Article Structure
The TEACH Grant form serves as a vital document for individuals seeking to benefit from the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program. This program is designed to provide financial assistance to students who are preparing to become teachers in high-need fields. When filling out the form, recipients must provide personal identification details such as their Social Security number, address, and contact information to ensure the U.S. Department of Education can accurately track their application. The form includes critical sections where recipients acknowledge their understanding of teaching service obligations, including the necessity to teach full-time for at least four academic years within eight years of completing their program. Recipients who do not fulfill this service requirement will have their TEACH Grant funds converted into federal loans, which will need to be repaid, along with interest. The second section of the form asks recipients to certify their teaching status and to provide evidence about where they have taught or intend to fulfill their obligations. Importantly, verification of employment by a Chief Administrative Officer or an authorized official from the educational institution is also required. Overall, the TEACH Grant form is not just a bureaucratic requirement; it represents a commitment to shaping future generations and addressing teacher shortages in underserved communities.
Teach Grant Example
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
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Name |
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City |
State |
Zip |
Email (Optional) |
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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
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
Mathematics |
Science |
Foreign Language |
Bilingual Education |
English Language Acquisition |
Special Education |
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Reading Specialist |
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Other
(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 |
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(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
(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
to
at the eligible
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 |
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(Name of Institution) in an eligible program, as defined in Section 5 during the academic period from date |
to date |
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Telephone |
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Chief Administrative Officer/Authorized Official's Name and Title (Printed) |
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Today's Date |
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Chief Administrative Officer/Authorized Official's Signature |
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SECTION 4: GENERAL INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS
•Type or print using dark ink. Enter dates as
•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
years (excluding summer sessions) that generally fall within a
•An authorized official who may complete Section 3 is an official of the school at which you are/were enrolled in a TEACH
•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
•A
(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
•A school or educational service agency serving
•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
•A full time teacher is a teacher who meets the standard used by a State in defining
•The
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
•At a school or educational service agency serving
•In a
•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
•If you received a TEACH Grant but did not complete your program of study, within one year of ceasing enrollment you must
program, begin creditable teaching service or be determined eligible for a suspension of your
•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
•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
or Fax to:
If you need help completing this form, call:
Form Characteristics
| Fact Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Title | Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program |
| Identification Requirement | Applicants must provide their Social Security Number, address, and other personal information in Section 1. |
| Service Obligation | Recipients must teach full-time for four academic years within eight years of completing their program. |
| Conversion Clause | If the service obligation is not fulfilled, TEACH Grant funds convert to Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, which must be repaid. |
| Certification Requirement | Documentation of teaching service must be submitted to the TEACH Grant servicer after completing each year of teaching. |
| Re-enrollment Condition | If not completed, recipients must re-enroll in an eligible program within one year to avoid conversion of the grant to a loan. |
Guidelines on Utilizing Teach Grant
Completing the TEACH Grant Certification form is a significant step in ensuring compliance with grant terms and maintaining your funding without future conversion to loans. Once filled out accurately, this form must be submitted promptly to avoid complications regarding your TEACH Grant service obligation.
- Begin with SECTION 1. Enter your social security number, address, primary and alternate telephone numbers, your name, city, state, zip code, and optional email address.
- Proceed to SECTION 2. Read the instructions carefully before certifying your understanding of the teaching service obligations. Sign and date the form indicating that the information you provided is true and correct.
- In SECTION 3, have your Chief Administrative Officer or authorized official certify your teaching service. They should fill in the relevant dates, school name, and confirm your role as a full-time teacher.
- If necessary, check the boxes that apply to your particular situation regarding current employment or enrollment in a TEACH Grant-eligible program.
- Review SECTION 4 for general information and instructions on how to properly fill out the form using dark ink and correct date format.
- Consult SECTION 5 for definitions and ensure your responses align with the terms used in the grant language.
- Finally, in SECTION 7, prepare to send your completed form. Address it to the U.S. Department of Education at the provided mailing address or fax it to the specified number.
What You Should Know About This Form
What is the TEACH Grant and how does it work?
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides financial assistance to students who plan to pursue a career in teaching. To qualify, recipients must agree to teach in high-need fields at low-income schools for at least four academic years. If the teaching service obligation is not fulfilled, the grant converts into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan that must be repaid with interest.
What information do I need to provide on the TEACH Grant form?
On the TEACH Grant form, you must provide personal information, including your name, Social Security Number, address, and contact details. You will also need to confirm your understanding of your obligations regarding the teaching service and complete the necessary sections for certification by your Chief Administrative Officer if you have completed your teaching service.
What are the requirements for fulfilling the teaching service obligation?
To meet your teaching service obligation, you must teach full-time for at least four academic years within eight years of completing your TEACH Grant-funded program. Your teaching must occur at a low-income school in a high-need field, such as mathematics, science, or special education, among others. Additionally, more than half of the classes you teach must be in one or more high-need fields.
What if I do not complete the required four years of teaching?
If you fail to complete the required four years of teaching within the specified eight-year allocation, all funds received as a TEACH Grant will convert into Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. You will be obligated to repay the full amount, along with interest accrued from the date of each grant disbursement.
