 websites, one of the best resources you can use is still a dedicated job search engine.
General job search sites such as Indeed, , and are certainly effective options, but it’s also possible to keep track of local opportunities using specific school jobs websites.
Two of the best options in this category are SchoolSpring, and TopSchoolJobs (lets you filter by state). As with other jobs, you can also use services such as GlassDoor to discover new employment opportunities, as well as find out more about the experiences of teachers who have already taught there.
- 3. Student Financial Aid
As an office of the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid offers more than $150 billion each year to students in need of financial assistance as they progress through their higher education courses.
Whilst there is a certain level of eligibility criteria that you need to pass in order to qualify for federal student aid, in most cases this will simply be proving your enrolment in an eligible degree or certificate program, demonstrate the need for financial assistance, and have a valid social security number.
Non-U.S. Citizens are also considered, but if you’re considering seeking this type of aid, there are a few more guidelines you’ll need to comply with. A full list of eligibility requirements for U.S. and non-U.S. citizens can be found here.
This is also the website you will be directed to if you were to apply for a direct loan through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, where you will be asked to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Screenshot of the Federal Student Aid website
- 4. Federal Pell Grant Program
Whilst federal student aid in the form we mentioned above usually involves a loan, Federal Pell Grants are a type of financial assistance that doesn’t have to be repaid.
The amount offered differs based on your personal circumstances, as well as the circumstances surrounding your school attendance, with the maximum amount awarded changing from year to year.
Usually only awarded to undergraduate students, there is also a limit on how long you can receive funds under the Federal Pell Grant program, which is currently set at 12 semesters.
The Student Financial Aid website can provide more information about the level of payment you may be entitled to, as well as the special circumstances behind the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant.
- 5. Federal Stafford Loan Program
If you choose to go down the route of a Stafford Loan, you will have two options available to you; subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Neither of these are credit-based, and you can currently borrow up to $12,000 per year via an unsubsidized loan, depending on your eligibility.
The interest rate is fixed and no payments need to be made while you are studying at least half-time. By opting for a subsidized loan, the federal government pays the interest, while the interest is left to accrue while you’re in school by choosing the unsubsidized option.
In much the same way as on the Student Financial Aid website and for the Federal Pell Grant, you will need to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
For more information on the application process, eligibility, and current loan interest rates, you can visit the Stafford Loan website.
- 6. State Teaching Requirements
TEACH is a partnership led by Microsoft, State Farm and the U.S. Department of Education. The TEACH website is a great resource for finding out which licensing and certification requirements apply to which US states.
While most certificates require a Bachelor’s Degree as standard, you can also find out how long each certificate is renewable for, as well as whether or not there are specific GPA requirements.
Although Teach.org does provide you with an option to search for teaching jobs in the field of Physical Education, we found many listings to be out of date, so it’s probably best to use a dedicated job search engine, such as our option listed above (number 2 on this list).
TEACH – Teacher Licensing and Certification Requirements
- 7. Praxis II test
