Troops and spouses still needed as teachers

  • Published
  • By Meryl Kettler
  • Texas Troops to Teachers Coordinator
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  One of the most daunting tasks when separating or retiring is finding a career after the Air Force.

But, a national organization is looking to take some military members to school on the subject with the Troops to Teachers Program. A "Teaching as a Second Career" seminar to educate possible candidates is scheduled for July 25 at the Airman Professional Development Center in Bldg. 832. The seminar is from 9-11 a.m.

The Texas TTT coordinator will present information and answer questions about the programs and processes involved in becoming a teacher.

In response to the continuing teacher shortage, TTT is actively seeking veterans with bachelor's degrees who are already retired, or those who will be retiring within the next year, and who want to begin a career in teaching.

Degreed Reservists and National Guard members in drilling status may also qualify for TTT, if they meet certain length of service requirements. Troops to Teachers offers advisement to all veterans who want to enter the public school classroom, with information tailored to each individual's specific situation.

For certain candidates, there is also financial aid available. An applicant can receive up to $5,000 to pay for a teacher certification program. Or, if participants teach on a high-needs campus, they could receive $10,000 as a bonus.

Texas participants have received over $2 million in stipend and bonus funds over the last four years.

In addition to reaching out to military retirees, Texas is also very active in the Spouses to Teachers Program. In September 2004, the Department of Defense began an initiative targeted at the spouses of active duty personnel and drilling status Guard and Reserve members. The STT program is an advisement service to counsel spouses about their best options for becoming teachers.

Since that time, the Texas office has worked with more than 1,400 military spouses seeking certification. In addition to advisement, STT provides a reimbursement fund to repay a spouse for the costs of teacher certification examinations.