How do I document my teaching service?
After completing each year of your required teaching service, you must provide documentation to your TEACH Grant servicer. This involves submitting the necessary information and obtaining certification from the Chief Administrative Officer of the school or educational service agency where you taught, confirming that you met the teaching requirements.
What should I do if I am not currently teaching?
If you are not currently teaching, you must certify your intent to satisfy your service obligation by checking the appropriate box on the form and signing it. If you need to attend another eligible program of study, an authorized official must complete relevant sections of the form to confirm your enrollment.
What happens if I change schools or experience gaps in my teaching?
If you change schools or have gaps in your teaching service, you must still ensure that your overall teaching meets the required four years within the eight-year period. If needed, you can combine teaching experiences at different eligible schools to fulfill your service obligation. Each site may require a separate certification form.
Who can certify my teaching service?
Your Chief Administrative Officer, such as a principal or superintendent, has the authority to certify your teaching service. They will complete the appropriate section of the form, confirming that you taught as a highly-qualified teacher for the required duration and in an eligible low-income school or educational service agency.
How do I submit the completed TEACH Grant certification form?
After completing the form, you should return it along with any attachments to the U.S. Department of Education, specifically FedLoanServicing, at the address provided in the form. Alternatively, you can send it by fax. Make sure to keep copies of your submission for your records.
Common mistakes
Filling out the TEACH Grant form can seem daunting, but being aware of common mistakes can help ensure a smoother application process. One prevalent error is not providing accurate identification information in Section 1. It is crucial to double-check your Social Security Number (SSN), name, and address. A simple typo in any of these details can delay processing or lead to confusion about your identity.
Another mistake frequently made is skipping the reading of Sections 4, 5, and 6, which contain essential instructions and definitions. Ignoring these sections may lead to misunderstandings about eligibility requirements, especially concerning what constitutes qualifying teaching service. Taking a few moments to read these sections thoroughly can save you from potentially significant issues later on.
In Section 2, recipients must confirm their understanding of the service obligation. Some applicants fail to check the correct boxes regarding their teaching status. For instance, not indicating whether you are currently teaching or have completed a year of teaching can lead to automatic denials. Ensure that these sections reflect your current situation accurately.
Failing to provide complete documentation is another common pitfall. After completing required teaching years, recipients must submit proper proof, including the documentation requested in Item A along with certification from the Chief Administrative Officer. Incomplete submissions may slow down the review process considerably.
Particularly for those who move between different educational institutions, not listing the correct school name or address can be a significant error. Ensure you provide the exact name of the school or educational service agency at which you taught. Moreover, clarity about the school's location, including city and zip code, is paramount.
When indicating the courses taught, it’s essential to check all fields that apply. Many recipients mistakenly underreport the content areas, which can lead to complications when verifying qualifications in high-need fields. Reviewing the high-need fields can help ensure all applicable subjects are included.
Additionally, some recipients neglect to sign the form, which may lead to automatic rejection. Always review the form for your signature before submission. This basic step is often overlooked, yet it is critical in the process.
Monitoring timelines can also be tricky. Some people miscalculate the eight-year window allowed for completing their service obligations. Not adhering to this timeline could lead to the conversion of the grant into a loan, which can bring about financial burdens later on.
Finally, the failure to return the completed form to the correct address can delay processing. Double-check the return information in Section 7 to ensure you are sending your form to U.S. Department of Education at the right P.O. Box or fax number.
Documents used along the form
To ensure a smooth process when applying for or managing your Teach Grant, several essential documents may accompany the Teach Grant form. These documents serve to provide necessary information and confirm eligibility, ensuring that all requirements are met.
- Agreement to Serve: This document outlines your commitment to fulfill the teaching service obligation in exchange for receiving the TEACH Grant. It specifies the required duration and conditions under which the grant must be repaid if obligations are not met.
- Certification of Teaching Service: Required upon completion of teaching service, this document confirms the number of years served and the status as a highly-qualified teacher in a designated low-income school or agency.
- Enrollment Verification Form: This form is used to confirm your enrollment in an eligible TEACH Grant program. It must be completed by an authorized official from the institution where you are enrolled.
- Loan Repayment Information: This document outlines the terms and procedures for repaying any federal loans incurred if the TEACH Grant is converted due to unmet service obligations.
- Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): The FAFSA is essential for determining your financial aid eligibility. It may be required if you seek additional assistance beyond the TEACH Grant.
- Proof of Employment: This documentation is necessary to verify your employment as a teacher in a qualifying position. It includes paystubs, letters of employment, or other official confirmations from your school or agency.
- High-Need Field Verification: This form confirms that you are teaching in a specific high-need field as designated by the Department of Education, affirming your eligibility for the TEACH Grant.
- Letter of Intent: If you are not currently teaching but intend to satisfy your service obligation in the future, a letter stating your intent must be submitted to maintain the terms of the grant.
Understanding these documents is crucial for effectively navigating the requirements associated with the Teach Grant. Each plays a vital role not only in securing financial assistance but also in ensuring that teaching obligations are met and properly documented.
