The Michigan and Indiana Troops to Teachers program provide advisory services that assist eligible military personnel to transition to a new career as classroom teachers in K-12 public schools.  The Troops to Teachers Program is available to:

• Military retirees,

• Members on active duty who are within one year of their retirement date,

• Members of the National Guard and Selective Reserves with ten or more years of creditable service,

• Members transitioning from active duty with at least six years of active duty and who commit for three of service in the National Guard or Selective Reserves,

• Separated due to physical disability after 8 January 2002. Must register within 4 years of separation.

Counseling assistance related to teacher certification requirements and limited job placement assistance is provided.  Financial support is also offered to certain eligible participants.

The Troops to Teachers Programs are not certification programs nor employment agencies.  Each state has authority over certification requirements and, usually, each district has authority over the selection and employment process.  Therefore, each participant must complete the certification requirements for the state in which they desire to teach, and then apply for a teaching position as would any other teacher.  Each state office provides information regarding certification requirements, teacher preparation programs leading to certification, and assistance in identifying teaching positions.    Back

Registration

Troops to Teachers :  Participants must submit the registration form and supporting documentation electronically to the National Troops to Teachers Office at tttrecords@navy.mil  , FAX it to (850) 452-1194 or mail it to: 6490 Saufley Field Road, Pensacola, Florida 32509.   

Financial Assistance

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Troops to Teachers :  Financial assistance, in the form of a stipend of up to $5000 to pay for certification requirements or a bonus of $10,000 if employed in a high needs school, is available to eligible veterans. Participants who accept financial assistance must teach for a minimum of three years, and this support is in addition to the benefits provided by the GI Bill and university veteran services programs.

II.  CHANGING CAREERS

If you are considering making a career change into the teaching profession, know that teaching is not just another job and that teaching is not for everyone.  At the same time, however, classroom teaching is one of the more rewarding careers, providing a great sense of accomplishment similar to that experienced while serving your nation in uniform.  Teaching is a career in which you are able to make a difference in our society and the world.

 Before investing considerable time, effort and precious resources a decision must be made……….how strong of a commitment does it really take to actually make the transition to public education? This is critical, since obtaining certification, and then discovering a wrong career decision has been made is the perfect storm! Consider these strategies to see if the public classroom is a positive and potential career option:

• Meet with teaches and school principals to discuss a career as a classroom teacher.
• Get permission to "shadow" a teacher for a day.
• Obtain a substitute teaching permit so that you can teach in an actual, real classroom setting.
• Volunteer your time to assist in school events such as drama, athletics, Odessey of the Mind or Science Olympiads.

If teaching stills seems like the career option of choice, refine the goals into a definite plan of action and approach with a passion.   Back

Deciding What to Teach:

Decide on a specific subject area or areas and at what level (high school, middle school, elementary school).  This choice may be based upon a previous career, a personal interest, the family or perhaps just a life long interest in certain subjects.  Although the initial focus should be on one academic content area, multiple areas of interest may have an advantage since it will allow for greater flexibility of assignment once the teaching career begins.  The demand for teachers will vary by certification and geographic areas. However, there is currently a critical need for teachers in the following content areas:   

• Mathematics 

• Chemistry
• Physics      
• Biology                     
• Earth/Space Science
• Foreign Languages                                                                
• Special Education

Typically, opportunities for employment will increase if multiple certification is held (e.g., Mathematics and Spanish), however, cost and time must also be taken into consideration.  Deciding what to teach should be made from the standpoint of a longer career, not forgetting that leadership skills may ultimately lead to promotions as a school administrator.    Back

Deciding Where to Teach:

Most individuals pursuing a second career in teaching and planning to teach in Michigan or Indiana may have already decided where to reside.  This decision is usually based upon the location of family, job offers to another family member, previous duty stations, or owning a home in the area.  The demand for teachers could vary significantly by certification area, and by geographic location.  Areas of rapid growth will have a higher demand for teachers than areas with slower growth.  As you plan your career transition, you must consider the geographic location and possibly plan for a longer transition period if you intend to settle in an area of slower growth, especially if you are interested in teaching a subject that is not in high demand.

Reciprocity:

Reciprocity is a mutual, cooperative agreement between States regarding the interchange and transfer of teacher certificates. The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) is the lead agency with regard to the Interstate Contract, which is intended to assist teachers and other educators who find it necessary to move to another state. Currently 46 States, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico have signed the contract.

