Program helps servicemembers go from ‘Troops to Teachers’ Published Dec. 11, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Kiana Brothers 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Servicemembers have the opportunity to use their leadership skills outside of the military through the Troops to Teachers program. Representatives from TTT hosted a briefing Dec. 4 at Scott for servicemembers interested in becoming teachers after their military service. "This is a teaching as a second career seminar; even though I'm with Troops to Teachers I'm not necessarily talking about my specific program the entire time," said Emily Siefkin, program manager of the Illinois and Indiana Troops to Teachers. She said many people in the room will be going to many different states, so she talked about what it takes to become a teacher broadly. TTT helps servicemembers achieve their goal of earning their teaching degree. They also assist members with identifying state certification requirements, programs leading to certification and selecting a program that best fits the wants and needs of the individual. TTT can also provide direction with finding employment opportunities. "There has been a number of hires of individuals who started out at my briefings and have taken our advice on what teacher preparation programs to go into," said Siefkin. Through the TTT program, participants will have the opportunity to teach grades from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade throughout the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands. Individuals who attended the seminar were of all ranks. Some were retiring and looking for career options, and others had completed their bachelor degree. Seifkin said it's almost always a packed house, and she receives positive feedback from the servicemembers who attend. Airman Kevin Johnston, 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron, is one of the many members of Team Scott who attended the seminar and is interested in pursuing a teaching degree. "I came to get more information on teaching because I would like to have a better understanding of the qualifications and what it takes to become a teacher," said Johnston.