Dantes information bulletin (11) nov 2017

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NOV

DANTES INFORMATION BULLETIN

2017

Veterans Molding the Minds of the Future

In this issue: Prepare for Careers in Education

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Top 10 Troops To Teachers Q & As

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Hot News - SOC Program

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Contact Information

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DANTES Information Bulletin

How to Prepare for Careers in Education Erin Roberts, Communications Division, DANTES

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e hope that our career series has been beneficial to our readers over the last few months. This month we will culminate the series with Careers in Education and a closer look at the Troops to Teachers program.

Voluntary education personnel and service members can use career clusters to help focus education plans and goals toward obtaining the necessary knowledge, competencies and training for success in a particular career pathway. If a member is considering a career in education, there are several positions that may be available. Some are even considered Bright Outlook occupations or jobs that are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations. A list

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of all occupations can be found at the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), developed under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration, https://www.onetonline.org/find/bright. The jobs listed for a teaching career pathway that are Bright Outlook occupations include: teacher assistants, preschool teachers, elementary and middle school teachers, secondary school teachers, self-enrichment education teachers, and physics teachers. There are several other teaching positions listed; 186 to be exact. If a member is interested in a teaching career, there are several options to choose from and salaries vary. A teacher assistant salary starts around $25,000 and a physics teacher might start around $85,000.

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Troops To Teachers Why Teach?

Why teach? First, military members have a wealth of experience when it comes to training or teaching others. Many members have experience as a trainer throughout their military career and have actually performed many of the tasks that a teacher would be expected to do, like adapting teaching methods to meet student needs, establishing and enforcing rules of behavior, and administering and grading tests and assignments.

Next, military members are team players and they know what it means to be part of a team, both a leader and a follower. The classroom is similar to the military unit where members train together and help each other succeed.

Finally, the Defense Department and the Services know the importance of civilian transition and preparing its members for success after serving.

That’s why the Troops to Teachers (TTT) program was created in 1993. The mission of the program is to assist transitioning service members with meeting the requirements necessary to become kindergarten through grade 12 teachers and helping its program participants find employment as a teacher when eligible. Most honorably discharged service members are eligible for the program.

Teaching Kindergarten thru Elementary Not all teaching positions are alike, but they have similarities. Elementary school teachers are listed

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as a Bright Outlook career and here’s a look at the tasks a teacher would be required to complete according to the O*NET Program, the nation’s primary source of occupational information: • • • • • • •

Instruct students using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students’ varying needs and interests Establish clear objectives for all lessons and communicate those objectives to students Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students Prepare students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities Observe and evaluate students’ performance, behavior, social development, and physical health

If you share these with a military member, many will agree that they have done most of them, if not all. Most of these tasks are actions that military members have accomplished during their career as non-commissioned officers, supervisors and/or leaders. These are all tasks that military members possess the skills to do and can easily be translated onto a job resume.

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Troops To Teachers

Teaching Middle through High School The tasks required for an elementary school teacher are similar to those of middle and high school teachers, only at a different level, but nonetheless they are similar. Middle school teachers are also listed as Bright Outlook careers. Technology skills listed on O*NET, required for this position are also skills that any military members will be experienced in: • Computer based training software • Data base user interface and query software Blackboard technology • Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook • Internet browser software - Web browser software • Office suite software - Microsoft Office • Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint • Project management software - Microsoft SharePoint • Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel • Video creation and editing software - Video editing software • Word processing software - Microsoft Word

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The O*NET program provides a summary report for all occupations and offers a wealth of knowledge when considering a career and what is needed to qualify.

Teaching Vocational and Technical Career Academies Career/technical education is a growing career field and one that may interest many military members.

This type of teacher instructs in a specific field of career expertise, such as law enforcement, medical assistant or video production, just to name a few. The class instruction provides middle and high school students with actual job training and first-hand experiences performing the duties of a specific job(s). This is a valuable teaching option for military members because they already have years of experience and documented training listed on their Joint Services Transcript (JST). With the right education, the wealth of knowledge, and years of experience a military member has in a specific career field, this type of teaching may be ideal for a second career.

