MEDIA
CONTACT: Meghan
Frick, GaDOE Communications Office, 404-463-4246, mfrick@doe.k12.ga.us
June
21, 2018 – Georgia
is receiving $1.3 million to help U.S. military veterans begin careers in
teaching.
The
Georgia Department of Education received a $1,324,170 grant from the U.S.
Department of Defense to administer the Troops
to Teachers grant program in partnership with the Georgia Professional
Standards Commission.
The
program assists transitioning service members with meeting the requirements
necessary to become teachers, and helps program participants find employment as
a teacher when eligible.
“Our
military veterans have already demonstrated extraordinary courage, skill, and
leadership,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “They are
well-suited to the education profession, and I’m so pleased that this
partnership will assist our veterans who want to continue their service in the
classroom.”
Veterans
share common
skills and traits that allow them to serve effectively as classroom
teachers, including leadership, adaptability, communication skills, initiative,
discipline, and integrity. And school administrators have found that veterans
interact effectively with parents, community members, and other teachers and
staff, according to Troops to Teachers.
“Our
military veterans have given so much to our country,” said Kelly Henson,
Executive Secretary of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. “We are
delighted to be able to provide some opportunities for them. And, the
partnership between GaPSC, DOD and GaDOE will be a great platform to deliver
these opportunities.”
