Time Sensitive: Action Required by Oct. 23 for TEACH Grant Eligibility
On Friday, September 23, the U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to the presidents of certain institutions that are eligible for TEACH grants, announcing a change in eligibility requirements. If you are at one of these institutions, a response must be filed with the Department within 30 days of the letter – meaning by October 23.
Previously, institutions could offer the grants if their programs held either (a) specialized accreditation awarded through a Department-recognized agency or (b) state approval plus a requirement of at least 10 weeks of full-time preservice clinical experience and pedagogical course work. The letter (see PDF) explains that effective September 22, the Department no longer recognizes any national accreditor for educator preparation programs, eliminating option (a) as a qualifier for eligibility.
All institutions that received the letter must notify the Department which of three options they now choose:
- Demonstrate state approval (and related criteria)
- Request an 18-month extension of provisional certification (maintaining eligibility while the institution pursues requirements)
- Withdraw from the TEACH grant program
These options are explained in detail in the letter. The Department also outlines what to expect for TEACH grant disbursement under each option.
Attached to the letter are a response form and step-by-step instructions to update the institution’s “E-App” – the electronic application to participate in federal student financial aid programs. Both the response form and any E-App updates must be filed by October 23.
All institutions that received this letter must take action within the 30-day window. For questions about the requirements and TEACH grant eligibility, contact CaseTeams@ed.gov.
Tags: accreditation, federal issues, funding