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Troops To Teachers Teaching ROTC According to Captain Jason Kitchen, Instructor Recruitment Division, HQ Air Force JROTC, “Many military members have outstanding leadership and communication skills, adapt well to any situation, and have incredible discipline and initiative.

These are all traits and qualities many employers would be happy to have in an employee. They are also skills and traits that fit well with teachers or instructors.” If truly military-minded, some members may want to consider using their military skills to mold the next generation of young adults to serve their nation and lead in their communities.

All of the military services, except the U.S. Coast Guard, have a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program that teaches high school students self-reliance, self-discipline and other characteristics found in good leaders. Military members with a desire to teach and make a difference may want to learn more about this youth-inspiring program: Air Force - http://www.airuniversity.af.mil/ Holm-Center/AFJROTC/ Army - http://www.usarmyjrotc.com/employ-

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ment Navy - http://www.njrotc.navy.mil/instructor/ instructor_index.html USMC - http://www.mcjrotc.marines.mil/General-Info/Job-Descriptions/

Other Education Positions Teachers are not the only positions in the education career field. Other positions include tutors, school administration, school counseling, teacher assistants, distance learning coordinators, and coaches, to name a few. All have a desire to train and inspire. All positions are also attainable by transitioning military members who possess the right education, certification and experience.

The Troops to Teachers program can help eligible members meet all of these requirements through counseling, employment facilitation and financial support. The program is actively assisting participants daily. If a military member has questions or wants to apply for the program, direct them to the website at www.proudtoserveagain.com.

See the “Top 10 TTT Questions” on page 5 for more information about the program.

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TTT - Questions And Answers additional conditions apply. Completing a program application is the best way to know if you are eligible and what services you are eligible for.

The application is available on the website, http:// www.proudtoserveagain.com/

Top 10 TTT

Q&A E

ach month Troops to Teachers and DANTES personnel receive many questions from service members. The following can help education counselors answer the most frequently asked questions.

Q1: Is the Troops to Teachers program still active?

A1: Yes, the Troops to Teachers (TTT) program is definitely alive and active. The TTT Headquarters is answering emails and phone calls for all participants. There are also 20 states currently receiving grants to help military members, veterans and participants with program information, counseling, employment facilitation, etc.

Q2: How do I know if I am eligible for the TTT program?

A2: Current, separated and retired members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Reserve components and National Guard are eligible for Troops to Teachers program services.

A member selected to participate in the program before separation or retirement may continue to participate after separation or retirement as long as the discharge is characterized as honorable.

For participants requesting a stipend or bonus,

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Q3: How do I get more information on the program?

A3: The TTT website, http://www.proudtoserveagain.com/, is the best place to go for on-demand, additional information. You can also email ttt@ navy.mil with any questions you have.

Q4: How do I apply for the TTT program?

A4: Go to http://www.proudtoserveagain.com Select “Program Application” Select “Apply Now” Select “Save & Continue” to proceed through the application.

Once your application is submitted and processed, the TTT National Office will notify you by email with the services you are eligible to receive based on your military service time, education, and application date.

Q5: When I apply, what am I committing to?

A5: There is no commitment when you apply for the program and we do recommend applying if you are interested. If you don’t use the program services, there is no penalty or expiration on your application.

Q6: Do I get to teach where I want?

A6: Yes, you pursue the teaching jobs that you are interested in. Contrary to what some say they have heard, TTT does not place you in jobs that you do not want to fill.

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TTT - Questions And Answers

Q7: If my application is not completed, how do I add documents to it?

(If Online Application has not been submitted to TTT National Office for review/processing) A7a: If you have not submitted your application, you may complete your application to include uploading documents by visiting www.proudtoserveagain.com and select “Finish Application” at the top of the webpage or use the following link, https://secure.doded.mil/TTTRegistration/ login.aspx. The username and password will be the same credentials used when originally applying for the program. After logging in, select the “Agreement” link on the left side of the webpage.

Under “Document Type”, select the applicable document(s) to upload application. After selecting document, select “Browse” to find the document to upload, and then “Upload File” link.

