The Department of Education ensures equal access to education and promotes educational excellence through coordination, management and accountability in Federal education programs. The Department works to supplement and complement educational efforts on all levels, encouraging increased involvement by the public, parents and students.
This program was created by the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007; it will begin operation on July 1, 2008. The Department of Education estimates that FY 2008 funding will support awards to 31,000 students.
Uses and Use Restrictions
See institutional and student eligibility requirements listed below.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Undergraduate and graduate students completing coursework or other requirements necessary to begin a career in teaching.
Students must attend an institution of higher education that provides high-quality teacher preparation and professional development services; is financially sound; provides, or assists in the provision, of pedagogical coursework; and provides, or assists in the provision, of supervision and support services to teachers.
Beneficiary Eligibility
This program was created by the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Public Law 110-84; it will begin operation on July 1, 2008. Students must have a grade-point-average (GPA) comparable to a 3.25 on a scale of zero to 4.0, except that, if the student is in the first year of undergraduate education, the grade point average is determined based on the student's cumulative secondary school grade point average. A student applying for a grant to obtain a graduate degree must be a teacher or a retiree from another occupation with expertise in a field in which there is a shortage of teachers; grants for graduate education may also be obtained by a student who is or was a teacher who is pursuing high-quality alternative certification. In addition, students must sign an agreement to serve under which they agree to serve as a full-time teacher for not less than four years within eight years of completing the course of study for which they received a TEACH Grant. Service must be performed at a school serving a primarily disadvantaged population and must be in one of the following fields: mathematics, science, a foreign language, bilingual education, special education, as a reading specialist, or in another field documented as high-need. Students must also agree to provide evidence of qualifying employment upon completion of each year of service. Failure to complete these service requirements results in the student's TEACH Grants being treated as Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, with interest accrued from the date of award. Students must also sign a statement of educational purpose, not owe a refund on a Title IV grant, and not be in default on a Title IV loan. Eligible males that are at least 18 years old and born after December 31, 1959, can receive aid only if they have registered with the Selective Service.
Credentials/Documentation
This program is exempted from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No.
A-102.
Application Procedures
Students must complete a FAFSA, complete an agreement to serve and submit it to the Department of Education. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.
Award Procedures
Institutions act as disbursing agents for the Department of Education. The institution that the student attends disburses the TEACH Grants based on the enrollment status of the student.
Deadlines
Contact the program office for deadlines.
Authorization
Higher Education Act of 1965, Title IV, Part A, Subpart 9, as amended.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Approximately 2 to 4 weeks.
Appeals
To be determined in regulation.
Renewals
Students who have applied in the previous award year must continue to meet all eligibility requirements and reaffirm their intention to fulfill the service requirements before obtaining subsequent grants.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Students are limited to one TEACH Grant during an academic year. Funds for these grants will likely be disbursed at least twice during an academic year.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Institutions will be required to furnish reports, periodically, on the disbursement of funds, as well as furnish any other reports the Secretary requires.
Students must affirm each year that they intend to fulfill their service requirements and submit a certification for each year of required service.
Audits
Annual audits will be made.
Records
All records pertaining to the eligibility of each TEACH Grant recipient and all fiscal management records must be maintained by the institution for a period of three years or until an acceptable audit has been completed, whichever is later. Selected students will have the information on their applications verified.
Financial Information
Account Identification
91-0206-0-1-502.
Obigations
FY 07 $0; FY 08 est $86,000,000; and FY 09 est not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Grants are up to a maximum of $4,000, and are reduced in proportion to the degree to which a student is in attendance less than full-time. In combination with other Federal student aid, awards may not exceed a student's cost of education. Average award: est $2,774 in FY 2008.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
This program was created by the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007; it will begin operation on July 1, 2008. Regulations and guidance are under development.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Federal Student Aid Information Center. Telephone: (800) 433-3243. Regional Director, Federal Student Aid, the Director of Financial Aid at the institution the student wishes to attend, high school guidance counselors, or directors of State agencies.
Headquarters Office
Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (800) 433-2343.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
None.
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