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.
