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Veterans make great teachers. According to research conducted by Old Dominion University and published by the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 2015, teachers prepared through the Department of Defense Troops to Teachers program were deemed highly effective, with 92% affirming the Veterans teaching in their schools were well-prepared to meet the needs of learners. A qualitative study published by the Journal of Veterans Studies in 2025 concluded that the military’s “train your replacement” model, combined with the way teaching pedagogy and assessment can be shaped by military values, may help explain Veterans’ success teaching in K-12 classrooms.
If you’re a Veteran feeling called to service in America’s K-12 classrooms, here are some of the resources available to help you fulfill that call.
Fund your studies with Scholarship America
The Scholarship America Veteran Scholarship for Educators, now in its third year, provides renewable scholarships of up to $10,000 per year to Veterans pursuing education careers. Applicants must be studying to be a teacher, counselor, psychologist or social worker in the K-12 school system, and scholarships are available for two-year and four-year courses of study as well as state-approved alternative certification pathways. Applications will be accepted through 3 p.m. CST on April 14, 2026.
Follow Scholarship America on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.
Get guidance from Patriots to Education
Patriots to Education, a volunteer-run nonprofit, works with Veterans and their spouses in California, Texas, Nevada, Florida, Kentucky and Nebraska to transition into careers of all types in K-12 schools. The organization helps Veterans through identifying training resources available at the state level, providing placement assistance, and following up with transition mentoring, skill development opportunities, leadership development and further career planning.
Follow Patriots to Education on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.
Prepare for your career at The Citadel
The Citadel’s Zucker Family School of Education in Charleston, S.C., offers the Camo to Classrooms initiative, with a focus on military-friendly modalities led by highly trained faculty in a top-ranked teacher education program. Both bachelors and masters degree tracks are available.
Follow The Citadel on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn.
Find and access state-level support
Many states, including Florida and New Mexico, stand ready to help Veterans transition into education careers. Be sure to check with your state Department of Education regarding any programs for which you might qualify.
Contact Jacquelyn Bengfort for more information at jbengfort@scholarshipamerica.org.
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Hello, my name is Timothy Rinker. I was born in ft Wayne Indiana, and raised in churubusco until I was 4 years old. My parents, who where both Registered nurses, decided to go to India, to practice Medical work, and took me along. I was sent off to a british boarding school until 9th grade. When we returned to America, I I Loved it! Greatest place on earth! I signed up to serve at 17 years old. I had to have my parents cosign for me to enlist. I served 8 years in the infantry, with one combat tour in Iraq. If you feel like I could be an influence, or help, to anyone, I am here.