How to Apply for Teaching Grants for College

There will always be a great need for wonderful teachers in this country. The government and school boards alike seek out new ways to encourage and entice individuals to become teachers. There are even grants specifically for teachers that you can get while in college. If you are low on funds for tuition and education is your major, you want to see if a teaching grant is right for you. Here is how you can apply for teaching grants at the school of your choice.

Instructions

1. Fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This should be sent in as early as the first day of January of the year you wish to attend school, but it should be done no later than the end of June. The earlier you can send in the application, the more opportunities for money to come your way. The website is listed under the Resources section.

2. Ask your school guidance counselor for help. Explain to her that teaching is your goal. She will likely be able to give you leads that others in the school have used. She has the resources to search for other ways that will help you.

3. Consult the organization Teachers Count. The website to this group is listed in our Resources section. It will show you how to apply for many grants and scholarships available to you for your teaching career and professional development.

4. Apply for a work-study grant program at your school. Teachers must do student teaching at the end of their education degree. Yet, it is possible to get started in the classroom early. Ask about assistant teaching to help pay your way. Many teaching colleges have programs like this to help the student get a leg up in classroom experience while providing a valuable service and earning tuition money.

5. Apply for a grant from the National Education Association. This will give you a great grant if approved, and it will also look very impressive on future job applications.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask for help. Being a student is a time in life when it's alright to be needy. The counselors in your school are paid to help you.

• Don't apply for grants that you don't qualify for. Lying can lead to serious consequences when it comes to financial aid.

Resources

• FAFSA
• Teachers Count
• National Educaton Association