WHAT WE DO

The Troops to Teachers program is designed to assist separating or retiring military personnel in pursuing a rewarding second career in public education (elementary, secondary or vocational) while also facilitating employment in public schools. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the U.S. Department of Defense through DANTES, the long term goal of the program is to help improve American education by providing mature, self-disciplined, experienced and dedicated personnel for the nation's classrooms. California school districts are looking to fill teacher shortages in math, science, special education and English classrooms. Other opportunities are sometimes available in elementary, social sciences, vocational and language arts. Employers are showing a great interest in individuals with prior military service who can provide positive role models for the nation's public school students. The program serves as a link between interested military personnel and education related agencies such as: traditional teacher certification programs, alternative certification programs, school districts, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), V.A. offices, and college placement offices. Administration and coordination of the California Troops to Teachers Program is provided by the San Diego County Office of Education.

PARTICIPANT ASSISTANCE

Troops to Teachers provides three types of assistance to qualifying veterans.

• COUNSELING AND ADVICE
  California Troops to Teachers staff members provide individual counseling to participants. The objective of this assistance is to develop a customized plan for each individual to help him/her reach their teaching goals. This includes providing information on how to become a California academic or vocational teacher.

• FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
  For those participants who qualify, up to $10,000 is available in financial assistance. There are two different financial assistance programs.

  STIPEND PROGRAM

  Troops to Teachers will reimburse the costs incurred to earn a teaching credential up to a maximum of $5,000. In return for this assistance, the participant agrees to teach for three years in an economically disadvantaged school district.

  BONUS PROGRAM

  A participant will receive a bonus of $10,000 to teach for three years in a school where 50% or more of the student body are eligible for free or reduced cost lunch programs. The bonus is paid over multiple years.

  MAXIMUM CAP

  There is a $10,000 cap on the amount any one individual may receive from Troops to Teachers. The above two programs may be combined, however no more than a total of $10,000 will be paid to an individual participant.

• PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE AND COUNSELING

  This help comes in three different forms.

  Job Listings

  In California, most school districts participate in a common job bank called edjoin.org. Assistance is provided in how to best utilize this tool. Additional job search tools and techniques are also shared.

  Network Building

  Staff members visit school districts to build a network of administrators who are aware of the special talent gained when TTT participants are hired. This network building also identifies what subjects the school districts are currently seeking to hire.

  Interview Preparation

  Teacher job interviews are unlike most other meetings. These interviews can be confusing and frustrating to mid-career changers such as TTT participants. Staff members assist participants in preparing for these interviews through counseling, video, and written study guides.

Please note that Troops to Teachers does NOT hire anyone or guarantee jobs!