FORT BENNING, Ga., (May 22, 2013) -- Veterans and military members preparing to transition out of the service interested in pursuing a career as a teacher can attend a seminar here June 11.
The 90-minute seminar starts at 9 a.m. in either classroom W108 or W110 of McGinnis-Wickam Hall and is part of the Troops to Teachers program, a Department of Defense program intended to assist eligible men and women who have served the nation as members of the armed forces and are now seeking second careers as teachers in America's public schools.
Bill Kirkland, the Southeast Regional Director of TTT, said the seminar will focus on an overview of teachers' salaries in Georgia, registering with TTT, eligibility requirements, application procedures, funding, teacher certification options and requirements and information about job hunting.
"We've assisted over 14,000 people, and we've found that they bring a great deal into the classroom," he said. "The work ethic, the life skills they've learned in the military, the leadership skills and the counseling skills make them exceptional teachers."
TTT can provide up to $5,000 to cover the cost of obtaining a teaching certificate, in addition to a bonus of up to $10,000 if the newly certified teacher chooses to teach at a high-needs school, which is any middle or elementary school where at least 50 percent of its students are eligible for free or reduced lunches.
A high school is classified as high needs if at least 40 percent of its students are eligible for free or reduced lunches.
However, if the teacher uses the full $5,000 of certification assistance, the bonus would only be $5,000, as each participant can receive a maximum of $10,000.
In order to be eligible for TTT, Soldiers or veterans must have at least four years of active-duty service, six years as a drilling reservist or have been medically separated.
Participants must also have either a four-year degree or at least 24 semester hours along with high school vocational classes.
Kirkland said TTT provides a valuable service not only to veterans and Soldiers, but also to public schools, as the teachers that the program provides are ideally suited for the classroom.
"First of all, when people ask me what a teacher makes, my first comment is to say that teachers make a difference," Kirkland said. "Veterans are used to making a difference with their lives. They're used to the sacrifice that comes with making a difference. With a noncommissioned officer or officer, a big part of their job is motivating, training and counseling.
"A person who comes out of the service after 20 years is a proven commodity. They've been tested and tested. They come out a quality person, or else they wouldn't have lasted that long. Military personnel don't work to a clock. They work to a mission, and they're used to hard work, which teaching can be."
While TTT will assist its participants with finding a job, it is unable to guarantee employment.
"We'll work with them, and help them to identify where the opportunities and vacancies are, but the job itself boils down to the individual being certified in the right subject and an interview with the principal," Kirkland said.
"The principals actually do the hiring, but our experience has been that they love to get military folks in the classroom, so if the teacher is certified, there's usually not an issue."
Each participant in TTT is able to choose which certification option is best for them, whether it be a four-year college or a nontraditional program.
Participants choose the subject they wish to become certified in.
While spouses are not eligible for the program, Kirkland said they are welcome to attend if they are searching for a job as a teacher.
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