Homepage Blank Teach Grant PDF Template
Navigation

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program aids students who are pursuing or plan to pursue teaching careers, by providing them with financial support under specific conditions. To access this assistance, recipients must complete the TEACH Grant form, which involves several critical sections starting from recipient identification to certifications regarding their understandings of the grant's obligations. The form outlines the necessity of a teaching service obligation that must be fulfilled within a specified timeframe for the grant not to be converted into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. It includes detailed instructions on how recipients must report their teaching service or their intent to meet their service obligations. Moreover, it features definitions and terms crucial for understanding the eligibility for teaching positions considered as fulfilling the grant's conditions, alongside the responsibilities of the Chief Administrative Officer or Authorized Official in certifying the recipient’s teaching service. Additionally, information on where and how to submit this form is provided, ensuring recipients are well-guided through the process of both receiving and maintaining the grant in alignment with its stipulations.

Preview - Teach Grant Form

Records Code: XTAC

TEACH GRANT CERTIFICATION

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program

SECTION 1: TEACH GRANT RECIPIENT IDENTIFICATION Please enter or correct the following information:

SSN

Address

Address

Telephone-Primary

-

-

Name

 

 

City

State

Zip

Email (Optional)

 

 

Telephone-Alternate

 

 

SECTION 2: TEACH GRANT RECIPIENT'S UNDERSTANDINGS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Before completing this section, carefully read the entire form, including the instructions, definitions, terms and conditions, and important notices in Sections 4, 5, and 6.

I understand that:

I must fulfill a teaching service obligation (service obligation) for each academic program for which I received a TEACH Grant, as stated in the

Agreement to Serve (Agreement) that I signed before receiving each TEACH Grant. If I do not fulfill my service obligation, all TEACH Grant funds that I received will be converted to Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loans (Direct Unsubsidized Loans) that I must repay to the U.S. Department of Education (the Department), with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement.

To fulfill my service obligation, I must teach full time for a total of at least four academic years within eight years after I complete or otherwise cease to

be enrolled in the program for which I received TEACH Grant funds. My teaching service must meet the requirements specified in Section 6 and in my Agreement.

After completing each of the four academic years of required teaching service, I must provide my TEACH Grant servicer with documentation of my

teaching service by providing the information requested in Item A below and obtaining a certification in Section 3 of this form from the Chief Administrative Officer for the school or educational service agency where I taught.

If I am not teaching, I must certify my intent to satisfy my teaching service obligation by checking the box in Item B below and signing the form. (If you did not complete your TEACH Grant program of study, see Section 6.)

I certify that:

(A)I taught full time for one complete academic year, as certified in Section 3 (if you check this box for this reason you must complete items 1,2 and 3 below, and sign the form. Your Chief Administrative Officer must complete Section 3.) Or

I am currently performing qualifying teaching service, but have not yet taught for a complete academic year (If you check this box for this reason you must complete 1,2 and 3 below, and sign the form. If you did not complete the program for which you received your TEACH grants, your Chief Administrative Officer must complete Section 3 and indicate that you have not taught a complete academic year using the check box provided.)

(1)I am teaching or have taught full time as a highly-qualified teacher at a/an (check only one box):

Low-income elementary or secondary school Low-income educational service agency Elementary or secondary school operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) or operated on an Indian reservation by an Indian tribal group under contract with the BIE.

(2)During the year of teaching listed below and as certified in Section 3, more than half of the classes I am teaching or have taught were in one or more of the following high-need fields (check all that apply):

Mathematics

Science

Foreign Language

Bilingual Education

English Language Acquisition

Special Education

 

Reading Specialist

 

 

Other high-need field (see Section 5; list the other high-need field and grade level taught):

(3) I am teaching or have taught at:

Name of School (Not School District) or Educational Service Agency at which I am teaching

School Website

Address of School or Educational Service Agency

City

State

Zip Code

Recipient Name

Recipient SSN

-

-

(B) I am not teaching, but I intend to satisfy my TEACH Grant service obligation. (If you check this box you only need to sign below)

(C)I did not complete my TEACH Grant-eligible program of study and am not teaching, but I have re enrolled in another eligible program of study, as defined in Section 5. (If you check this box, sign the form and have an authorized official complete Section 3 to confirm your enrollment in an eligible program. In addition, you may contact us to request a suspension of the eight-year period for completing your service of obligation).

