Troops to Teachers
Step By Step
In most states, Troops to Teachers (TTT) does not train or
certify teachers, but rather helps you to find and enter the
programs that do. Then, if you are eligible, TTT provides
financial assistance in the form of stipends or bonuses.
Becoming a teacher with the assistance of TTT needs to be viewed
as three distinct processes occurring at the same time:
TTT Registration. To receive funds, you must register with TTT and request financial assistance, and then later on fulfill the required 3-year teaching commitment in a high needs district or campus.
Certification. You must fulfill the certification requirements of your desired state, often by participating in a teacher certification program.
Finding a job. Obtaining a position is your responsibility. The TTT national and state support offices assist with certification and job hunting advice but are unable to perform employment agency functions.
For some individuals, registering in TTT, pursuing certification, and job hunting can occur almost simultaneously. Some individuals begin teaching before becoming fully certified.
Preliminary Considerations
Before doing anything else, consider this question: Do I want to be a CONUS-based, K-12 public school teacher? If so, read Getting Started.
From your research, keep these key information and decision factors in mind:
The state(s) in which you might teach.
The subject and level you wish to teach (Math, secondary, elementary, special education, etc.).
The applicable certification requirements for the desired state(s).
The approximate pay scale in state(s) or district(s) you are considering.
Get smart about employment as a teacher. Consider high-need subjects or specialties that are more likely to provide jobs, e.g., math, science, special ed, and secondary programs. Examine possible vacancies on recommended sites.
Consider the seasonal nature of hiring. Most new hiring occurs in the summer, and most TTT participants are hired in late summer due to districts’ certification concerns.
TTT Registration and Award of Stipend or Bonus
Determine your eligibility to register in TTT by reviewing the eligibility criteria (.PDF 33 KB). If you have any questions, call TTT at 1-800-231-6242, 850-452-1241, or DSN 922-1241.
Click here to determine your eligibility to register in TTT.
Submit the TTT Registration Form (.PDF 203KB) with required supporting documents.
Complete critical registration steps necessary to receive stipend or bonus funds: (1) Obtain stipend or bonus applications from TTT, (2) complete the form, and (3) return the form to DANTES-TTT with required supporting documents. To receive the stipend, you must present proof of enrollment in a state-approved certification program. For the bonus, you must present proof of employment at a bonus-eligible, high-need school.
Remember, receipt of a TTT stipend or bonus incurs a three-year obligation to teach in a district or school which meets U.S. Department of Ed requirements. Teaching in DODDS, colleges/universities, or private schools will not satisfy later TTT employment requirements. Contact TTT via phone (1-800-231-6242, 850-452-1241, or DSN 922-1241) for eligibility information about specific districts or schools.
Watch for electronic deposit in your checking account 3-4 weeks after TTT processes.
If you accept stipend funds - after you become certified, you must also provide proof of certification and copies of any final bills to receive final stipend payment.
If you accept bonus funds - submit proof of employment each year to receive yearly bonus payments – max three years.
Becoming Certified
Contact state TTT office(s) for help with basic requirements and contacts to the teacher certification programs for each specific state.
Consider key factors in selecting a certification program: Program’s geographic location, cost, time-to-complete, acceptability in state where you plan to teach (i.e., reciprocity).
Apply and be accepted to a state approved teacher certification program. (Once accepted to a certification program, apply to TTT for stipend funding.)
Fulfill the requirements of the certification program, which may include coursework or training, classroom teaching and state teacher exams. Many programs will actually have you teaching in the classroom as a paid teacher while you are completing the rest of the requirements. Some programs are offered with resident instruction, while others may have on-line components.
Apply for and receive the Teaching Certificate from your state agency.
Getting a Job!
Obtaining a position is your responsibility. Read Hints For Finding A Teaching Job for helpful suggestions.
Enjoy your second career as a teacher!
Last Updated: 2/9/12