Troops and spouses still needed as teachers

  • Published
  • By Meryl Kettler
  • Texas Troops to Teachers Coordinator
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  In response to the continuing teacher shortage, Troops to Teachers 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. TTT 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, financial aid is available. An applicant can receive up to $5000 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 targeting spouses of active duty personnel, and drilling status guard and reserve members.

The Spouses to Teachers program is an advisement service to counsel with spouses about their best options for becoming teachers. Since that time, our Texas office has worked with over 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.

Those interested in finding out more about Troops to Teachers and Spouses to Teachers are invited to a "Teaching as a Second Career Seminar" on July 25. The event, hosted by the Education Service Center, will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Professional Development Center, Bldg. 832.

Meryl Kettler, the state TTT/STT coordinator, will present information and answer questions about the programs and processes involved in becoming a teacher.