(D) The information I provided in Sections 1 and 2 is true and correct.

(E) I have read and understand the definitions in Section 5 and the terms and conditions in Section 6.

(F)My teaching service met the requirements specified in Section 6.

Todays date

TEACH Grant Recipient's Signature

SECTION 3: CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER or AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL'S CERTIFICATION

Before completing this section, carefully read the instructions, definitions, and terms and conditions in Section 4, 5, and 6. If recipient is teaching, complete as Chief Administrative Officer. Return the completed form to the grant recipient identified in Section 1. If the recipient is enrolled in a TEACH Grant eligible program of study, complete as Authorized Official.

Chief Administrative Officer only: I certify that the grant recipient identified in Section 1 taught during the academic year as a full-time highly-qualified teacher (as defined in Section 5) from

to

at the eligible low-income elementary school, secondary school or educational service agency identified by the grant recipient in section 2, and that during this year the grant recipient taught more than half of his or her classes in the high-need field(s) identified by the grant recipient in section 2.

Check here if certifying teaching service for less than a complete academic year.

Authorized Official only: I certify that the grant recipient identified in Section 1 is/was enrolled at

 

 

(Name of Institution) in an eligible program, as defined in Section 5 during the academic period from date

to date

.

 

Telephone

 

 

Chief Administrative Officer/Authorized Official's Name and Title (Printed)

 

 

 

Today's Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Administrative Officer/Authorized Official's Signature

 

 

SECTION 4: GENERAL INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

Type or print using dark ink. Enter dates as month-day-year (mm-dd-yyyy). Use only numbers. Example: January 31, 2013 = 01-31-2013.

If you are certifying teaching service, the Chief Administrative Officer for the school or educational service agency where you performed your qualifying teaching service must complete Section 3. If you taught at more than one school or educational service agency during the same academic year, you may complete one certification form for each school or educational service agency at which you taught if one school or educational service agency cannot certify your complete academic year of teaching.

If you are certifying enrollment in an eligible program of study, an Authorized Official for the school at which you are/were enrolled in the eligible program of study must complete Section 3.

Return the completed form and any attached pages to the address shown in Section 7.

more than one school or educational service agency, the determination of full-time is based on the combination of all qualifying employment.

SECTION 5: DEFINITIONS

An academic year or its equivalent is one complete elementary or secondary school year, or two complete and consecutive half-years from different school

years (excluding summer sessions) that generally fall within a 12-month period. If a school or educational service agency has a year-round program of instruction, a minimum of nine months is considered to be the equivalent of an academic year.

An authorized official who may complete Section 3 is an official of the school at which you are/were enrolled in a TEACH Grant-eligible program.

The Chief Administrative Officer for a school or educational service agency is the individual who has access to the employment records which establish that the

grant recipient’s teaching service met the requirements of the TEACH Grant Program, as explained in Section 6, and who is authorized to verify the grant recipient’s qualifying teaching service. The Chief Administrative Officer may vary depending on the teacher’s employer, and could include (but is not limited to) the principal or assistant principal of the school where the grant recipient taught, the superintendent, assistant superintendent, or human resources director for a school district or educational service agency, or the chief executive officer of an educational services agency.

