In 2007 congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program that provides grants up to $4,000 per year to students who are interested in teaching in a school district with students from low-income families. In order to receive this grant, you must agree to teach for 4 years in a low-income school district. If this has not been accomplished within 8 years of graduating, the grant will have to be paid back to the US Department of Education as a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.
To receive a TEACH Grant you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), be a US Citizen, be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student that has chosen to participate in the TEACH program, be working toward a degree plan necessary to begin a career in teaching, and maintain a grade point average of at least 3.25.
The National Institute for Labor Relations Research, a non-profit research facility dedicated to fighting compulsory unionism, provides a a $1,000 grant available to graduate or undergraduate students majoring in education.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential for successful completion of an education program and a successful application for a teaching license. You must also submit a transcript of grades which is heavily weighed. Lastly, you will need to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of voluntary unionism and the problems of compulsory unionism in relation to education by writing an original essay of approximately 500 words.
The American Federation of Teachers reports two different loan-forgiveness programs offered by the federal government for aspiring teachers. These grants are given to students who have taken a Stafford or Perkins loan while enrolled as an undergraduate student in the field of education. Upon graduation, if you work in a low income district or a high need subject area, a percentage of your loans will be forgiven each year up to $17,500. The AFT website, or your state education website has a list available of high need districts or subject areas in your community.