Florida Schools will let veterans teach without degrees - should other states do this?

Capt Brandon Charters — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 13:55:14 -0400

Last week, the Florida Department of Education announced that military veterans, as well as their spouses, would receive a five-year voucher that allows them to teach in the classroom without a degree.

Response by CWO4 Terrence Clark made Jul 27 at 2022 2:04 PM

CWO4 Terrence Clark — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 14:04:19 -0400

Arizona just passed the same. That's not likely the whole story. The real question is, why not? I was part of Troops to Teachers 93 - 05. A program I understand has been reinvigorated. How much worse could they be than these blue haired nose rings all over tictok proud they've convinced their second graders to change their pronouns?

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jul 27 at 2022 2:23 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 14:23:16 -0400

I suppose this depends on the details of the plan (as to whether it should be extended to other states). If structured right, this would help with the teacher shortage. I wouldn't be supportive of states hiring just any veteran. They would need to have some relevant experience and expertise. Someone who was a medic for a few years, then got out? I find it hard to see how they would be qualified to be a teacher. However, I would be supportive of hiring a veteran who has a good deal of experience and some college education in a field relevant to what they'll be teaching (maybe someone who combines work experience with being just short of earning a degree). I also think that the voucher should be combined with resources that give them the incentive to become a fully qualified teacher (like tuition assistance to help them complete their degree).

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2022 3:52 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 15:52:20 -0400

I was a grunt. I know how to close with and destroy my enemies. I know how to effectively employ a base element and a maneuver element. Am I qualified to be a teacher in Florida?

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jul 27 at 2022 4:04 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 16:04:44 -0400

It depends on the subject they are teaching. 99% of the Veterans would not be able to teach a subject such as Chemistry unless they already had some college level chemistry classes. Teaching a math class would have to be very basic as with English composition. Now some subjects such are JROTC, History, Art and shop classes may be areas where a degree isn't that important however, typically there sufficient teachers for these areas.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2022 7:21 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 19:21:10 -0400

Hopefully we get some Millennials and Gen Z folks as teachers. They are the smartest and most educated generations to date.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 1 at 2022 12:05 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 12:05:54 -0400

While I have no skin in the game, I have to say there has to be some criteria. Being honest, we all know that there are many Vets who cannot teach to a level required of students education. As for the spouse, that is even more perplexing. At least the Soldiers have entrance exams, annual tests, and an abundance of training to fall back on. Again, I hope there is more criteria than just service, our nations children are already suffering academically for the COVID related issues.

I love our Vets and their spouses. Both of them serve selflessly and do deserve some advantages for that. I have said enough.

Response by Cpl James Pedersen made Sep 17 at 2022 8:21 AM

Cpl James Pedersen — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 08:21:14 -0400

Absolutely. The teachers just regurgitate what's in the "teachers edition" of the textbooks anyway.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2022 3:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 15:38:54 -0400

Hoping GA does this as well. I believe it will definitely help out with teacher shortages. For it work, the veterans would have some at least some college, trained SMs in an official capacity- mid to senior level NCOs, level headed, no disciplinarian issues,...