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Current Status of Troops-to-Teachers
Public Law 107-110, the "No Child Left Behind Act of 2001" was
signed into law by President Bush on January 8, 2002. Title II, Part C, Chapter A,
authorizes the continuation of the Troops-to-Teachers Program for an additional
five years. It also modifies the program's focus by placing emphasis upon the
need to make quality teachers available for high-need schools and high-need school
districts throughout America.
Congress passed the Education Appropriations Bill, part of H.R.
3061, which provides $18M for financial assistance and to maintain the network of
Troops to Teachers state offices. Pending availability of funds, financial assistance
may be provided to eligible individuals as stipends up to $5K to help pay for teacher
certification costs or as bonuses of $10K. Stipend and bonus recipients must agree
to teach for three years in school locations that meet certain Department of Education
criteria. The maximum amount of assistance is $10K per person. Specific requirements:
- Stipends of up to $5K are available
to reimburse costs associated with becoming certified to teach.
Recipients of these stipends must agree to teach for three years
in a school located in a "high-need" district.
- Bonuses of $10K are available to those who agree to teach for
three years in a school that serves a high percentage of students
from low-income families.
TTT continues to pursue the goal of helping to relieve teacher shortages,
especially in math, science, special education and other high needs subject
areas, and to assist military personnel in making successful transitions
to second careers in teaching.
The Program Overview
provides basic Troops to Teachers information and links to
application procedures. The Eligibility Criteria
provide information on categories of individuals eligible for financial
assistance. The most significant changes to the eligibility criteria is extending financial assistance to
those within one year of retirement, and to and members of the Guard or
Reserve with at least 10 years of service who agree to an additional three
years of reserve service. See the above link to the Eligibility Criteria
for other active duty and reserve component eligibility categories. Troops
to Teachers will provide Referral and Placement Assistance Services for
those who have at least six years of active duty service on or after
October 1, 1990, and reserve component members who have six years of
service, but do not meet eligibility for financial assistance. These
services include a network of
State Placement Assistance Offices
that provide information regarding certification requirements, programs
leading to certification and assistance in identifying teaching positions.
An Internet Teacher Job Referral service has been established that enables
school district administrators to search the Troops to Teachers database
for potential teacher candidates. Individuals may use this site to search
for job vacancies and post a mini-resume to highlight their background and
experiences. The Job Referral site is at: http://www.jobs2teach.doded.mil.
If
you have any questions or need additional information contact us by e-mail
at:ttt@navy.mil
(06/07/2002).
Baton Rouge, Louisiana - 1.800.761.3012
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