Free Teach Grant Form in PDF

Instructions on Writing Teach Grant

Filling out the TEACH Grant Certification form is a step you can't afford to overlook. It's a document that bridges your commitment to teaching in high-need fields with vital financial support during your education. As you complete this form, remember that you're not just filling out paperwork; you're reaffirming your dedication to making a difference in classrooms that need it the most. Let's walk through the steps to ensure your form is filled out correctly and completely.

1. Start with SECTION 1: TEACH GRANT RECIPIENT IDENTIFICATION. Here, you'll provide your personal and contact information. This includes your Social Security Number (SSN), mailing address, primary and alternative telephone numbers, and, optionally, your email address. Be sure your information is accurate and up-to-date to facilitate smooth communication.
2. Proceed to SECTION 2: TEACH GRANT RECIPIENT'S UNDERSTANDINGS AND CERTIFICATIONS. This section is crucial as it involves your acknowledgment and understanding of the TEACH Grant's terms. Take your time to read through the points carefully. You'll need to check the appropriate boxes to indicate your current standing, such as whether you've begun your teaching service or intend to fulfill the obligation. Additionally, specify the type of school and subjects you're teaching or plan to teach, as these details directly impact your grant conditions.
3. Within the same section, if applicable, enter the name and address of the school or educational agency where you're teaching or plan to teach. This information should reflect your commitment to teaching in high-need areas or subjects. Also, provide details about the academic year of teaching service that applies to you.
4. For those who have already started their teaching service, Section 3 needs to be completed by your school's Chief Administrative Officer or an Authorized Official if you're certifying enrollment in an eligible program of study. Ensure that this part of the form is handed over to the appropriate person for completion.
5. Review each section carefully to ensure all information provided is accurate and that you have not missed any required fields. Make sure your signature and today's date are on the form, acknowledging the accuracy of the information and your commitments.
6. Before sending the form, double-check the requirements in SECTIONS 4, 5, and 6 for any last-minute clarifications you might need. These sections contain essential definitions and conditions relating to your grant, teaching obligations, and the criteria for schools and fields of study.
7. Finally, send your completed form to the address listed in SECTION 7. You have the option of mailing it or faxing it to the provided numbers. Ensure that any attachments or additional documentation are included with your submission.

Remember, completing this form accurately is vital for maintaining your TEACH Grant funds as grants, rather than having them converted into loans. Your dedication to meeting your service obligation reflects your commitment to education and to the students who benefit most from your determination and skills. If you have questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to the contact information provided in the form's instructions.

What is the TEACH Grant?

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides financial assistance to students who are completing or planning to complete coursework needed to start a career in teaching. Recipients must agree to fulfill a teaching service obligation in a high-need field, at a school serving low-income students.

What are the service obligations for TEACH Grant recipients?

Recipients must teach full-time for a total of at least four academic years within eight years after completing or ceasing enrollment in the program for which the grant was received. This teaching must occur in schools serving low-income students and in designated high-need fields. Failure to meet these obligations will result in the TEACH Grant being converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, which the recipient must then repay to the U.S. Department of Education, with interest charged from the date of grant disbursement.

How do I know if my teaching qualifies for the service obligation?

Qualifying teaching service must be performed as a highly-qualified teacher at a low-income school, educational service agency, or a school operated by the Bureau of Indian Education or on an Indian reservation by an Indian tribal group under contract with the Bureau of Indian Education. More than half of the classes taught must be in a high-need field. After each academic year of teaching, recipients must submit documentation of their service.

What happens if I do not complete the TEACH Grant program of study?

If a grant recipient does not complete their program of study, they must, within 120 days of ceasing enrollment, certify employment as a qualified teacher according to their Agreement to Serve, or indicate intention to fulfill the service obligation. Failing to do so will convert the TEACH Grant to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Recipients have the option to re-enroll in an eligible program, commence qualifying teaching service, or obtain a suspension of the obligation period within a year to avoid loan conversion.

Who is considered a highly-qualified teacher?

A highly-qualified teacher meets the requirements outlined in section 9101(23) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended, or, for special education teachers, in section 602(10) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This typically involves having at least a bachelor's degree, obtaining full state certification or licensure, and demonstrating knowledge in the subject(s) taught.

What constitutes a high-need field?

A high-need field includes areas such as bilingual education and English language acquisition, foreign language, mathematics, reading specialist, science, and special education, among others identified in the U.S. Department of Education's annual Teacher Shortage Area Nationwide Listing.

