TEACH Grant: Know About This Teacher Education Program

Learn all about the TEACH Grant program, how it can help fund your education, eligibility requirements, and how to apply. Discover how this grant can help you pursue a career in teaching while reducing student loan debt.

The TEACH Grant (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) is a federal grant program designed to help students pursuing a career in teaching. Unlike traditional loans, the TEACH Grant does not require repayment as long as you meet the eligibility requirements, which include working in a qualifying teaching position for a specified number of years.

This program is a great opportunity for students aiming to enter the education field, particularly in high-need subject areas or low-income schools. However, it’s essential to understand how the program works, the eligibility criteria, and how to maintain your eligibility to avoid turning your grant into a loan that must be repaid.

What Is the TEACH Grant?

The TEACH Grant provides financial assistance to students pursuing a career in teaching. The program awards up to $4,000 per year to eligible students. However, the grant comes with specific conditions. If you fulfill the program’s requirements, you are not required to repay the grant. However, if you do not fulfill these obligations, the grant will convert into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, and you will have to repay the amount with interest.

Eligibility Requirements for the TEACH Grant

To be eligible for the TEACH Grant, you must meet specific criteria, both in terms of your education and career plans. Below are the key requirements:

1. Enrollment in a Qualifying Program

To qualify for a TEACH Grant, you must be enrolled in a postsecondary institution that participates in the program. Your program must be in a qualifying field related to education, such as:

  • Elementary Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Special Education
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Additionally, the program you are enrolled in must be designed to lead to a teaching certification or an advanced degree in education.

2. Academic Requirements

  • Undergraduate Students: You must have a GPA of 3.25 or higher.
  • Graduate Students: You must maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher while enrolled in a graduate program.

3. Agreement to Teach in a High-Need Field

To receive and maintain the TEACH Grant, you must agree to work as a full-time teacher in a low-income school or in a high-need field. High-need fields include areas such as:

  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Special Education
  • Foreign Languages

Your employment must be at a school that is listed as a low-income school on the Federal Teacher Shortage Area list.

4. Service Obligation

You must teach in a qualifying position for at least four years within eight years after completing your program. If you fail to meet this obligation, your TEACH Grant will be converted into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, which you will need to repay, including interest that accrues from the date the grant was disbursed.

How to Apply for the TEACH Grant

1. Complete the FAFSA

You must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for the TEACH Grant. This will determine your eligibility for federal financial aid, including the TEACH Grant.

2. Sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve (ATS)

Once you are awarded the TEACH Grant, you must sign an Agreement to Serve (ATS). This is a binding agreement that outlines the conditions of the grant, including your obligation to work in a qualifying position for four years.

The ATS can be completed on the StudentAid.gov website.

3. Submit the TEACH Grant Application

Your college or university will determine your eligibility for the TEACH Grant and provide the necessary application. Ensure that you are attending a qualifying institution and that your program aligns with the TEACH Grant’s requirements.

4. Keep Track of Your Service Obligation

After receiving the grant, you will need to verify your employment each year through the Teacher Service Verification process. This ensures that your teaching position qualifies, and it helps to track your service obligation.

How to Maintain Your Eligibility for the TEACH Grant

Once you’ve received the TEACH Grant, it’s crucial to maintain your eligibility throughout your academic and professional journey. Here’s what you need to do to stay eligible:

1. Maintain a 3.25 GPA

While enrolled in your program, maintain the required GPA of 3.25 to keep your TEACH Grant status active. Failure to maintain this GPA may lead to the grant converting into a loan.

2. Fulfill the Service Requirement

You must complete four years of teaching in a qualifying position within eight years after completing your program. Failure to do so will result in the grant being converted into a loan.

3. Submit Annual Verification

Each year, you must submit a Teacher Service Verification form to verify your employment at a qualifying institution. This process ensures that your work is in compliance with the program’s requirements.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

1. Grant Conversion to Loan

The most significant issue that can arise is the conversion of the TEACH Grant into a loan if you fail to meet the service obligation. To avoid this:

  • Make sure you understand the service requirement and complete the necessary years of teaching in a qualifying field.
  • Keep records of your employment, including documentation of your school’s eligibility as a low-income institution.

2. Meeting the GPA Requirement

Maintaining a GPA of 3.25 or higher is crucial. If you fall below this GPA, you may lose eligibility for the grant. Regularly monitor your academic performance and seek help if you struggle to meet this standard.

FAQs

If you don’t complete the required four years of teaching in a qualifying position, your TEACH Grant will convert into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. You will have to repay the loan with interest that has accrued since the grant was disbursed.

Your school must be a participating institution in the TEACH Grant program. You can check with your school’s financial aid office or use the Federal School Code Search on the StudentAid.gov website to confirm eligibility.

Yes, you can use the TEACH Grant for graduate programs as long as the program leads to teacher certification or a master’s degree in education, and it meets the other eligibility requirements.

You only need to repay the TEACH Grant if you do not fulfill the service obligation or fail to meet other requirements, such as maintaining the required GPA. In such cases, the grant converts into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

Yes, you can receive other forms of financial aid in addition to the TEACH Grant. However, you must meet all eligibility requirements for each type of aid.

Conclusion

The TEACH Grant program provides a valuable opportunity for students aspiring to become educators, offering financial assistance without the burden of repayment—provided that the service obligations are met. By staying on top of your academic performance and fulfilling the service requirement, you can benefit from the TEACH Grant and make a significant impact in public education.