Spouses to Teachers was prompted by the Department of Defense for military spouses who are teachers or interested in teaching but face difficulties finding certification requirements and job information when the military moves the spouses. Quality of Life matters significantly and it affects Service member's decisions to remain in the military. For some members, the ability of a spouse to supplement family income with a professional salary comparable to that enjoyed by two-income families in the private sector is a key factor in deciding whether or not to remain in the military. Teaching is a professional career of high interest to military spouses.

The Spouses to Teachers Program was launched on September 1, 2004 in six states with a large military population and a need for public school teachers. These states are California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Texas and Virginia. Since then, the program has expanded to include North Carolina, South Carolina, and Louisiana. The Colorado office services spouses in Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah as part of the Spouses to Teachers Program.

The many positive reactions by the participants so far have been overwhelming. Having a counselor available for guidance through the process of earning a teaching credential has contributed greatly to the spouses feeling appreciated and supported. America's children truly benefit from the worldly experience, leadership, patriotism, dedication and desire to educate that the spouses bring into the classroom .

Spouses in one of the following categories will receive the assistance they need to pursue a career in education and teacher certification:

• Spouses with a bachelor or higher degree: Counseled on their options for achieving teacher certification, up to $600.00 stipend, and guidance concerning marketability of teaching positions in their particular state.
  
• Spouses that are certified to teach in another state: Counseled on their options for achieving teacher certification (state reciprocity), up to $600 stipend, and guidance concerning marketability of teaching positions in their particular state.
  
• Spouses without a degree: Counseled on degree completion programs, college/university transcript review, local, state, and federal financial assistance for tuition, teacher certification requirements, up to $600 stipend availability with attainment of bachelor degree, and guidance concerning marketability of teaching positions in their particular state.

For spouses with a bachelor degree or higher, financial assistance will be available in the form of a reimbursable stipend up to $600 to help pay for tests required as part of the certification process, such as the PRAXIS or state specific examinations. State offices will identify the specific examinations required and provide the spouse a reimbursement authorization voucher. The voucher along with verification of the cost of the examinations(s) may be submitted for reimbursement up to the maximum amount. Spouses pursuing a bachelor degree in education that are required to complete teacher certification examinations will be reimbursed prior to graduation.

Eligible spouses include spouses of active duty personnel, spouses of members of the selected reserve and National Guard, and spouses of members of the Individual Ready Reserve recalled to active duty. All spouses will be required to provide a copy of their ID card verifying their sponsor's affiliation with one of the above eligible service categories.

A web site is available providing information that will help interested spouses answer many questions regarding a career in public education. Information links will take spouses to sites such as Recruiting New Teachers, teacher job search sites, financial aid listings, programs leading to teacher certification, tips on locating teaching positions, and interview and resume tips among other useful topics. The Spouses to Teachers program administrator/counselor is available to provide general information at 1-800-452-6619, STT@voled.doded.mil.

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