• In most states, Troops to Teachers does not train or certify teachers, but rather helps you to find and enter the programs that do. Then, if you are eligible, Troops to Teachers 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. Some individuals begin teaching before becoming fully certified.
  
  
  • 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.

• Before doing anything else, consider this question: Do I want to be a CONUS-based, K-12 public school teacher? Read Getting Started on the TTT home page.
  
  
• From your research in Getting Started, 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).
  • 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 state recommended sites, the TTT Jobs2Teach site, or choose from a list of other job-search resources.
  
  
• 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.

• Click here to determine your eligibility to register in TTT. A summary of the eligibility criteria is also listed on the TTT home page. If you have any questions, call TTT at 1-800-231-6242, 850-452-1241, or DSN 922-1241. Even if you are not eligible for TTT, you can still be a teacher. Click here for other info sources.
  
  
• Submit the TTT registration form with required supporting documents. Use the PDF version.
  
  
• 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.

• 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.

• Obtaining a position is your responsibility – click here for a narrative.
  
  
• Enjoy your second career as a teacher!

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