Educator Workforce Recruitment, Research and Development - Frequently Asked Questions

TROOPS TO TEACHERS:

What is the Troops to Teachers Program?

A: The Troops to Teachers program assists selected individuals in their attempt to enter a new career in public education as a teacher in the K-12 public school system of the United States.

What benefits are there to applying to the Troops to Teachers program?

A: For those individuals wanting to go into teaching there are four major areas in which Troops to Teachers assists them: A nationwide referral system: our database of participants is made available to school districts for the purpose of recruiting new teachers. Twenty-four states have Troops to Teachers State Placement Assistance office in which we have representation at the state level specifically to assist our participants. We offer school districts the ability to post their vacancies directly on our Home Page. Troops to Teachers offers the participant the capability of posting a mini-resume along with their database record to make their record more personal.

Who is eligible to apply to the Troops to Teachers program?

A: Military and Coast Guard personnel, veterans, Reserve component personnel who were separated not earlier than 1 October 1990. Those interested in an academic teaching position must have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college. Those without a bachelor's degree, can be considered for vocational/technical subjects (e.g., electronics, computer, construction trades, etc.) but must be able to document their skill level or expertise.

When should an individual apply to the program?

A: The best time to apply is within two years from separation/retirement.

What office should I send the application to?

A: The home office at Saufley Field in Pensacola, Florida. The address is on the application.

Where can I get an application to the program?

A: Most military education offices, our Internet Home Page (http://voled.doded.mil/dantes/ttt), call (1-800-452-6619) or email (ttt@voled.doded.mil) the home office..

Is there a time limit for applying to the program?

A: Currently the only time limit is the separation from the military must be on or after 1 October 1990. We recommend applying within two years of separation..

May a person submit a 'copy' of the application or must it be an original?

A: Copies are acceptable as long as they are legible.

What other paperwork should I submit with the application?

A: A copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4) or termination SF-50 as appropriate, as soon as it becomes available. A completed Teaching Subject Area Survey and/or a Vocational Technical Interest Survey. Include a copy of your college transcript reflecting highest degree received. (Transcripts should be submitted by the applicant, not forwarded to us by a college or university.)

By submitting a signed application, am I obligating myself to anything?

A: No, however you are certifying that all the information on the application is true and correct.

MISCELLANEOUS:

What if I'm not sure I want to be a teacher?

A: The best way to know for sure is to gain some practical experience. Volunteer in a public school at the grade level and subject area you think you want to teach.

I have heard that a person has to be certified to teach. What does that mean?

A: Every state requires public school teachers to meet a set of education standards. These standards vary from state to state. The Educator Certification Section of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission can help you determine requirements for Georgia schools. Please visit their homepage for current information on teacher certification.

What services are offered on the TeachGeorgia.org website?

A: As the official teacher recruitment website for Georgia's public schools, TeachGeorgia.org (1) provides information about teaching in Georgia; (2) lists available teaching, administrative, and service personnel positions; (3) offers résumé, email notification, and application services; and (4) announces job fairs.

Where do I find facts and figures regarding Georgia's educator workforce?

A: A major duty of EWRRAD is to address educator workforce issues in Georgia. In the "Workforce Data" Section of the Workforce homepage, statistical reports that cover issues such as teacher supply and demand, teacher retention, out-of-field teaching, student enrollment, etc. are provided. Additional reports on varied issues are generated yearly and are posted to the website continuously.

How do I become a teacher?

A: There is no clear-cut answer to this question. There are several options currently available for individuals interested in pursuing a teaching career. The traditional route would be completing a teacher preparation program at an accredited college or university. An alternative route would be participation in programs such as GA TAPP (Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program).