Attention Human Resources Directors:
I just received this FYI message from Mike Melo, Virginia's Troops to Teachers representative. Please contact Mike with any questions.
Steve Sailer, VASPA
wssels@msn.com
(804) 561-5719
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Steve,
I have recently returned from the annual Troops To Teachers Directors
Meeting and learned of a recent interpretation of the Troops To Teachers
Legislation.
Currently all retirees are eligible for financial assistance from the
Troops To Teachers Office to cover the cost of pursuing a second career as
a teacher. However, recently a formal review of the legislation
authorizing funding for the Troops To Teachers Program was completed by
lawyers from the Department of Education. Based on the review, it was
determined that Active Duty retirees must register within 4 years of
retiring from the service in order to be eligible for financial assistance
from Troops To Teachers. Retirees who have been retired from the service
for longer then four years ago can still register for the Program until 13
Feb 2004. I currently encouraging any retiree that is thinking about
becoming a teacher to register with the Troops To Teachers Program prior to
13 Feb deadline.
What does this mean to VASPA. More then likely there are retired military
personnel and National Guard/Reserve personnel who are currently teaching
on a provisional licenses and working toward their five year renewable
licenses. Troops To Teachers can provide up to $5000.00 toward the cost of
the courses required to complete their licensure requirements. However,
they must be registered with the program in order to receive this financial
assistance. As I stated above if they have been retired more than four
years and have not registered for the program then after 13 Feb 2004 they
would no longer be eligible. I am hoping to get this information out to as
many school divisions as possible so these teachers can take advantage of
this benefit.
They can download the registration form at
http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/library/docs/ttt/RegistrationForms.doc
I would appreciate any help you can give me in getting the word out to
the military retired community.
Mike Melo
Director, Virginia Troops to Teachers
www.odu.edu/troopstoteachers
(757) 683-6578
cell (757) 438-6118
Fax: (757) 683-5941
Toll Free: (800) 560-4317
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