In 1994, Troops
To Teachers was begun as a Department of Defense program.
It became the responsibility of the U.S. Department of Education in
2000. The purpose of Troops To Teachers is to
assist eligible military personnel into a new career as public school
teachers in high-need schools. In focus groups and online
questionnaires, Troops To Teachers participants were asked about the
unique perspective they bring to the classroom. These teachers were
men and women who had all retired from the military and made use of
Troops to Teachers to begin a new career. They were asked questions
such as why they chose teaching, how their military training had helped
them and what they wished someone had told them before their first day
of teaching.
This is a little of WHAT TROOPS TO
TEACHERS HAVE TO SAY…
DAVID, Retired Marine, High School Chemistry
Teacher
"What I liked most in the Marines was training. I thought I had
a talent for it. At a career fair, a Troops to Teachers coordinator
helped me make the decision to become a teacher. I like teaching students
how to tackle problems and solve them."
NINA, Retired Army, Fifth Grade Teacher
"When my own child was having difficulties in school, I thought
I could go into that school and make a difference. I decided to become
a teacher. It was not as easy as I thought. My colleagues accuse me
of still sounding like I’m in the army but I’m disciplined
and focused because of my military training. I insist on routine in
my classroom. I’m going to do what it takes to see that my students
learn."
CONNIE, Retired Army, Middle School Language
Arts Teacher
"I went into teaching because I had enjoyed working with soldiers.
I missed seeing what happened when they got what I was teaching and
the light came on for them. I thought I could make that happen in the
classroom."
JOHN, Retired Army
"I chose this profession because it was my dream to assist students
in learning about the world around them. I like the hours but did not
choose this vocation because of the pay. I enjoy working with others
who think the same as I. The army gave me the experience working with
people from all over the world. Also, the army gave me the discipline
needed to control myself under stressful situations."
WILLIAM, Retired Army
"I teach because I’m needed to teach. My military training
has helped me to know that I can do what I set my mind to do."
STAN, University Professor, Statistics
"I entered teaching reluctantly at first but after a very short
time I realized how rewarding it is. My military training has helped
me immeasurably. It has helped me understand the importance of setting
high standards and motivating people to attain them. It showed me the
importance of being consistent, firm, and fair and the importance of
planning, especially planning for flexibility."
FRANK, Retired Navy
"I entered teaching because I had enjoyed my time teaching NJROTC.
The discipline, attention to detail, and responsibility I experienced
as a naval officer have all been instrumental factors in making me a
successful educator."
JOSEPH
"I never intended on teaching as my life long dream after retiring
from the military. I wanted to relax and go fishing. I signed up to
substitute and the teacher never came back. I was stuck and the last
seven years have been the most rewarding of my life. The parents and
students give me purpose and psychological stimulation. When my peers
named me Teacher of the Year, it was quite an honor for a military retiree
who never intended to change lives." |
