Before going after the grants, determine the required teacher training for your teaching job. Early childhood education--pre-kindergarten--requirements vary from state to state but Head Start programs will require an associate's degree in 2011. Community colleges offer Early Childhood Education certificates as well as associate's degrees.
Kindergarten through high school, or K-12, requires a bachelor's degree as well as a teaching credential. Kindergarten through grade 6 or 7 in the United States requires a multiple subject primary credential. Teaching grade 7 or 8 through high school requires a single subject secondary credential. Bachelor's degrees and teaching credentials must be obtained from public or private colleges or universities.
Pell Grants can cover the costs of a community college education. The amount granted is based on need, school costs and full- or part-time status. The maximum award changes year to year. The current maximum is $5,350 a year. The average cost of one year at a community college, according to U.S. News & World Report October 2009, was $2,544. Pell Grants can cover the cost of an associate's degree at a community college.
Pell Grants can continue to offer support during undergraduate and credential programs but the cost of public or private college or university usually exceeds the maximum amount. According to CollegeScholarships.org, "Today, few students are able to simply foot the bill for a college education." Pell grants can supplement the costs of the four years plus the credential program at a public or private college, which average from $10,000 to $20,000 a year.
Commit to teach at schools that enroll low-income students after you receive your credential and you can receive up to $4,000 a year. According to StudentAid.Ed.gov, "through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families."
Take care when applying for grants. Put your best foot forward just as you would in an interview by having someone you trust look over your application, cover letter or essay. Make sure your application is complete and correct so the first impression you make shows your sincere determination and serious intent.
Believe in yourself and your ability to complete your education. Find someone in the financial aid office you feel comfortable working with and never give up on your goal of becoming a teacher.