STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD OF ANTHONY J. PRINCIPI
SECRETARY
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
BEFORE THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BENEFITS

April 9, 2003

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee:

Troops to Teachers ( TTT) is a U.S. Department of Education and Department of Defense program that helps eligible military personnel begin new careers as teachers in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are most needed.

TTT assists eligible members of the Armed Forces to obtain certification or licensing as elementary school teachers, secondary school teachers, or vocational or technical teachers, increasing the opportunities for highly-qualified former service-members to join the ranks of America's teachers, particularly in math, science, special education, and other high-needs subject areas. TTT also assists in recruiting quality teachers for schools that serve low-income families throughout America. TTT provides a means for former servicemembers to continue serving America by putting the skills and character traits they perfected while on active duty to work in our nation's classrooms.

The Department of Veterans Affairs ( VA) heartily endorses this program. We encourage veterans to also contact VA since they may be eligible for Montgomery GI Bill benefits for training necessary to qualify for teacher certification. In addition to the monetary incentives from the TTT program, VA may reimburse qualified veterans for the cost of their approved licensure or certification up to $2,000.