifying graduate program or is on qualifying active duty, the four-year teaching obligation timeline may be paused.