The Self-Determination Eligibility Guide found at the National Troops to Teachers web site provides the best and most up-to-date information on applicant eligibility. As the national office at the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) is the final authority on all eligibility issues, we recommend you contact them directly if you have any questions.
The Mountain Pacific Troops to Teachers (MPTTT) office will assist you in identifying licensing pathways, teaching opportunities, and understanding your state's certification requirements. If you want to be a teacher, MPTTT wants to help you!
NOTE: Former military personnel currently serving as certified teachers may qualify to use the stipend or bonus to seek an additional endorsement, particularly in high need areas such as math, science, and special education.
To view a 1-page eligibility criteria document, click here.
ELIGIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Individuals in th efollowing categories may apply for financial assistance:
(AD = Active Duty, RC = Reserve Component)
AD-1 Retired from active duty.
AD-2 Active duty member with approved date of retirement and has one year or less remaining before retirement.
AD-3 Separated on or after 8 Jan 02 for physical disability. Must apply within four years after separation.
AD-4 Involuntarily discharged from active duty between 1 Oct 90 and 30 Sep 99 due to a Reduction in Force (RIF) and had six or more years of continuous active duty. Must apply by 30 Sep 03.
RC-1 Retired from the drilling reserves.
RC-2 Currently serving in the drilling reserves with 10 or more years of creditable service towards retirement and commit to serving an additional three years or until eligible for retirement.
RC-3 Drillling reservists separated due to a physical disability on or after 8 Jan 02. Must apply within four years after separation.
RC-4 Transitioned from active duty on or after 8 Jan 02, and have served six years on active duty immediately before separation, and commit to three years with a drilling reserve unit.
OBLIGATIONS
Individuals receiving financial assistance must agree to teach for three years. Reserve personnel must also commit to continue their reserve service for an additional three years or agree to continue reserve service until eligibile for retirement, whichever is less.
ELIGIBILITY FOR REFERRAL AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Active duty personnel, who retired or separated with six or more years of service on or after 1 Oct 90, and current members of the Reserve or Guard with six or more years of creditable service towards retirement, may register for Referral and Placement Assistance and Services. Individuals registering for Referral and Placement Assistance Services must also meet the Educational and Service requirements noted above.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Elementary or Secondary Education: Baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited institution at the time of application.
Vocational/Technical Education: Associates degree (or minimum of one year of college) and six years of work experience in a vocational or technical field. Eligible for vocational referral and, if applicable, vocational certification expenses only.
SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
An individual is eligible to participate in the program only if the last period of service was honorable.
A self-screening tool to help determine your eligibility is available at
www.proudtoserveagain.com