It is important to note that reciprocity between States is not automatic. It is possible that additional requirements such as more academic credit, state testing programs or student teaching may be necessary depending upon one's portfolio and teacher preparation program. Should you hold a current teaching license, and have questions about reciprocity, please contact our offices (see contact information below) to inquire about the appropriate procedures.  Back

III. T EACHER CERTIFICATION:     Back

The Teacher Preparation Institution

Know that generally, there is no "short cut" to becoming a professional, licensed classroom teacher. Most if not all academic programs leading to teacher licensure will, at some point, include the requisites for an academic major, professional education classes, guided instruction (student teaching), State level tests, CPR certification and a criminal history check.

"Alternate routes to certification" (ARC) are appealing since they are compressed licensure programs and are considered by many to be legitimate and legal forms of entry into education.  Alternate routes to certification are frequently based upon the assumption that the candidate may have the academic content expertise, maturity, appropriate socialization, study skills and success in the workplace that would qualify for transition into the classroom without proceeding through a traditional licensure program. Although ARC sounds attractive and may be accepted by some school districts under certain circumstances, most Michigan and Indiana schools prefer that their candidates obtain certification from traditional licensure sources. ARC is more frequent in those geographic areas in which there exist teacher shortages and with academic content areas that are more critical such as Mathematics and the Sciences.

Carefully consider the college or university in which to enroll, making sure that it is regionally accredited by The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) or The Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) and is also approved by the State in which the certificate is issued. Contact the certification officer or academic counselor in the teacher preparation institution of your choice and inquire into what programs are available, based upon your credits and current academic transcripts. Some universities are more open and flexible than others when working with adult learners, and be certain to inquire about what benefits are specifically available for veterans.   Back

Michigan and Indiana Teacher Certification Requirements

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR

MICHIGAN SECONDARY TEACHER CERTIFICATION

TRADITIONAL CERTIFICATION*:

   The following is a broad description of key elements in a planned program leading to the issuance of a Michigan Provisional (initial entry) certificate. There may be further requirements depending upon one's academic preparation.

• Baccalaureate Degree.

• Teachable academic major (minimum 30 credits). Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Foreign Languages and Special Education are the preferred and recommended content areas based upon need for classroom teachers.

• 20 - 25 credits of Education classes such as Human Growth and Development, The Exceptional Child, Reading, Teaching Methods and Teaching Materials (minimum 20 credits).

• At least 12 weeks of Student Teaching (minimum 6 credits).

• Successfully completing the Michigan Tests for Teacher Certification (Basic Skills Tests and the Single Subject Test).

• 1^st Aid and CPR certification (both adult and child).

• Criminal history investigation. Back

THE LIMITED LICENSE TO INSTRUCT:

  For those qualifying, the "Limited License to Instruct" is an alternate route to certification that allows one to begin teaching as a paid intern while at the same time completing certification requirements. It is an experimental program approved from April 2006 until April 2009 in partnership with the Troops to Teachers Program, the Michigan Department of Education and Ferris State University. It is focused upon recruiting Mathematics, Science and Special Education teacher candidates and school district must request a special permit for employing the candidate. Back

 1233b PERMIT:

  Section 1233b of the Michigan Revised School Code is an alternate route to certification option based upon the candidate having a baccalaureate or advanced degree in a critical content area such as Mathematics, the Sciences, Engineering, Computers or Foreign Languages. If a school district is unable to hire a certified teacher it may request a 1233b permit, allowing the candidate to begin teaching immediately while enrolling in a teacher preparation program leading to a Provisional Certificate. Back

CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION (VOCATIONAL EDUCATION):

  A school district may hire a candidate by requesting an Annual Authorization that is annually renewable for up to 8 years. The candidate needs at least 4,000 hours of recent and relevant work experience (generally within 4 years), in the specific area in which he or she would teach (e.g., Drafting, CAD CAM, Welding, Automotive Technology, etc.). At the same time, the candidate is expected to enroll in the traditional teacher certification program described above. To teach in the JROTC program one needs only to be DOD certified, but is limited to teaching only within the JROTC classroom.

  * Note:  One may substitute teach if one has at least 90 college credits and receives a permit from the Local Education Authority or Intermediate School District in which he or she will teach. A limited criminal history check is required. Back

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR

INDIANA SECONDARY TEACHER CERTIFICATION

   The following is a broad description of key elements in a planned program leading to the issuance of an Indiana standard (initial entry) teaching certificate. There may be further requirements depending upon one's academic preparation and portfolio:

TRADITIONAL CERTIFICATION :

• Baccalaureate Degree.

• Teachable academic concentration. Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Physical Science, Life Science, Special Education (Mild Intervention, Intense Intervention, Blind and Low Vision, Deaf and Hard of Hearing), Technology Education and Computer Education are the preferred and recommended content areas based upon the need for classroom teachers.