An eligible program of study is one that is TEACH Grant-eligible and is designed to prepare an individual to teach as a highly-qualified teacher in a high- need field and leads to a baccalaureate or master’s degree, or is a post-baccalaureate program of study. A two-year program of study that is acceptable for full credit toward a baccalaureate degree is considered to be a program of study that leads to a baccalaureate degree. An eligible program of study is also a program of study that has been determined by a state to satisfy the requirements for certification or licensure to teach in the state’s elementary or secondary schools.

A high-need field includes the following: (1) bilingual education and English language acquisition; (2) foreign language; (3) mathematics; (4) reading specialist;

(5) science; (6) special education; and (7) any other field listed in the U.S. Department of education's (the Department's) annual Teacher Shortage Area Nationwide Listing (Nationwide List).

Bilingual education is an educational program in which two languages are used to provide content matter instruction. English language acquisition is the process of acquiring English as a second language.

Special education means specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability, including instruction conducted in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other settings; and instruction in physical education, i.e., physical therapy. A child with a disability is a child who needs special education and related services because the child has mental retardation, a hearing impairment (including deafness), a speech or language impairment, a visual impairment (including blindness), a serious emotional disturbance, an orthopedic impairment, autism, a traumatic brain injury, another health impairment, or a specific learning disability. For a child age 3 through 9, the term a child with a disability may, at the discretion of the state and the local educational agency, include a child who needs special education and related services because the child is experiencing developmental delays, as defined by the state and as measured by appropriate diagnostic instruments and procedures, in one or more of the following areas: physical development, cognitive development, communication development, social or emotional development, or adaptive development.

A post-baccalaureate program of study is a program of instruction for individuals who have completed a baccalaureate degree that, (1) does not lead to a graduate degree ; (2) consists of courses required by a State in order for a student to receive a professional certification or licensing credential that is required for employment as a teacher in an elementary school or secondary school in that State, except that it does not include any program of instruction offered by a TEACH Grant-eligible institution that offers a baccalaureate degree in education; and (3) is treated as an undergraduate program of study for the purposes of title IV of the Higher Education Act.

A school or educational service agency serving low-income students (low-income school or low-income educational service agency) is an elementary or secondary school or educational service agency that: (1) is in the school district of a local educational agency that is eligible for assistance under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act; (2) has been determined by the Department to be a school in which more than 30 percent of the school’s total enrollment is made up of children who qualify for services provided under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act; and (3) is listed in the Department’s Annual Directory of Designated Low-Income Schools for Teacher Cancellation Benefits. All elementary and secondary schools operated by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) or operated on Indian reservations by Indian tribal groups under contract or grant with the BIE qualify as low-income schools. If the school or educational service agency where you teach meets the low-income requirements during all or a part of a school year of my required four school years of teaching, but does not meet those requirements in subsequent school years, those subsequent years of teaching at that school or educational service agency will still qualify for purposes of satisfying my TEACH Grant service obligation.

An educational service agency is a regional public multiservice agency authorized by State statute to develop, manage and provide services or programs to local educational agencies, as defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 as amended.

An elementary school is a nonprofit institutional day or residential school, including a public elementary charter school, that provides elementary

education as defined under State law.

A secondary school is a nonprofit institutional day or residential school, including a public secondary charter school, that provides secondary education, as determined under State law, except that the term does not include any education beyond grade 12.

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides funds to students who are completing or who plan to complete coursework that is required to begin a career in teaching.

A teacher is a person who provides direct classroom teaching or classroom-type teaching in a non-classroom setting, including special education teachers and reading specialists. School librarians, guidance counselors, and other administrative staff are not considered teachers for the purposes of fulfilling the TEACH Grant service obligation.

A full time teacher is a teacher who meets the standard used by a State in defining full-time employment as a teacher. For an individual teaching at

The highly-qualified teacher requirements are specified in section 9101(23) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended,or, for special education teachers, in section 602910) of the individuals with Disabilities Act.

