Program can help AEDC military personnel transition to classroom Published Oct. 12, 2010 By Shawn Jacobs AEDC/PA ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- Troops to Teachers is a U.S. Department of Education and Department of Defense program that helps eligible military personnel begin new careers as teachers in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are most needed. According to Cliff Yager, director of Tennessee Troops to Teachers, the program is designed to assist separating or retiring military personnel in pursuing a second career in public education (elementary, secondary or vocational) while also facilitating employment in public schools. The long-term goal of the program is to help improve American education by providing mature, self-disciplined, experienced and dedicated teachers for the nation's classrooms. "Tennessee's Troops to Teachers office has counseled hundreds of interested military personnel, advising them on routes and programs to achieve full teacher certification in the state and referring them to school districts for employment," Yager said. "Financial assistance may be available to help pay for the cost of a teacher certification program or as an incentive to teach in Tennessee's 'high-needs' schools." Jeannie McFaddin, chief of work force development, and Stacy Jones, education technician, help publicize the program at Arnold AFB. "Mr. Yager has visited Arnold a couple of times this past year," McFaddin said. "We appreciate Mr. Yager taking time out of his schedule to visit and talk to military members who are thinking about teaching as a second career." Interested individuals may register through a self-qualification process by applying at www.ProudToServeAgain.com. For state of Tennessee information, you may contact Yager at 615-253-0079 or by e-mail at cliff.yager@tn.gov. At AEDC, you may call McFaddin at 454-4583 or Jones at 454-5134.