Critical Need Reimbursement Program
Delaware Higher Education Office (Delaware Department of Education)
Pays coursework costs for Delaware public school teachers working on an emergency certificate or certificate of eligibility in a critical-need subject.
- How much
- Up to 6 credits (or 2 required seminars/workshops) per year; capped at tuition and fees of Delaware's highest-cost public institution; prorated to funding
- Who qualifies
- Full-time Delaware public/charter school teacher on an Emergency Certificate or Certificate of Eligibility in a critical-need area
- Coursework at a regionally accredited out-of-state college or an approved Alternative Routes to Teacher Licensure and Certification program (as the page and statute state).
- For undergrads, grad students, adults going back to school
- When to apply
- Opens later Three windows a year: Summer term Sept 1-15; Fall/Winter term Feb 1-15; Spring term May 3-17.
- How to apply
- Apply online in the term's window after finishing the coursework: Summer coursework Sept 1-15, Fall/Winter Feb 1-15, Spring May 3-17 (4:30pm)
- Late applications are not accepted
- What you'll need
- state application + transcript
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (education.delaware.gov) and page 2
The details
State tuition reimbursement (14 Del. C. § 3435) for full-time employees of a Delaware district or charter school who teach on a valid Emergency Certificate or Certificate of Eligibility in a critical-need area and take coursework toward standard certification. Up to 2 courses per year (up to 6 credits), or 2 required non-credit seminars/workshops, or 1 seminar plus 1 three-credit course. DHEO pays the college directly after the term; the college reimburses the educator. Course must be passed with a 2.0 (C) or better. Critical-need areas for Summer 2025-Spring 2027: English Learner/Bilingual, Immersion (elementary/world language), middle and secondary math, school nurse, middle and secondary science, special education (all areas), and Skilled and Technical Sciences in construction, culinary/food service and therapeutic services. Awards prorated to funding.
More money from Delaware
- Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship$1,250/year
- Scholarship Incentive Program (ScIP)$1,000/year (undergraduate and graduate awards)
- B. Bradford Barnes Memorial ScholarshipFull tuition, required fees, room, board, and books at the University of Delaware
- Career-Based ScholarshipAmount announced by July 1, 2027 (varies with funding and applicant pool)
- Delaware State Inspire ScholarshipFull tuition for up to 8 semesters
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
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