SECTION 6: TEACH GRANT PROGRAM TERMS AND CONDITIONS

For each academic program for which you receive TEACH Grant funds, you must complete a service obligation by teaching full time for a total of at least four academic years:

As a highly-qualified teacher (see Section 5);

At a school or educational service agency serving low-income students (see Section 5); and

In a high-need field (see Section 5) in more than half of the classes that you teach during each academic year.

You must complete the required four years of teaching within eight years after you complete or otherwise cease to be enrolled in the program for which you received the TEACH Grant.

After completing each year of your required four years of teaching service, you must complete and submit this TEACH Grant Certification to the Department.

If you received a TEACH Grant but do not complete the required four years of teaching service within eight years of completing (or otherwise ceasing to be

enrolled in) the program for which you received a TEACH Grant, all TEACH Grant funds you received will be converted to Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loans (Direct Unsubsidized Loans) that you must repay in full to the Department, with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement you received.

If you received a TEACH Grant but did not complete your program of study, within 120 days of ceasing enrollment you must certify that you are employed as a

full-time teacher in accordance with the terms and conditions listed in your Agreement to Serve, or that you are not yet employed as a full-time teacher, but you intend to meet the terms and conditions of your service obligation. If you do not meet one of these requirements, your TEACH Grant will be converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

If you received a TEACH Grant but did not complete your program of study, within one year of ceasing enrollment you must re-enroll in a TEACH Grant eligible

program, begin creditable teaching service or be determined eligible for a suspension of your eight-year obligation period. If you do not meet one of these requirements, your TEACH Grant will be converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

If you complete the academic program for which you received a TEACH Grant, you must actively confirm at least once each year that you intend to satisfy your service obligation. If you do not actively confirm your intention, your TEACH Grant will be converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

You must maintain qualifying employment within a time-frame that allows you to complete your service obligation within the allotted eight-year period.

For complete terms and conditions of the TEACH Grant Program, see the TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve (Agreement) that you were required to sign before you received a TEACH Grant.

SECTION 7: WHERE TO SEND THE COMPLETED CERTIFICATION FORM

Return the completed form and any attachments to:

U.S. Department of Education

FedLoanServicing

P.O. Box 69184

Harrisburg, PA 17106-9184

or Fax to: 717-720-1628

If you need help completing this form, call:

1-800-699-2908 International: 717-720-1985 TDD: 1-800-722-8189

Form Data

Fact Name Description
Recipient Obligation Every recipient of the TEACH Grant must fulfill a teaching service obligation for each academic program they received the grant for, failing which the grant converts to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
Service Requirement The recipient must teach full time for a total of at least four academic years within eight years after completing or ceasing enrollment in the program that received the TEACH Grant funding.
Certification of Teaching Service After each academic year of required teaching service, recipients must submit documentation of their teaching service to their TEACH Grant servicer for certification by the Chief Administrative Officer of the school or educational service agency where they taught.
Program Eligibility and High-Need Fields TEACH Grants are awarded to students enrolled in programs designed to prepare them for teaching in high-need fields such as mathematics, science, special education, and others as determined by the Department of Education.

Instructions on Utilizing Teach Grant

Filling out the TEACH Grant form is a significant step toward completing your service obligation if you have received funding from the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program. This form serves as a record of your intention to fulfill or your completion of the teaching service required by the grant. Carefully reading and accurately completing each section will ensure your eligibility for the grant benefits is maintained, avoiding the conversion of this grant into a loan. Remember, the grant requires you to teach in a high-need field at a low-income school for a specific period. The process might seem a bit daunting at first, but it's pretty straightforward once you break it down into steps.