•  Professional Education classes such as Human Growth and Development, Diagnostic Reading, Teaching Methods and Teaching Materials.

• Student Teaching.

• Successfully completing the Praxis I and Praxis II (Basic Skills Test and the Subject Area Test).

• Limited Criminal history investigation through the Indiana State Police.

• Valid CPR certification (including Heimlich maneuver) through approved providers listed on IDOE website. Back

TRANSITION TO TEACHING PERMIT (alternate route to licensure) :

• Earned Baccalaureate Degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• If enrolled in a Transition to Teaching program at an Indiana teacher preparation institution, and hired by one of the designated high needs school districts (36 total), that school district may apply for a Transition to Teaching Permit for any of these content areas: Adaptive PE, Business, Career and Technical Education, Computer Education, Driver and Traffic Safety Education Generalist, Elementary Primary, Elementary Intermediate, English as a New Language, Bilingual/Bicultural, Blind and Low vision, Deaf and Hard of hearing, Intense Intervention, Mild Intervention, Instrumental Music, Theater Arts, Visual Arts, Vocal Music, Health, Journalism, Language Arts, Library/Media, Mathematics, PE, Preschool Generalist, Reading, Chemistry, Earth/Space Science, Life Science, Physical Science, Physics, Economics, Geographical Perspectives, Government and Citizenship, Historical Perspectives, Psychology, Sociology, Technology Education and any World Language.
• If enrolled in a T to T program and hired by a school district that is not designated as high need, that school district may apply for a T to T Permit for only the following areas: Mild Intervention, Intense Intervention, blind and Low Vision, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Mathematics, Chemistry, Earth/Space Science, Life Science, Physical Education, Technology Education.
• Check the website of the Indiana college or university of your choice. All will have some type of T to T program to investigate. Back                                            

LEARNING AT A DISTANCE :

Indiana State University is state approved and NCATE accredited and offers web-based secondary education programs (full, except some content areas). Western Governors University is state approved (Utah) and NCATE accredited in some content areas (mathematics, science, special education, social studies). This option requires significant personal commitment and ability to work in an on-line environment. Back

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION:

A school district offering vocational classes may request Occupational Specialist licensure for some vocational areas.  The candidate will work with an Area Vocational Director in requesting this licensure. Third-person verification of work experience and 4,000 or 6,000 of work experience, are among the initial requirements.  Examples of teaching areas are CAD, Automotive Mechanics and Building Trades. Back

SUBSTITUTE TEACHING:

Request an application from the school corporation in which you wish to substitute teach.    Generally, one needs at least a high school diploma, but local school districts may have their own requirements for substitute teachers. Back

IV. SOME FINAL THOUGHTS….

·          It is always wise to establish a robust network of credible contacts with local community leaders and organizations, local school districts, regional educational centers (RESA), teacher preparation institutions, professional education organizations serving teachers, principals and school administrators, State and Federal level education organizations and State and Federal level veterans' organizations. Networking is one of the finest strategies to stay connected with important decision makers in the education community.  And, employment opportunities as a classroom teacher will frequently depend upon someone you personally know and someone that knows you personally. The people connection!

• An excellent transition technique that many successful Troops to Teachers participants have chosen to use is that of becoming a substitute teacher. Principals will frequently cultivate their most dependable, hard working and educationally effective substitute teachers so that some day they might be hired when a vacancy exists. A dependable substitute teacher is "worth his or her weight in gold" and can become an important part of the professional school staff through diligence and leadership. Again, one effective start to getting a teaching job is having a reputation within a school district as a top notch professional, and substitute teaching can achieve that goal.

• Be flexible and mobile in a quest for a teaching position. The preferred geographic area may not have any vacancies available at the time of application. Travel may be required.

• Know how and where to access information about current teaching vacancies. There is no "one stop shopping" for jobs, and a combination of electronic sources should be explored when seeking employment. Many districts begin the hiring process in March or as soon as possible in order to have the best candidate field of choice. Last minute developments may also occur so that hiring may continue at the beginning of the school year.

• Consider assignments in school districts that have a higher population of at-risk students, since these are frequently the schools that true leadership, role models and youth mentors. 

• Thoroughly prepare for interviews. Develop a professional resume; acquire a deep and comprehensive understanding of the school district and community history. Be conversant about current issues that affect education in that particular community. Becoming a quality candidate requires significant time and effort……. with lots of attention to detail.

• Work as a team member with the Troops to Teachers State office manager. Together a mutually supporting and strong partnership can be formed.  http://www.ProudToServeAgain.comhas significant information relating to resume building, interviews and job searches. Back

   For additional information concerning the Troops to Teachers program, you may contact:

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