By Dr. Jarrod Sadulski
Faculty Member, Criminal Justice
Florida is addressing its teacher shortage by creating opportunities for qualified military members to serve as teachers. According to News4JAX, a report from the Florida Education Association found that there is a shortage of over 9,500 teaching and support staff positions in Florida. That shortage places over 450,000 students at risk of starting the school year without full-time, certified teachers.
Why Teacher Shortages Are Occurring
Being a teacher is a tough job. Teachers are responsible for both the learning and cognitive development of their students; they typically work long hours and may have to complete grading and class preparation in their off time.
Among high school graduates, there is little interest in becoming a teacher. News4JAX noted that in a survey taken several years ago, only 5% of Florida high school graduates were interested in becoming teachers.
Florida’s New Program to Resolve Teacher Shortages
Recently, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis proposed a new program called Military Veterans Certification Pathway. According to a statement by Governor DeSantis, “veterans have talents and skills that they can offer our students.”
Military veterans have received training and have a background that fosters self discipline, good judgment, and effective problem-solving skills. These skills can be used to provide quality education within the Florida school system and can effectively address teacher shortages in Florida.
According to Local 10 News, the new program allows qualifying veterans to obtain a five-year temporary education certificate to provide time to complete their bachelor’s degree. Veterans must have a minimum of 48 months of military service along with at least 60 college credit hours and a 2.5 grade point average.
Local 10 News also reports that veterans must have an honorable or medical discharge, a passing score on a Florida subject area examination and a background screening. The passing score on the Florida subject area examination is a way to ensure that veterans have the basic knowledge to teach that content in the classroom. This content may include mathematics, English, physical education and other subject areas.
Using Military Veterans as Teachers Is Not a New Idea
The concept of creating a pathway for military veterans to serve as teachers is not new. For example, the U.S. Army created the Troops to Teachers program in 1993. It was designed to provide transitioning military members and veterans with opportunities to become K-12 teachers in public and charter schools.
According to the Army, the Troops to Teachers program has enabled over 100,000 military veterans to successfully transition to K-12 education. It provides counseling and referral services to help veterans meet education and the licensing obligations to teach students.
Also, the Army says that up to $10,000 of financial assistance may be available to veterans interested in the Troops to Teachers program. While the standards vary, some general requirements to participate in the program include:
- Applying within three years of retirement or military separation
- Achieving Honorable discharge
- Meeting the requirements associated with receiving financial aid
The Army notes that the Troops to Teachers program was reauthorized in the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act and currently awaits more funding. Interested active-duty members planning to leave military service or veterans should contact their Education Services Office or Veterans Affairs for current Troops to Teachers opportunities.
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