  1. Recipient Identification: Start with Section 1 by providing your Social Security Number, full name, primary and alternate telephone numbers, and email address (optional). Also include your current address, consisting of street address, city, state, and zip code.
  2. Understandings and Certifications: Before filling out Section 2, it's crucial to read the entire form carefully, especially the instructions, definitions, terms, conditions, and important notices in Sections 4, 5, and 6. You will then need to acknowledge your understandings and certifications about the TEACH Grant by checking the applicable boxes. This includes certifying whether you have completed the required teaching service, intend to satisfy the obligation, or have not finished your program of study but plan to meet your service obligation. For each scenario, different items will need to be completed, so read carefully to determine which ones apply to you.
  3. If you are certifying that you have completed an academic year of teaching or are currently teaching but haven't completed an academic year, provide information about your teaching position. Specify the type of institution where you've been teaching, the high-need fields you've taught in, and detailed information about the school or educational service agency.
  4. If you're not currently teaching but intend to meet your service obligation, or if you've re-enrolled in an eligible program of study after not completing your initial TEACH Grant eligible program, make sure to check the appropriate box and provide the relevant certifications or intentions as required.
  5. Complete all relevant certifications in Section 2, including your acknowledgment that all information provided is true and correct and that your teaching service has met or will meet the grant's requirements.
  6. Chief Administrative Officer's or Authorized Official's Certification: Section 3 must be completed by the Chief Administrative Officer of the school or educational service agency where you taught, or by an Authorized Official if you are certifying enrollment in an eligible program of study. Make sure they read Sections 4, 5, and 6 before filling out this section.
  7. Follow the General Information and Instructions in Section 4 closely while filling out this form to ensure all information is accurate and appropriately formatted, especially dates.
  8. Once the form is fully completed and all applicable sections have been signed, send it to the U.S. Department of Education's specified address or fax number as indicated in Section 7. Ensure you keep a copy for your records.

By meticulously following these steps, you'll have successfully filled out the TEACH Grant certification form. This process is vital to either continue receiving the grant or ensure that your teaching service counts toward your obligation. If you encounter any difficulties or have questions, consider contacting the helpline provided in the form for assistance.

Obtain Answers on Teach Grant

FAQs about the TEACH Grant Certification Form

  1. What is the TEACH Grant Certification Form?

    The TEACH Grant Certification Form is a document that recipients of the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant must complete to verify their compliance with the service obligation required by the grant. This includes providing details about their teaching service or their intention to fulfill their teaching obligation.

  2. What is the service obligation for the TEACH Grant?

    Recipients of the TEACH Grant are required to teach full-time for a total of at least four academic years within eight years after completing or ceasing to be enrolled in the program for which they received the grant. This teaching service must be at a low-income school or educational service agency, and in a high-need field as defined in the grant terms. Failure to meet this obligation will result in the grant converting to a loan that must be repaid with interest.

  3. Who needs to complete the TEACH Grant Certification Form?

    This form must be filled out by individuals who have received a TEACH Grant and are either completing their required four years of teaching or intend to meet their service obligation. It's also for those who did not complete their program of study but are currently teaching or intend to teach in a qualifying role.

  4. How often should I submit the TEACH Grant Certification Form?

    After each year of qualifying teaching service, you must submit a TEACH Grant Certification Form. Additionally, if you cease enrollment in your program of study without completing it, you must declare your status regarding the teaching service obligation within 120 days.

  5. What is considered a high-need field?

    A high-need field includes areas like bilingual education, English language acquisition, foreign language, mathematics, reading specialist, science, special education, and any other field listed on the Department of Education's annual Teacher Shortage Area Nationwide Listing.

  6. What qualifies as a low-income school?

    A low-income school is one that is in a district eligible for assistance under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, has been designated by the Department as having 30% of its enrollment made up of children who qualify for Title I services, or is listed in the Department's Annual Directory of Designated Low-Income Schools for Teacher Cancellation Benefits. BIE schools or those operated on Indian reservations by Indian tribal groups under contract with the BIE also qualify.

  7. What should I do if I did not complete my TEACH Grant-eligible program of study?

    If you did not complete your program, you must certify within 120 days of ceasing enrollment that you are either employed as a full-time teacher in a qualifying position or intend to satisfy your service obligation. Failure to do so will result in your grant converting to a loan. Additionally, you have up to one year to re-enroll in an eligible program or begin qualifying teaching to avoid loan conversion.