What are low-income schools and educational service agencies?

These institutions include those within a district eligible for assistance under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, those with over 30% of enrollment comprised of children who qualify for services under title I, and all schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education or on Indian reservations by Indian tribal groups that meet specified low-income criteria. Locations are listed in the Department's Annual Directory of Designated Low-Income Schools for Teacher Cancellation Benefits.

How do I certify my teaching service or intent to fulfill the service obligation?

After completing a year of qualified teaching, recipients must provide their TEACH Grant servicer with documentation of their service by completing the TEACH Grant Certification form and obtaining certification from a Chief Administrative Officer where they taught. Recipients not currently teaching must also submit a form certifying their intention to meet their service obligation.

Where do I send my completed TEACH Grant Certification form?

The completed form and any attachments should be sent to the U.S. Department of Education, care of FedLoan Servicing, at the provided mailing address or fax number. Detailed contact information, including a phone number for assistance in completing the form, is listed on the form itself.

What is an eligible program of study under the TEACH Grant?

An eligible program of study is designed to prepare an individual to become a highly-qualified teacher in a high-need field, leading to a baccalaureate or master's degree or is a post-baccalaureate program. State-designated programs meeting requirements for certification or licensure to teach in the state's elementary or secondary schools are also eligible. This includes programs at institutions that do not lead to a graduate degree but are required for a professional credential or certification for teaching.

One common mistake people make when filling out the TEACH Grant form is neglecting to read the detailed instructions and terms laid out in the sections preceding the certification. This oversight can lead to misunderstandings about the requirements and obligations tied to the grant.

Another frequent error involves incorrectly reporting personal information in Section 1. Providing inaccurate social security numbers, addresses, or contact details can delay processing and risk communication issues regarding the grant.

Failing to accurately check the appropriate box in Section 2, under the recipient's understandings and certifications, is another common mistake. This section requires careful attention to ensure that the recipient's current status and intentions regarding the TEACH Grant are properly documented.

Many applicants also mistakenly assume that any teaching position will fulfill the service obligation. However, the grant requires teaching in specific high-need fields or at low-income schools, as specified in Section 5. Misunderstanding these terms can lead to non-compliance with the grant's service obligations.

Applicants often overlook the importance of obtaining the necessary certification from the Chief Administrative Officer or Authorized Official, as required in Section 3. This certification is crucial to verify the completion of the teaching service or current enrollment in an eligible program.

Some applicants also make the mistake of not signing the form. A signature is necessary to confirm the accuracy and truthfulness of the information provided, as well as understanding and agreement to the grant's terms.

Another error involves not actively confirming the intent to satisfy the service obligation after completing an academic program. This confirmation is essential to prevent the grant from being converted into a loan, as detailed in the program's terms and conditions.

Finally, a significant mistake is failing to return the completed certification form to the correct address or fax number provided in Section 7. This step is critical for the processing and administration of the TEACH Grant, and overlooking it can result in delays or the grant's conversion to a loan.

When applying for or managing a Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, various other documents are often required to ensure compliance with the program's obligations and to facilitate the processing of the grant. These documents are crucial for verifying eligibility, understanding the responsibilities under the grant, and providing necessary confirmations regarding the grantee's teaching service. Below is a description of documents often used in conjunction with the TEACH Grant form:

• Agreement to Serve (ATS): This legally binding document outlines the grantee's commitment to teach in a high-need field at a low-income school as a highly-qualified teacher for four academic years within an eight-year period following graduation or ceasing enrollment. Failure to meet these terms results in the grant being converted to a loan.
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): This form is critical for determining a student's eligibility for the TEACH Grant by assessing their financial need and ensuring they qualify for federal student aid.
• College Transcripts: Official transcripts may be required to prove enrollment in an eligible program and to verify academic performance, as maintaining a certain GPA is a requirement for the TEACH Grant.
• Service Obligation Counseling Completion Certificate: This document verifies the completion of mandatory counseling that explains the terms and conditions of the TEACH Grant service obligation.
• TEACH Grant Eligible Program Confirmation: This form, usually obtained from the educational institution, confirms that the program of study qualifies under the TEACH Grant eligibility criteria.
• Teaching Certification: Proof of teaching certification or licensure is often required to ensure the grant recipient is qualified to teach in their chosen field and at the education level required by the grant.
• Employment Verification Form: Document used to verify that the grantee is employed as a teacher at a qualifying school and is therefore meeting the service requirements of the grant.
• Annual Certification of Teaching Service: Each year, TEACH Grant recipients must submit this form to verify that they are fulfilling or have fulfilled their teaching obligation in accordance with the terms of the grant.
• Request for Suspension/Discharge of TEACH Grant Service Obligation: This form is used if circumstances prevent the grantee from teaching or completing their service obligation temporarily, allowing for a possible suspension or discharge of the obligation under qualifying conditions.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the TEACH Grant process, from application to fulfillment of the service obligation. Applicants and recipients must ensure all paperwork is accurately completed and submitted in a timely manner to maintain eligibility and avoid the conversion of the grant into a loan, thereby upholding the primary intention of the TEACH Grant Program to encourage individuals to teach in high-need fields and schools serving low-income students.

