Troops to Teachers

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Program Update (5/16/2024): The TTT program was reauthorized on December 27, 2021, via the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, after being canceled on October 1, 2020. While the program was reauthorized, the TTT program did not receive an appropriation to fund the restart of the program. The program is currently operating with minimum staff and resources.

Troops to Teachers

From Serving Your Country to Shaping Young Minds

The Troops to Teachers (TTT) program helps service members and veterans become certified and employed as teachers in K-12 schools. As a military service member or veteran, you possess the skills, discipline, and dedication that can make a significant impact in the field of education. With fewer teachers available, there is an urgent need for individuals with these skills to fill teaching positions.

Regardless of what subject area or grade level you want to teach, each state has specific education, testing, and certification/licensure requirements for eligibility. A list of state, national, and other resources is provided further down this webpage.

There are a multitude of opportunities for service members to become certified K-12 public school teachers. States are continuing to innovate and approve high-quality and affordable educator preparation programs. Over 30 states have registered teacher apprenticeship programs where you can “earn and learn”, allowing candidates to obtain their teaching credential while earning a salary. In addition, “teacher residencies” and “grow your own” programs are on the rise.

To learn more about becoming certified and locating teaching opportunities, please view the “state” specific links below, identified as Pathways to Teaching, Licensing Information and Employment Opportunities. In addition, states are beginning to fund programs/opportunities to specifically assist service members with becoming teachers. Information on these programs can be found under Service Member Centric in the “state” specific links.

Additional resources are available on this page for those interested in DoDEA, JROTC, DoD SkillBridge and multiple financial assistance programs.

National Programs

Teacher Certification and Alternative Pathways to Teaching

Other Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Service Member/Veteran FAQ

What services are currently available?

Referral Services as identified on this webpage for both National and State level resources.
What was the final date to submit a stipend or bonus application?

The last day to submit a stipend or bonus application for financial assistance was June 30, 2020.
What verification will I receive from the TTT National Office stating that my teaching/Reserve bonus obligation is complete?

You will receive an email from our office stating that you have completed your TTT program obligation.
I previously received a stipend or bonus and cannot complete my teaching obligation and/or selected Reserve requirement. What should I do?

Participants that are unable to complete their teaching obligation or reserve requirement will be required to reimburse the government. To receive credit for eligible employment completed and reduce the default amount, a signed and dated letter from the district with the below information is required:

► Name of School
► Subject Taught
► Grade Taught
► Date employment began as a full-time teacher
► Date employment ended as a full-time teacher

This letter should be emailed to dodhra.mc-alex.dssc.mbx.troops-to-teachers@mail.mil .
I am unable to complete my teaching obligation due to extreme hardship or permanent/total disability. What should i do?

If you are unable to complete your teaching obligation due to extreme hardship or permanent/total disability, an exception to reimbursement (waiver) can be requested via email. To apply for the waiver, a signed/dated request with a brief explanation must be emailed to dodhra.mc-alex.dssc.mbx.troops-to-teachers@mail.mil .

If an extreme hardship waiver is requested, supporting documents verifying the hardship must be provided. For example, if refunding the government will result in a severe financial hardship, a monthly budget should be completed by a military installation family center, your financial institution or an agency such as consumer credit counseling.

If a permanent/total disability waiver is requested, TTT will provide a medical affidavit that must be signed by a qualified physician and notarized. VA letters, regardless of 100% disability determination, does not meet the requirement for a permanent/total disability.

All waiver questions should be emailed to dodhra.mc-alex.dssc.mbx.troops-to-teachers@mail.mil .

The information provided on this webpage is for informational purposes only and neither constitutes nor implies any endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of any entity, product, service, or organization by any part of the Department of Defense.