Press Release - Tuesday, September 13, 2005
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SOLDIERS MOVE FROM THE BATTLEFIELD TO THE CLASSROOM Quinn promotes "Troops-to-Teachers", a nationwide program that trains qualified military men and women to begin new careers as public school teac
CHICAGO -Today, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn promoted the "Troops-to-Teachers" program, a nationwide initiative that recruits qualified members of the military to begin new careers as public school teachers in "high needs" schools. Today, 185 Illinois soldiers have enrolled in the "Troops-to-Teachers" program.
The "Troops-to-Teachers" program boasts a great deal of success. Military personnel-turned teachers are competent and effective instructors who bring unique and valuable life experiences to the classroom at a critical time in the development of the nation's youth.
Although "Troops-to-Teachers" is active in all 50 states, knowledge of the program and its benefits are not widespread. Stipends up to $5,000 and bonuses up to $10,000 are available to candidates who enroll in the "Troops-to-Teachers" program. Participants who accept the stipend or bonus must agree to teach for three years in schools that serve students from low-income families.
Members of all branches of the military, whether retired, reserve, or on active duty, are eligible to apply to the program. Also, participants must have a Baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited institution or have the equivalent of one year of college with six years of work experience in a vocational or technical field.
"It is our responsibility to take care of Illinois soldiers who have answered our country's call to duty and fought to protect our democracy," Quinn said. "The ‘Troops-to-Teachers' Program gives all of our soldiers the opportunity to use what they've learned in the military to build solid careers in the classroom and shape our students' minds for the future."
"Troops-to-Teachers" was established in 1994 by the United States Department of Defense. In 2000, the United States Department of Education took over operation and funding of the program. The "Troops-to-Teachers" program is funded by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
Quinn was joined by Dr. Cleo A. Boswell, Special Advisor to the State Superintendent of the Illinois State Board of Education, and Bill Levy, Executive Director of West Town Academy, an alternative school. Retired Command Sergeant Jim Malarski, who is participating in the "Troops-to-Teachers" program, was also in attendance.
To learn more about "Troops-to-Teachers", visit www.OperationHomefront.org. With nearly 11 million hits, it's one of the country's most informative websites on supporting our troops.
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