The Federal Student Aid Application, commonly known as the FAFSA, shares similarities with the TEACH Grant form. Both require applicants to provide personal identification details and both determine eligibility for educational funding based on specific criteria. The FAFSA assesses financial need and potential eligibility for various types of federal student aid, while the TEACH Grant form evaluates eligibility based on recipients’ commitment to teach in high-need fields in low-income areas. Both forms are integral to accessing federal educational resources.

The Federal Direct Loan Program application parallels the TEACH Grant form in its requirement for the borrower's or recipient's information, understandings, and certifications. Just as TEACH Grant recipients must agree to fulfill a teaching service obligation, Direct Loan borrowers must acknowledge their repayment responsibilities. Both documents feature sections for authorized officials to certify the recipient's or borrower's eligibility based on specified criteria.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness Application forms bear resemblance to the TEACH Grant form, primarily in their focus on educators. Both applications require teaching service verification in qualifying positions. The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Application aims to reward teachers who serve in low-income schools or educational service agencies for a certain period, similar to how the TEACH Grant requires teaching in high-need fields as part of its agreement.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Application also aligns with aspects of the TEACH Grant form. Both documents necessitate employment certification to qualify for benefits: the PSLF Application requires proof of employment in public service to forgive the remaining loan balance after a set number of payments, while the TEACH Grant requires documentation of teaching service to avoid grant-to-loan conversion.

The Income-Driven Repayment Plan request form is another document with similarities to the TEACH Grant form. Although serving different ends—one adjusts loan payment plans based on income, and the other grants funds conditionally for teaching—both require participants to annually reconfirm their information. They necessitate an understanding of terms and conditions that must be acknowledged through certification or re-certification processes.

The Scholarship Application forms, while more varied in purpose and structure than the TEACH Grant form, share the fundamental purpose of providing financial assistance for education based on certain eligibility criteria. For scholarships aimed at future educators, both forms may require applicants to demonstrate a commitment to teaching, especially in areas of high need or in underserved communities.

Employment Verification forms, used by employers to confirm an employee's status and salary, are functionally similar to parts of the TEACH Grant form that require verification of teaching service. Both forms are tools for verifying the fulfillment of certain conditions—employment in one case and service obligation in the other.

The Certification of Health Care Provider form for Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) purposes shares structural elements with the TEACH Grant form, as both involve third-party verification to access benefits (medical leave versus educational grants) and require detailed personal and professional information. Each form serves as a means to validate eligibility, whether for leave or for grant retention without conversion to a loan.

When filling out the TEACH Grant form, there are essential steps to follow and mistakes to avoid ensuring your submission is successful. The TEACH Grant program provides funds for students planning to start a career in teaching, under specific conditions. Therefore, careful attention to detail when completing this form is crucial.

• Read the entire form carefully before starting, including the instructions, definitions, terms, and conditions, and important notices. This ensures you understand the commitment and requirements of the TEACH Grant program.
• Ensure all information is accurate and complete, especially in the TEACH Grant Recipient Identification and Understandings and Certifications sections. Your Social Security Number, address, and telephone numbers are crucial for your identification.
• Fulfill the teaching service obligation. If you agree to serve as a full-time teacher in a high-need field at a low-income school or educational service agency, ensure you understand how to complete this requirement within the specified timeframe.
• Submit documentation on time. After completing each year of required teaching service, promptly provide documentation to your TEACH Grant servicer to avoid grant conversion to a loan.

