Troops to Teachers Program

Troops to Teachers (TTT) was established in 1994 as a Department of Defense program. The National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2000 transferred the responsibility for program oversight and funding to the U.S. Department of Education but continued operation by the Department of Defense. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 provides for the continuation of the TTT Program. TTT is managed by the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), Pensacola, Florida.

Reflecting the focus of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the primary objective of TTT is to help recruit quality teachers for schools that serve students from low-income families throughout America. TTT helps relieve teacher shortages, especially in math, science, special education and other critical subject areas, and assists military personnel in making successful transitions to second careers in teaching.

Funding has been appropriated for FY 2007 to provide financial assistance to eligible participants, provide placement assistance, referral services, and maintain a network of state offices. Military personnel interested in a second career in public education may submit a registration form to DANTES.

The purpose of TTT is to assist eligible military personnel to transition to a new career as public school teachers in targeted schools. A network of State TTT Offices has been established to provide participants with counseling and assistance regarding certification requirements, routes to state certification, and employment leads. The TTT homepage provides information and resource links, including a job referral system to allow participants to search for job vacancies as well as links to state Departments of Education, state certification offices, model resumes, and other job listing sites in public education.

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 to teach in schools serving a high percentage of students from low-income families. Participants who accept the Stipend or Bonus must agree to teach for three years in targeted schools in accordance with the authorizing legislation.

Educational and Service eligibility requirements for Referral and Placement Assistance services and Financial Assistance are available on the TTT Home Page at www.ProudToServeAgain.com . Also available is a "Self Determination Guide" to quickly assess eligibility.

Register with Troops to Teachers by contacting your base Education Center/Navy College Office or download a registration form from the TTT Home Page. Eligible active duty and reserve personnel may register with Troops to Teachers at any time. Counseling and information are available to all participants, however, financial assistance may not be provided to active duty personnel until one year prior to retirement. Contact the DANTES Troops to Teachers office regarding questions about eligibility or services offered.

The Department of Education establishes the operating rules that govern the schools where Troops to Teachers participants who accept financial assistance may fulfill their three-year teaching obligation. There are revised rules which determine these eligible schools. These revised rules became effective 15 Sep 05. For details see the Policy Statement on the TTT Home Page.