By Craig Gilman
Special to InMilitaryEducation.com
Having both served in the military and taught in our nation’s public schools I can think of no better role model for today’s younger students than a classroom teacher who has served in uniform. I highly recommend anyone who has served in the military to consider teaching as another means of serving one’s community and country. Having become a teacher after five years as an officer of Marine infantry, I warn you that teaching is not easy, but it is equally rewarding.
For those up for it, the Troops to Teachers (TTT) program is certainly worth investigating. Troops to Teachers is a U.S. Department of Defense program that “helps eligible military personnel begin a new career as teachers in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are most needed”.
Teaching is challenging. As a teacher you will encounter public scrutiny and pressure to succeed. You will work long hours for pay that won’t make you fabulously wealthy. You will be asked to accomplish much, often with very little. However, you will be working for the greater good of our society and earn the respect of your community. This should sound quite familiar to active and veteran military members.
Think about it. You just might find you enjoy weekends off, holidays with the spouse and kids, summer vacations with the family and the potential to impact hundreds, if not thousands, of America’s future leadership, throughout your “second” career.
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