www.WisVets.com/TTT

Troops to Teachers (TTT) is a joint program of the U.S. Departments of Defense and Education that assists departing active duty military personnel, veterans and certain members/retirees who are associated with the reserve components, to transition to new careers as public school teachers.

The program provides information, referral and financial assistance to eligible individuals who are interested in gaining certification and employment as teachers. These services are provided through a network of state offices across the country and a national office in Pensacola, Florida.

Federal legislation provides TTT enrollees pursuing requirements for teaching certification, who agree to teach in high need school districts, a stipend of up to $5,000 to offset the cost of teacher training programs. Those willing to teach in schools with a high percentage of students from low income families may receive a $10,000 bonus. Program participants cannot receive more than a total of $10,000 from TTT.

In Wisconsin the TTT Office is located within the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) in Madison. Contact information is provided below.

Teacher licensure/certification authority for the State of Wisconsin rests with the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Current DPI standards require all applicants for licensure/certification to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Actual employment decisions are made exclusively by school districts.

There are various options for gaining authorization to teach in Wisconsin. Examples include the following:

• Initial Educator License is gained by completing the normal program of education courses (including student teaching) that are taken through a Wisconsin teacher training institution.
• Initial Educator License with Stipulations is issued to individuals who completed a teacher training program out-of-state. Additional work will be needed before stipulations can be removed.
• Emergency Permit which is issued to an individual who does not have the education credits required for regular licensure. These credentials are issued for teaching positions which a school district is unable to fill with a licensed teacher.
• Alternative Certification Programs (APCs) are programs which employ degreed individuals (without education credits) as teachers in public schools districts while providing training on the job. Visit the DPI website for examples of specific programs.
• Accelerated Evening Academic Programs geared to working adults, followed by student teaching.
• Combination Programs that include online work, classroom instruction, seminars and teaching experience.

For teacher vacancy information visit the Wisconsin Job Seeker website.

For general information on the state, including information on employment, state colleges & universities, and places to vacation, visit the state portal at www.Wisconsin.gov

For detailed information, including eligibility criteria, and to enroll in the TTT program you may visit the national Troops to Teachers website or call 800-231-6242.

If you would like firsthand information from Wisconsin TTT participants who have gone through the teacher certification process you can connect with them via the TTT Mentor Connection.

Individuals interested in teaching in Minnesota may visit the Minnesota Department of Education webpage for information on Minnesota teacher training programs including licensure via portfolio.

If you have any questions, please contact the Wisconsin Troops To Teachers Office:

Wisconsin Troops To Teachers
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
30 West Mifflin Street
P.O. Box 7843
Madison, WI  53707-7843
Phone: (608) 266-3732
Toll-free: 866-838-5699
Fax: (608) 267-0403
Email: Wisconsin TTT