(If Online Application has been submitted to TTT National Office for review/processing) A7b: If you have submitted your application, complete your application to include uploading documents by visiting www.proudtoserveagain.com and select “J2T Login” at the top of the webpage or use the following link, https://secure.doded.mil/ j2t/. The username and password will be the same credentials used when originally applying for the program. After logging in, select the “Agreement” link on the left side of the webpage. Under “Document Type”, select applicable document(s) to upload to application. Select “Browse” to find the document you want to upload and then “Upload File” link.

Q8: Are the state offices still open?

A8: There are 20 states that currently have grants to help military members, veterans and participants with program information, counseling, and DANTES Information Bulletin

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employment facilitation. Visit these individual states on the TTT website’s state map (located on the HOME page) to find information on the state contacts. The remainder of the nation’s states will continue to receive services through the TTT National Office.

There is also a new grant accepting other state applications. The closing date for application is January 26, 2018. More information is available at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/searchgrants.html?keywords=troops%20to%20 teachers Q9: I already applied, how do I get access to my account?

A7: Access your online record by visiting www. proudtoserveagain.com and select “J2T Login” at the top of the webpage or use the following web link, https://secure.doded.mil/j2t/. The username and password will be the same credentials used created when originally applying for the program.

If you submitted a paper application and are unsure of your login credentials, you may select the “Forgot Username/Password” link on the website or the “Establish Username/Password” link if you.

Q10: I need to take a state-specific certification exam, will DANTES or TTT pay for it?

A10: DANTES will fund one administration per lifetime for the Praxis Series® exams delivered by computer via an international network of test centers that include Prometric® test centers, some universities and other locations.

DANTES reimburses the TEST FEE ONLY for eligible active military personnel once per lifetime. Obtain information regarding testing policies, fees, registration procedures and the nearest Praxis Test Center by visiting the PRAXIS website, http:// www.ets.org/praxis. http://www.dantes.doded.mil

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Program Updates

Hot News

tening to its stakeholders over the coming months to help ensure a successful modernization effort.

A new (temporary) SOC website is available at www.goSOCed.org. It provides access to a searchBright Future for SOC Programs able knowledge base that is updated regularly with answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and ervicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) an option to submit questions about the program. has proudly supported service members for The SOC team can be reached at the new toll free more than 40 years as a means to help coordinate postsecondary educational opportunities for service number, 1-800-892-7205, Monday thru Friday, 9am - 5pm EST, with the exception of federal holidays. members. The program serves as an advocate for the flexibility needed to improve access and The SOC modernization team has a unique blend availability of quality, learning experiences for of skill sets and experiences. The team consists of service members. education innovators who have supported Army Continuing Education System (ACES) technology Like any legacy program must do from time to initiatives, executive leaders from the higher educatime, SOC is undergoing a substantial moderntion community, and dedicated staff members from ization effort. Effective October 1, 2017, DoD the prior SOC organization. All are dedicated to Voluntary Education (VolEd) began leading a ensuring the program meets the unique needs and comprehensive effort to upgrade the processes, challenges faced by todays military students. technology and data that supports the SOC proBy Marie Cini, PhD, IBM

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grams.

We are excited that our SOC modernization efforts will include working with current and new SOC colleges and universities to create new types of networks that will focus on providing pathways for service members to earn quality, in-demand stackable credentials to help them get promoted and transition into successful careers as they pursue civilian employment after serving. SOC will be lisDANTES Information Bulletin

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The input of both novice and experienced voluntary education professionals is welcomed. The team also includes several dedicated staff members from the prior SOC organization to provide continuity of operations while modernization occurs.

If you have any comments or questions, please visit the website or contact the team at 1-800-892-7205.

We are listening!

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DANTES Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support

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011-49-611-143-544-1230/1210

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DANTES Information Bulletin The DANTES Information Bulletin is published monthly to inform education personnel about DANTES programs and to help promote more efficient customer service to service members.

Email all inquiries to DANTES_Outreach@navy.mil.

Reproduction in whole or in part is permitted for any purpose of the United States Government, except that copyrighted materials cannot be reproduced without written permission from the copyright owner. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by DANTES of the linked websites, or the information, products, or services contained therein.

Jeff Allen, Director Michelle Alexander, Editor DANTES Information Bulletin

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