  8. Where do I send the completed TEACH Grant Certification Form?

    Completed forms, along with any required attachments, should be sent to U.S. Department of Education, FedLoan Servicing, P.O. Box 69184, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9184. You can also fax it to 717-720-1628. If you need assistance filling out the form, you can call 1-800-699-2908 or use the international number 717-720-1985. For TDD services, the number is 1-800-722-8189.

Common mistakes

Filling out the TEACH Grant form accurately is crucial for recipients to ensure they meet the necessary requirements without inadvertently converting their grants into loans. There are common mistakes to avoid:

  1. Not reading the instructions, definitions, terms, and conditions carefully in Sections 4, 5, and 6 before filling out the form, leading to misunderstandings about eligibility and obligations.
  2. Filling out the form with incorrect Social Security Number (SSN) or failing to update personal information such as address, email, or telephone numbers, which can result in important communication being missed.
  3. Checking the wrong box in Section 2 under "TEACH GRANT RECIPIENT'S UNDERSTANDINGS AND CERTIFICATIONS," especially regarding the current status of teaching or intent to satisfy teaching obligations.
  4. Omitting to specify the high-need field and grade level taught, under the assumption that all teaching positions qualify for the grant requirements.
  5. Incorrectly identifying the type of school or educational service agency where teaching occurred, which can impact qualifying employment verification.
  6. Failing to provide comprehensive documentation of teaching service or intent to complete service obligation when not currently teaching.
  7. Misunderstanding the eligibility of the program of study, particularly if re-enrolling after not completing a TEACH Grant-eligible program.
  8. Not ensuring that the Chief Administrative Officer or Authorized Official's section (Section 3) is fully and accurately completed, including their certification of the teaching service or program enrollment.
  9. Overlooking the requirement to return the completed form and any attachments to the correct address or fax number provided in Section 7, leading to delays or not being processed.
  10. Ignoring the necessity to actively confirm the intention to satisfy service obligations annually after completing the TEACH Grant program, which is essential to prevent the grant from converting to a loan.

It's paramount that recipients of the TEACH Grant diligently review their forms for these common mistakes and ensure all information is correctly and thoroughly provided. Missteps not only jeopardize the grant status but can lead to unexpected financial burdens due to loan conversion with accumulated interest. Advisably, reach out for assistance if any part of the form or its requirements are unclear, to secure the grant's benefits fully.

Documents used along the form

When dealing with the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program, it's essential to properly navigate through and submit the required documentation to ensure smooth processing and adherence to the program's expectations. The TEACH Grant Certification form is just one critical component of this process. Understanding and preparing other necessary documents can significantly enhance the experience, ensuring that all requirements are met efficiently and accurately.

  • Agreement to Serve or Repay (ATS): This is a binding agreement in which the grant recipient agrees to teach in a high-need field at a low-income school for at least four years within eight years of completing or leaving their academic program.
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): This form is used to apply for financial aid for college or grad school and is a prerequisite for the TEACH Grant among other financial aid programs.
  • Entrance Counseling: A mandatory information session that explains the obligations one must meet to ensure their grants don't convert into loans.
  • Exit Counseling: Similar to Entrance Counseling, this is required when a student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment. It prepares students for loan repayment.
  • Academic Transcript: Official transcripts may be needed to prove enrollment in an eligible program or to verify academic performance as part of the grant's requirements.
  • Verification of Income: This can be needed to prove financial need or to re-evaluate financial aid eligibility.
  • Employment Verification: Post-graduation, grant recipients must submit this document annually to prove they are meeting the teaching obligations required by the TEACH Grant.
  • Teaching Certification: Depending on the state, proof of a teaching license or certification may be necessary to qualify for or remain eligible for the grant.
  • Loan Repayment Plan Enrollment Form: For those whose TEACH Grants have converted to loans, enrolling in a repayment plan is essential, and this form is the first step.