Similar forms
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Direct Subsidized Loan Application - This application details eligibility for loans offered to students who demonstrate financial need. Like the TEACH Grant form, it requires personal identification, school information, and outlines responsibilities regarding repayment and enrollment status.
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Direct Unsubsidized Loan Application - Similar to the TEACH Grant form, this document informs borrowers about their rights and responsibilities. Both forms inquire about enrollment in qualifying programs and necessitate documentation to verify the applicant's current educational status.
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Federal Perkins Loan Application - This application focuses on low-interest loans for students with exceptional financial need. It also involves providing personal information and a certification from an authorized official, mirroring processes seen in the TEACH Grant form.
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Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - The FAFSA collects financial data to determine eligibility for various federal student aid programs. Like the TEACH Grant form, it requires comprehensive personal and educational information and demands accuracy in reporting.
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SCHOLARSHIP Application Forms - These applications often depend on academic performance or financial need, similar to TEACH Grant eligibility criteria. Both forms may involve recommendations and require applicants to disclose their educational goals and plans for future teaching.
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Teacher Loan Forgiveness Application - Much like the TEACH Grant, this application aims to assist teachers in high-need fields. Recipients must document service requirements and confirm their role as educators, ensuring both forms emphasize fulfilling obligation terms.
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State Teaching License Application - This form is essential for obtaining certification to teach in a specific state. Both the TEACH Grant form and the license application demand educational background verification, along with documented teaching experiences, reinforcing the commitment to teaching.
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Teacher Preparation Program Enrollment Verification - This document confirms a student's enrollment in a teacher preparation program. Similar to the TEACH Grant form, it necessitates information from an authorized official regarding the student's eligibility and intent to fulfill educational requirements.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the TEACH Grant form, it is important to pay attention to details to avoid any issues. Here’s a list of what you should and shouldn’t do:
- Do: Carefully read the entire form along with the instructions before completing any sections.
- Do: Ensure that all the information you provide, including your SSN, address, and teaching details, is accurate and complete.
- Do: Keep documentation of your teaching service, as you will need to submit proof after each year of qualifying teaching.
- Do: Sign the form only after verifying that you have completed all required sections.
- Don't: Rush through the form. Skipping details or providing incorrect information can lead to delays or denial of your grant.
- Don't: Forget to check the box indicating your teaching status if you are not currently teaching.
- Don't: Overlook the deadline for submission. Late submissions may result in conversion of your grant to a loan.
- Don't: Submit incomplete paperwork. Ensure your Chief Administrative Officer or Authorized Official has signed where required.
Misconceptions
When it comes to the TEACH Grant program, many people hold misconceptions that can affect their understanding of its requirements and benefits. Let’s clarify some of the most common misunderstandings:
- Misconception 1: You can simply teach for any number of years and still receive the grant without fulfilling specific conditions.
- Misconception 2: The teaching years do not need to be consecutive.
- Misconception 3: You can teach at any school and still qualify for the TEACH Grant.
- Misconception 4: You do not need to submit any documentation after each year of teaching.
It's a common belief that as long as you teach, you qualify for the benefits of the TEACH Grant. However, recipients must fulfill a service obligation which includes teaching full-time for a total of at least four academic years at a low-income school in a high-need subject area. If these conditions aren’t met, the grant will convert to a loan that must be repaid with interest.
Many believe that the required four years of teaching can be spread out over a long period. In reality, you must complete the required teaching within eight years after finishing your program. This means that the four years must be completed within that timeframe, making planning essential.
This is a vital point to understand. Only teaching at schools that serve low-income students qualifies recipients for the TEACH Grant. Therefore, knowing whether your school meets this criterion is crucial before counting your teaching service towards your obligation.
Some might think that once they’ve completed their teaching year, no additional steps are necessary. On the contrary, you must submit a certification form each year to document your teaching service. This is a key step to avoid your grant being converted to a loan, so always stay proactive regarding the documentation.
By addressing these misconceptions, potential TEACH Grant recipients can better navigate the rules and requirements, ensuring they make informed decisions about their education and future teaching careers.
Key takeaways
Here are some key takeaways for filling out and utilizing the TEACH Grant form:
- Make sure to fill in your identification details clearly. Your name, address, and social security number must be accurate.
- Understand your teaching service obligation. You need to complete four years of full-time teaching in a low-income school within eight years after completing your program.
- Document your teaching service. After fulfilling each year of required teaching, submit the necessary documentation and have your school’s Chief Administrative Officer verify it.
- If you are not currently teaching, you must indicate your intent to fulfill your obligation. This requires a check in the appropriate box on the form and your signature.
- After submitting your form, follow the instructions in Sections 4, 5, and 6 carefully, as these areas contain essential information about the program and your responsibilities.
- Pay close attention to deadlines and timelines. Missing the eight-year deadline to complete your service can result in the conversion of the grant to a loan that you will need to repay.
- Return the completed form to the designated address provided in Section 7 to ensure it is processed correctly.
- For any uncertainties or questions about the form, don’t hesitate to call the support line for assistance.
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