Teaching Troops to Serve in a New Way
Learn more about Augusta University's Troops to Teachers program
Continue ReadingTroops to Teachers was established in 1993 to assist transitioning service members and veterans in beginning new careers as K-12 school teachers in public, charter, and Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. The program provides counseling and referral services for participants to help them meet education and licensing requirements to teach and subsequently helps them secure a teaching position. Since 1993, more than 21,000 veterans have successfully transitioned to a career in education.
Since inception, oversight and funding have been shared between the Departments of Defense and Education. The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2013 transferred program policy funding and oversight responsibilities back to the Department of Defense. The Troops to Teachers Program Office is located within the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), a component of the Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA). The Program Office is responsible for day-to-day operations and management of the program.
All current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces may participate in the program for counseling and employment facilitation services.
Those who meet certain education, military service and application requirements may also be eligible for TTT financial assistance of up to $10K to support their transition to the classroom. Requirements vary, but program application within three years after retirement or separation from service is required for many members.
Financial assistance in the form of a stipend or a bonus may be available to participants who meet military service, education and application requirements and have an honorable discharge if separated or retired. Additional conditions and restrictions apply.
Military service requirements to receive financial assistance include:
Honorable character of service if separated or retired
Any member who, on or after October 1, 1999, becomes entitled to retired or retainer pay (must apply within three years of retirement date)
Any member who has an approved date of retirement that is within one year after the date on which the member submits an application to participate in the program
Any member who, on or after January 8, 2002, is retired or separated for physical disability (must apply within three years of retirement or separation date)
Any member who has been transferred to the Retired Reserve
Any member who, on or after January 8, 2002, has completed a total of at least six years of active duty service, six years of reserve service and signs a reserve commitment agreement for a period of not less than three years (must apply within three years of active duty separation date)
Any member who, on or after January 8, 2002, is separated or released from active duty after four or more years of continuous active duty immediately before the separation or release and signs a reserve commitment agreement for a period of not less than three years (must apply within three years of active duty separation date)
Stipends:
Stipends of up to $5,000 may be available for eligible participants to assist with obtaining the required education level, teacher certification, and licensing.
Must be enrolled in an accredited institution that will result in licensure as a full-time teacher.
Commit to full time teaching in an eligible or high need school for a period of three years.
If not retired or discharged due to service-connected physical disability, must commit to serve three years in reserves.
A participant may not receive a stipend if eligible for chapter 33 (Post 9/11) benefits.
Learn more about Augusta University's Troops to Teachers program
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