The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 provides funding for Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education through the TEACH grant program. Students receive up to $4,000 per year in exchange for teaching at a public or private high-needs elementary or secondary school. They must also agree to teach full-time in a teacher shortage field like math, science, technology or reading. Student scholarship recipients need to be working towards a degree that includes coursework leading to certification in the subject in which they plan to teach. All applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled as students in an accredited post-secondary school that participates in the TEACH program. Completion of a FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is also required.
(800) 433-3243
studentaid.ed.gov/
The Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has made scholarship funds for prospective teachers available through the Teacher Quality Partnership Grant program. The purpose of this funding is to allow states to promote better teacher preparation through higher education, support for new teachers, for teacher preparation programs, and for recruitment of teachers in high needs subject areas. Over $43 million was released to states in 2009 to place teachers in residency programs and provide scholarships for teachers in shortage areas that include math, science, and reading. The program pays teachers a stipend in exchange for three years of teaching in a partnering high-needs school. Each state's Department of Education allocates its share of the money, making it available through state grants and through partnerships with colleges and universities, who use their share to provide students with scholarships, place them in teaching positions, and prepare them for teaching through certification.
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
(800) 872-5327
http://ed.gov/
Teach for America programs are another alternative path to teacher licensure, especially for those pursuing a second career path. These are state-run programs, funded by the federal government in the form of scholarships and teaching stipends. The purpose is to encourage teachers to work in high-needs areas, usually large cities with high rates of poverty. Identified teaching shortage areas include math, science, special education, and reading. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 2.50, be U.S. tax-paying citizens, and have permanent U.S. residency. Teacher preparation programs work toward licensure or certification. In exchange for funding, and sometimes a stipend, students must agree to teach in high-poverty schools across the country. Each state's Department of Education administers their Teach for America funds a little differently--check with your state for details.
Teach For America
315 West 36th Street
7th Floor
New York, NY 10018
(800) 832-1230
teachforamerica.org/