TCC receives state grant to recruit veterans for teaching slots in Florida schools

Byron Dobson
Tallahassee Democrat

Tallahassee Community College is taking the lead in re-instituting the Troops to Teachers program to get more veterans into Florida's classrooms.

Tallahassee Community College Provost Feleccia Moore-Davis.

 

In doing, so, TCC will coordinate efforts statewide to get information to veterans and those about to leave military service on steps needed to become certified teachers in Florida.

Florida Atlantic University previously coordinated Troops to Teachers, a joint program of the U.S. education and defense departments, but that partnership ended in 2016.

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In January, TCC and the Florida Department of Education applied for the funding. It is expected to bring $346,000 to TCC in the first year and $1.7 million over five years.

“TCC has been recognized as a military-friendly college numerous times,” Provost Feleccia Moore-Davis said Tuesday. “We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to play a broader role in helping our veterans transition to civilian life and take on their next mission in service to Florida’s school children.”

In a separate action, TCC’s District Board of Trustees Monday voted to waive tuition and fees for any active duty military personnel attending the college currently using tuition assistance from the U.S. Department of Defense.

TCC estimates 10 to 15 students will use the waiver this year, resulting in less than $5,000 in lost fees annually to the college.

The Troops to Teachers program’s goals include providing jobs for veterans and members of the National Guard, addressing Florida’s teacher shortage and increasing the ranks of minorities and men in classrooms.

 

TCC campus

Moore-Davis said some of the grant money will be used to hire staff to hold Teaching as a Second Career seminars for military personnel across the state, as well as locally. The goal is to recruit 40 new candidates each month, with former program participants helping with the effort.

The program will focus on helping participants earn a teaching certificate—offering tailored support based on their current educational background.

This involves providing assistance to those needing to enroll in an associate's degree or bachelor’s degree program at a Florida college or university. Those already holding bachelor’s degrees will be guided through the process to acquire state teaching certification.

Eligible candidates can qualify for up to $10,000 to support their transition to the classroom, in addition to Veterans Affairs educational benefits to which they are entitled.

Austin Nistler, who has served as treasurer of TCC’s Student Veterans Association, spent five years in the Marine Corps before getting out in May 2015. He is finishing his associate's degree requirements next month at TCC and begins classes at Florida State University this fall.

Nistler, 25, said veterans can be valuable as teachers because of their exposure to different world views, open-mindedness and sense of commitment.

“Lots of veterans want to continue their service as they transition from military life to civilian life,” said Nistler, who plans to attend law school. “To have a platform such as Troops to Teachers gives them that pipeline and support system showing them how to continue that service. The military is very structured, but once you get into civilian life, it’s not so structured.”

Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart said veterans can help schools attract teachers in areas and subjects where there is great need.

“Florida faces teacher shortages in critical fields such as science and mathematics,” Stewart said. “The Florida Troops to Teachers program has the potential to help staff our schools with motivated, dedicated professionals who are experienced leaders in these areas.”

Contact senior writer Byron Dobson at bdobson@tallahassee.com or on Twitter @byrondobson.

 

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For information, email acadaffairs@tcc.fl.edu or call (850) 201-8680. For more on Troops to Teachers, visit http://proudtoserveagain.com.