James Kimbrough, a retired lieutenant colonel who has been teaching for eight years in Virginia, shared his journey into the teaching profession after a 22-year Army career. He emphasized the importance of guiding young individuals on their paths to adulthood, starting as early as age 14. Kimbrough highlighted the challenges he faced in obtaining a teaching license and finding a job, but he credited the Troops To Teachers program for mentoring him through the process.
The Troops to Teachers program, initially managed by the U.S. Department of Education in 1992, faced funding and support issues over the years. The program saw a decline in participation, with the number of teachers produced dropping significantly by 2020. Despite a brief shutdown in 2020, Congress revived the program in the 2021 budget, but the lack of funding and support from the Department of Defense has jeopardized its continuation.
Ed Gawlik, a veteran and teacher, expressed concerns about the lack of awareness and support for the Troops to Teachers program. He emphasized the need for assistance in transitioning from military service to teaching careers, especially for individuals who may feel overwhelmed navigating the process independently. Gawlik’s dedication to helping military personnel transition into teaching roles highlighted the importance of programs like Troops to Teachers in supporting veterans’ career transitions.
Karen Hogue, interim director of the Troops to Teachers program in Virginia, emphasized the critical need for continued funding to sustain the program. She expressed a desire for the national Troops to Teachers office to return and for state funding to support their efforts in assisting military personnel interested in teaching careers. The American Legion’s advocacy for the program underscored the value of utilizing veterans’ leadership skills and life experiences in the classroom.
The challenges faced by the Troops to Teachers program, including declining funding and limited resources, have raised concerns about its long-term sustainability. The program’s impact on transitioning service members and the lack of awareness among potential candidates have highlighted the need for greater support and promotion of the program. As efforts to extend the program beyond the current year continue, the future of Troops to Teachers remains uncertain.
Despite the obstacles faced by the Troops to Teachers program, the dedication of individuals like James Kimbrough, Ed Gawlik, and Karen Hogue to supporting military personnel pursuing teaching careers remains unwavering. Their commitment to assisting veterans in transitioning to civilian professions underscores the importance of programs that help former service members find meaningful employment opportunities. As advocacy for the program continues, the hope for sustained funding and support to empower more veterans to become educators remains a priority for all involved stakeholders.
