The Troops to Teachers vision is that “Every service member interested in a career in teaching will receive assistance to transition his or her leadership, training and core values to teaching in kindergarten through grade 12 schools.”
Current or former members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, including reserve and Guard, who have an interest in teaching are eligible for the Troops to Teachers program.
Depending on certain education, service and application requirements, some may also be eligible for financial assistance to support the transition to the classroom.
“The goal ultimately is for Troops to Teachers to help that military member easily finish completing the courses they need and get the certification,” said Shonte Gonzalez, 88th Air Base Wing community readiness specialist. “By having a coordinator that you can talk to face to face, one on one in Columbus, it makes it easier to transition and smoothly go into that program.”
The first step to getting involved in the program is to apply. After one is accepted, individual counseling is offered to help navigate state requirements. There are 31 state offices that provide this counseling. If a state doesn't have an office, services can also be provided through the Troops to Teachers program office. Once those two steps are accomplished, then begins the process of achieving a teacher certification. For a list of state offices, visit www.proudtoserveagain.com/About/Process.
Since 1993, Troops to Teachers has placed more than 20,000 veterans in teaching jobs in public, charter and Bureau of Indian Affairs schools.
To apply, get more information or to read about Troops to Teachers success stories, visit www.proudtoserveagain.com.
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