Troops to Teachers (TTT) 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 100,000 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 National Office, located within DANTES, the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support, is responsible for day-to-day operations and management of the program. The Troops to Teachers program was sunset on 1 October 2020, but the program was reauthorized via the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  Although the program was reauthorized, funding to restart operations has not been received.  To ensure you are notified once program funding has been received, please complete the "Program Interest Form".

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.

Bonus:

The maximum amount of financial assistance provided to eligible TTT participants may not exceed $10,000.

Vision

Every service member interested in a career in teaching will receive assistance to transition his or her leadership, training, and core values to teaching in kindergarten through grade twelve schools.

Mission

• Assist transitioning Service members with meeting the requirements necessary to become teachers

• Assist program participants with finding employment as a teacher when eligible

Goals

• Reduce Veteran unemployment

• Improve American education by providing motivated, experienced, and dedicated personnel for the nation's classrooms

• Increase the number of male and minority teachers in today's classrooms

• Address teacher shortage issues in K-12 schools that serve low-income families and in the critical subjects - math, science, special education, foreign language, and career-technical education.

Process:

Application Submission: Troops to Teachers can assist you in your transition to a teaching career in K-12 public education. The first step to begin this life-changing mission is to complete and submit the Troops to Teachers online application - Applications are not being accepted at this time.

Individualized Counseling : The Troops to Teachers National Office is available to assist participants with counseling and navigating state requirements for eligible members of the Armed Forces to become a teacher in an eligible or high need school.

Teacher Certification : There are two routes to teacher certification, traditional and alternative.

For more information about the program including job referrals, resources, certifications, and job listings, please see the TTT website maintained by the Department of Defense: https://www.dantes.mil/ttt/


For additional information contact the state(s) you have an interest in at:
https://www.facebook.com/TTT.DANTES/