Successfully navigating the documentation for the TEACH Grant and associated forms ensures that recipients can fulfill their teaching obligations without undue stress, contributing positively to education in high-need fields. Accurate and timely submission of these documents can also help prevent the grant from converting into a loan, preserving the financial benefits intended by the program.

Similar forms

The Teach Grant form shares similarities with various other forms and documents related to educational programs, financial aid, and employment verification. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose but parallels the Teach Grant form in its structure, intent, or required information. Here is a list of seven such documents:

  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Like the Teach Grant form, the FAFSA is crucial for students seeking financial aid for their education. Both forms collect detailed personal and financial information to determine eligibility for federal programs.
  • Direct Loan Subsidized/Unsubsidized Master Promissory Note: This agreement for students taking out Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans requires detailed personal information, understanding of terms and conditions, and a commitment to repay, similar to the Teach Grant's requirement for understanding and agreeing to a service obligation.
  • Student Employment Verification Form: Used by employers to verify a student's employment status for work-study or part-time positions, this form is similar to the Teach Grant form in that it provides proof of fulfilling specific requirements related to an educational program.
  • Teacher Certification Application: States require this form for certifying or licensing educators within the state. It parallels the teaching service obligation verification aspect of the Teach Grant form by ensuring the applicant meets certain educational and experiential criteria.
  • Income-Driven Repayment Plan Request: For borrowers seeking to have their monthly student loan payments set based on income, this form collects detailed financial information and requires understanding and agreement to specific terms, much like the Teach Grant form's certifications section.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Application: This form is used by borrowers seeking loan forgiveness after a period of public service employment. It requires detailed documentation of employment, mirroring the Teach Grant form's need for proof of teaching service.
  • Scholarship Application Forms: Many scholarship applications, while varying in content, require applicants to provide personal information, academic history, and future service or career intentions, similar to the Teach Grant form's collection of personal data and service obligations.

These documents, while serving different purposes, share commonalities with the Teach Grant form in their need for detailed personal information, clear understanding and agreement to terms, and often, the commitment to fulfill certain conditions or services.

Dos and Don'ts

Applying for the TEACH Grant requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the conditions and responsibilities that come with the grant. To help navigate the process smoothly, here are six do’s and don’ts to consider when filling out your TEACH Grant form:

  • Do read the entire form carefully, including sections on instructions, definitions, terms and conditions, and important notices. Understanding these sections is crucial for accurately completing the form and fulfilling your obligations.
  • Do ensure all information is accurate and up to date, especially your contact details and Social Security Number. This includes double-checking your email, phone number, and mailing address.
  • Do complete all required sections relevant to your situation, whether you are certifying teaching service or demonstrating intent to meet service obligations.
  • Don’t overlook the importance of obtaining the required certification from the Chief Administrative Officer or Authorized Official, as appropriate, in Section 3. This certification is a critical part of validating your teaching service or enrollment status.
  • Don’t forget to list the high-need field and educational setting where you are teaching or intend to teach. The TEACH Grant is specifically aimed at addressing shortages in certain fields and settings, so this information is vital.
  • Don’t delay in completing and returning the form within any given deadlines. Timeliness is essential to maintain your eligibility and to prevent any potential conversion of your grant into a loan due to inaction.

Remember, the TEACH Grant Program offers valuable assistance for those pursuing careers in education, but it comes with specific obligations that must be met. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can ensure that you are fully informed and prepared to meet the requirements of the TEACH Grant Program.

Misconceptions

When it comes to navigating the complexities of financial aid for education, the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant often surfaces as a beacon of hope for those aspiring to enter the teaching profession. However, the path from receiving a TEACH Grant to fulfilling its service obligations is paved with intricate details that can sometimes lead to misconceptions. Let’s dispel some common myths surrounding the TEACH Grant form and set the record straight.

