The Troops to Teachers (TTT) Program is meant to help recruit quality teachers for public schools throughout America. The Troops to Teachers program
helps relieve teacher shortages, especially in math, science, special education, career and technical subjects, and foreign languages;
provides mature, motivated, experienced, and dedicated personnel for the nation’s classrooms; and
assists military personnel in making successful transitions to second careers in teaching.
The FY2013 defense authorization act made the following changes to the program (as described in MilitaryTimesEDGE magazine):
reduces the minimum required time in service from six to four years;
adds foreign language skills as one of the sought-after specialties;
restores the program to the DoD’s control;
shortens the time to apply for the program from four years to three after leaving the military.
Troops to Teachers Myths
| Myth | Fact |
| TTT provides classes and programs that lead to teacher licensing. | TTT does not teach or otherwise offer classes. TTT helps servicemembers find state-approved licensure programs. |
| TTT awards teaching licenses. | TTT does not issue teaching licenses. While most TTT advisors are not licensing specialists, they are familiar with state licensing requirements. Each state has specific licensure requirements. |
| TTT forces servicemembers to teach in a particular school. | Servicemembers must obtain employment in a school that qualifies as “Stipend/Bonus Eligible” only if they accept TTT funds. The servicemember decides where to teach. |
| Once a servicemember registers, she/he must teach for three years. | Registration does not obligate a servicemember to teach for three years. He/she only incurs an obligation when he/she accepts TTT funds. |
| It takes years to earn a teaching license. |
Obtaining a license does not necessarily require years of preparation. There are various fast-track alternative programs; some as short as ten weeks. |
In addition to Troops to Teachers web site you can call or e-mail the TTT point of contact (POC) in whatever state you're in (contact information is available through the web site). Each state's POC can provide information as to teacher certification, job searching, etc. Even if you don't plan to participate in TTT, the POCs will be glad to help you.