• Overlook the service obligation. Remember, if you do not fulfill the teaching service obligation, the TEACH Grant funds will convert into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan with accrued interest from the date of disbursement.
• Skip sections or leave them incomplete. Every section and item is crucial for evaluating your eligibility and understanding of the TEACH Grant program's conditions.
• Ignore the certification requirements from the Chief Administrative Officer or Authorized Official in Section 3. Their endorsement is necessary to confirm your qualification as a highly-qualified teacher or your enrollment in an eligible program.
• Delay contacting your TEACH Grant servicer if you have concerns or questions about your teaching service obligation or if you need to request a suspension of the obligation period. Proactive communication is key to maintaining your grant status.

Many misunderstandings can arise when dealing with the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program. It’s essential to dispel these myths to ensure recipients fully understand their obligations and the opportunity this grant represents. Here are nine common misconceptions and the truth behind them:

• Eligibility is often misunderstood: Not all education majors qualify for the TEACH Grant. It's specifically designed for those preparing to teach in a high-need field or a school serving low-income students.
• Service Obligation specifics can be baffling: Receivers must teach full-time for at least four academic years within an eight-year period after completing or ceasing enrollment in the program for which the grant was awarded, not at any school they choose but at an eligible institution.
• Conversion to Loan is a critical condition often overlooked: If recipients fail to meet their service obligations, the TEACH Grant converts to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, and they must repay it with interest charged from the time of disbursement.
• Many are unaware that documentation of teaching service is required: After each year of qualifying teaching, recipients must prove their service to avoid grant conversion to a loan.
• A common misconception is that all teaching positions qualify for fulfilling the service obligation. However, the teaching role must be in a high-need field at an eligible school or educational service agency.
• Service fulfillment flexibilities are often not fully appreciated: Some think the teaching service must be completed consecutively. However, the program allows completion within an eight-year window to provide flexibility.
• Many believe that if they do not complete their education program, they instantly fail to meet the TEACH Grant's obligations. In reality, recipients who do not complete their program can still fulfill their service obligation by teaching in an eligible field or re-enrolling in another eligible program.
• Interest accrual misunderstanding: There is a misconception that interest starts to accumulate only if the grant converts to a loan. In fact, interest is backdated to each grant's disbursement date if the grant converts to a loan.
• Lastly, the belief that grant conversion is irreversible persists: If a grant is converted to a loan because of non-fulfillment of the service agreement, it's widely misunderstood that this process cannot be undone. While challenging, under certain conditions, such conversions may, in rare instances, be reconsidered.

Understanding these nuances of the TEACH Grant can help potential recipients make informed decisions about their education funding and career paths. It’s crucial to read and comprehend the terms and conditions of the grant before accepting it, ensuring alignment with career goals and capabilities.

Filling out and using the TEACH Grant form correctly is critical for recipients who wish to benefit from the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program without facing unintended consequences. Here are eight key takeaways for recipients to keep in mind:

• Before completing the TEACH Grant certification form, it's essential to read the entire form thoroughly, including all instructions, definitions, terms and conditions, and important notices found in Sections 4, 5, and 6.
• Recipients must fulfill a teaching service obligation for each academic program for which they received a TEACH Grant. Failure to meet this obligation will result in the TEACH Grant funds being converted into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, which must be repaid with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement.
• To satisfy the service obligation, recipients are required to teach full-time for a total of at least four academic years within eight years after completing or ceasing enrollment in the program for which the TEACH Grant was awarded. The teaching service must meet specific criteria detailed in the Agreement to Serve and Section 6 of the certification form.
• After each academic year of qualified teaching, recipients must provide documentation of their teaching service. This includes completing the relevant sections of the TEACH Grant certification form and obtaining certification from the Chief Administrative Officer at the school or educational service agency where the service was performed.
• If a recipient has not yet begun teaching or has not completed a full academic year of teaching, they must still sign the form to certify their intent to fulfill the service obligation or, if applicable, their re-enrollment in another eligible program of study.
• The form requires detailed information about the recipient's teaching or intended teaching assignment, including the type of school, subject area, and other specifics about the teaching position that align with the TEACH Grant requirements.
• The Chief Administrative Officer or an Authorized Official must complete part of the form to verify the recipient's teaching service or enrollment status in a qualifying program. This verification is crucial for the grant not to be converted into a loan.
• Completed forms must be sent to the U.S. Department of Education's FedLoan Servicing address or fax number provided in Section 7 of the form. Getting assistance with completing the form is available by calling the number listed in the same section.

Understanding these key aspects of the TEACH Grant certification process is essential for recipients to effectively manage their grants and fulfill their service obligations.