  • Myth #1: If I receive a TEACH Grant, I can teach anywhere to fulfill my service obligation.

This couldn't be further from the truth. The TEACH Grant has specific requirements regarding where you can teach to fulfill your service obligation. Recipients must teach in a high-need field at a school or educational service agency serving low-income students, as defined by the program’s terms and conditions. Simply teaching does not meet the obligation; the position must align with the specific conditions outlined in the TEACH Grant agreement you signed.

  • Myth #2: The TEACH Grant service obligation is flexible in its timeframe.

In reality, the service obligation attached to the TEACH Grant is quite rigid. Recipients are required to complete four years of qualifying teaching within eight years after completing or otherwise ceasing to be enrolled in the program for which they received the grant. This timeframe does not pause or extend easily, making it imperative for recipients to plan their teaching careers accordingly.

  • Myth #3: If I fail to meet my service obligation, there are no financial repercussions.

This misunderstanding can lead to a rude awakening. Failing to fulfill the TEACH Grant’s service obligation results in the grant being converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loan, which must be repaid in full, with interest charged from the date each grant disbursement was received. This condition underscores the importance of fully understanding and committing to the service obligation before accepting the grant.

  • Myth #4: TEACH Grant recipients have little support in navigating their service obligation.

Contrary to this belief, TEACH Grant recipients are not left to navigate their service obligation alone. The U.S. Department of Education, alongside TEACH Grant servicers, offers guidance and support throughout the process, from understanding the obligation requirements to submitting annual certification of teaching service. Resources are available to ensure recipients can meet their obligations and avoid grant conversion to a loan.

Understanding these aspects of the TEACH Grant can significantly impact educators' careers and financial future. With clear knowledge and careful planning, the TEACH Grant Program can provide invaluable support to those committed to teaching in high-need fields and low-income schools, paving the way for a rewarding and impactful teaching career.

Key takeaways

Filling out and understanding the TEACH Grant form is essential for recipients who are pursuing careers in education and aiming to benefit from this federal grant program. The following key takeaways provide a clear overview of its crucial aspects:

  • To be eligible for the TEACH Grant program, individuals must commit to teaching in a high-need field at a low-income school or educational service agency for at least four years within an eight-year period after completing or leaving their program.
  • Recipients must sign an Agreement to Serve before receiving any TEACH Grant funds, outlining the terms of the service obligation.
  • If the teaching service obligation is not fulfilled, all TEACH Grant funds received will be converted into Direct Unsubsidized Loans with interest accumulating from the date each TEACH Grant was disbursed.
  • Annual certification of teaching service or intent to meet the service obligation is required by submitting the TEACH Grant Certification form to the U.S. Department of Education or its servicers.
  • The form requires documentation of qualifying teaching service, confirmed by the Chief Administrative Officer of the school or educational service agency.
  • Recipients who have not yet completed their teaching service must indicate their current status and future intention regarding their teaching service obligation.
  • Individuals who did not complete their program of study have specific options and requirements to avoid conversion of their grants into loans, including re-enrolling in an eligible program or beginning qualifying teaching service.
  • The TEACH Grant Certification form must be completed with accurate and up-to-date personal and employment information, ensuring verification of the teaching service or intent.
  • Eligibility for the TEACH Grant program requires teaching in designated high-need fields, which include subjects such as special education, mathematics, science, and foreign languages, among others.
  • Both the educational institution and the teaching placement must meet specific criteria defined by the program, including serving low-income students and being designated as a high-need educational service agency or school.
  • Completion and submission of the TEACH Grant Certification form are necessary steps for annual confirmation and to avoid potential conversion of the grant to a loan.

Understanding these key aspects ensures that TEACH Grant recipients are fully informed about their obligations and the steps they need to take to benefit from this program and to contribute positively to education in high-need areas.

Please rate Blank Teach Grant PDF Template Form
4.25
Incredible
16 Votes