Finances
The Rio Grande Valley is consistently ranked as one of the most economical places to live in the United States, and a teacher's salary certainly provides a comfortable lifestyle here (starting salary is $32,000-45,000). For instance, a ticket to the movies will cost about about $8.50 and a breakfast taco is just $1.30. Gasoline is often considerably cheaper here than in most other places in the United States as well (about $1.90/gallon in November 2015). Rent will depend on your community but is generally between $300-550 depending on location and type of housing.
We realize that for many corps members one of the most stressful aspects of joining TFA-RGV is the financial transition. We've included resources here to help ease your transition, including information about our Need-Based Transitional Grants and Loans, which are meant to help cover some of the costs corps members incur over the summer while waiting for a their first paycheck (most corps members receive their first paycheck at the end of September). Last year 64% of our corps applied for and received transitional funding awards totaling $5.5 million in grants and $8.2 million in zero-interest loans.
Transitional Grants and Loans
Applications for Transitional Grants and Loans (TGL) are set for each deadline. It's imperative that you review the guidelines ahead of time and apply by the deadline for your group. Please make not that transitional funding is not only for moving costs but for costs associated with your transition into Teach For America RGV but please review more information about TGL here. You can apply in the Applicant Portal (where you applied for and accepted your offer to join TFA).
We realize that for many corps members one of the most stressful aspects of joining TFA-RGV is the financial transition. We've included resources here to help ease your transition, including information about our Need-Based Transitional Grants and Loans, which are meant to help cover some of the costs corps members incur over the summer while waiting for a their first paycheck (most corps members receive their first paycheck at the end of September). Last year 64% of our corps applied for and received transitional funding awards totaling $5.5 million in grants and $8.2 million in zero-interest loans.
Transitional Grants and Loans
Applications for Transitional Grants and Loans (TGL) are set for each deadline. It's imperative that you review the guidelines ahead of time and apply by the deadline for your group. Please make not that transitional funding is not only for moving costs but for costs associated with your transition into Teach For America RGV but please review more information about TGL here. You can apply in the Applicant Portal (where you applied for and accepted your offer to join TFA).
Transitional Grant/Loan Deadlines |
1st/2nd Groups |
3rd Group |
4th Group |
5th Group |
6th Group |
Access to Application |
9/29 |
11/1 |
1/9 |
2/9 |
3/16 |
Notification Day (TGL award status, if applicant submitted by DL for notification - above) |
11/4 |
12/9 |
2/10 |
3/17 |
4/21 |
Final Deadline for application |
12/8 |
1/19 |
3/23 |
4/20 |
5/4 |
School Loan Forgiveness
Read more bout the federal guidelines for school loan forgiveness.
Budgeting Summer budgeting is important for a successful transition into TFA RGV. Please read over our summer budgeting best practices here.
Read more bout the federal guidelines for school loan forgiveness.
Budgeting Summer budgeting is important for a successful transition into TFA RGV. Please read over our summer budgeting best practices here.
Item |
Cost |
# of payments due before first paycheck |
Summer Total |
Housing |
$451 |
3 |
$1358 |
Food |
$75 |
2 months/8 weeks |
$600 |
Gas |
$40 |
2months/8 weeks |
$320 |
Cellphone |
$60 |
3 |
$180 |
Electricity |
$70 |
3 *Some companies require a deposit of $100=250 |
$210 |
Deposits |
$450 |
One Time Fee |
$450 |
Travel To Induction |
$366 |
Value |
$366 |
Travel to/from Institute |
$120 |
Value |
$120 |
Furniture |
Greatly Varies |
||
Professional Clothing |
$200 |
Value |
$200 |
Certification Tests |
$132 |
Depending on your content you may take from 1 to 3 exams |
$240 |
Travel To Tests |
$50 |
1 |
$50 |
Health Insurance |
$50 |
3 (if you are not already covered) |
$150 |
Alternative Certification Program Application Fee |
$40 |
1 |
$75 |
Probationary Certificate |
$52 |
1 |
$52 |
Fingerprinting |
$57 |
1 |
$57 |
TB Test |
$25 |
1 |
$20 |
Total |
$4448 |