Hello Veterans, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and families. My name is Emily Siefken. I am advising with Troops To Teachers in Illinois. I hope that this is the first of many useful posts for potential participants.
Thanks for your interest in transitioning to teach with help from the Troops to Teachers program. Teaching in public schools is a profession highly compatible with the experience veterans receive in the military. Students follow a lesson plan, and with the guidance of a professional leader and role model, can exceed their subject area standards. Troops to Teachers is not a certification program or a placement service, but sending in your registration form today can possibly link you to the advisement, resources, and financial assistance helpful to becoming a teacher. Let us help.
The Illinois Troops to Teachers Program can help eligible veterans with at least 6 years of honorable service transition from a military service background to K-12 public school teaching. The Illinois Troops to Teachers office provides:
· Educational and teaching career advisement
· Information resources for earning state teacher certification
· Access to mentors, and our educators job-referral website
· Preparation for and referral to employment as an Illinois public school teacher
Illinois Troops to Teachers can also provide financial assistance of $5000 to eligible veterans enrolled in a certification program or a bonus of up to $10,000 for teachers who serve a 3 year commitment in any high-needs school across the state. Financial benefits are available to veterans in the following categories:
· Retired Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard (or within one year of retirement)
· Separated for physical disability on or after Jan. 8, 2002 and register no later than 4 years after separation
· Currently serving in Reserves with 10+ years of service and commit to serving an additional 3 years
· Have served six years on active duty and transition into the Reserve or National Guard for three years on or after Jan. 8, 2002 and within four years of separation
To teach a vocational, technical or career area in Illinois, veterans must have 60 semester hours from a recognized teacher education institution and 2000 hours of documented work experience in the skill area to be taught. In rare cases, school districts can hire vocational skill or career education teachers who don’t have education credit hours, but instead have 8000 hours of documented work experience in a skill area. The following are examples of vocational, technical or career skill areas:
· Automotive Bodywork/Technology
· Building Trades
· Criminal Justice
· Family & Consumer Sciences
· Health Occupations
To teach in an academic or subject matter area in Illinois, veterans need to complete an Illinois Approved Teacher Preparation Program, usually offered through colleges and universities. The Troops to Teachers program requires veterans have a bachelor’s degree before entering the program to teach in an academic or subject matter area. The following are examples of academic or subject matter areas:
· Math
· Science
· Special Education
· Physical Education
· Social Studies
Here is the registration form to get started, from our national Troops to Teachers office, also at
http://www.proudtoserveagain.com/. Just print it out, fill it out, and include the additional documents requested and mail it to the national office, in Pensacola, FL. This is the national headquarters of education support for the military. Pensacola will notify you with a letter when they receive your application. Then we can begin working with you to find a teacher preparation program, or complete Illinois State certification requirements in a manner that’s most convenient for you.
If you have trouble viewing or downloading the registration packet, try this link instead:
http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_Web/library/docs/TTT/RegistrationForms.pdf.
Or, we’ll even be happy to mail you a copy. This next attached document also has some helpful things to consider as you transition.
Take a look at the Illinois State Board of Education website at:
http://www.isbe.net/Certification/html/prospective_info.htm. Here, you’ll find more specific information on state requirements. Contact the Illinois Troops to Teachers office by e-mail at
troops.teachers@illinois.gov or call toll free at 1-866-372-3157 if you have any questions.
Your will to teach is a highly noble endeavor which, like your military career, can be an extremely rewarding experience. In the service, you stood for certain ideals like honor, integrity, and courage. These are all qualities of a great teacher. Register for Troops to Teachers today, join the teacher ranks, and continue to serve your nation from the front of the classroom.
Very Respectfully,
Emily Siefken
Illinois Troops To Teachers
Illinois Dept of Veterans Affairs
http://www.iltroops.org/100 W. Randolph St.
JRTC Suite 5-570
Chicago, IL 60601
1.866.372.3157
