California looks to veterans to "serve again"
by MC1(SW/AW) Jason McKnight
CORONADO, Calif (NNS) -- California's educational institutions are actively seeking transitioning Sailors and Marines for careers offering the opportunity to "Serve Again."

The U.S. Department of Education's "Troops to Teachers" program connects people who still have the desire to continue serving their communities with employers looking to fill shortages in California's classrooms and across the nation.

"Almost everyone I've worked closely with has found employment," said Rick Nathanson, recruiter with CalTroops, the California office of Troops to Teachers, and a prior commanding officer of the decommissioned USS Mauna Kea (AE 22). "We really try hard to find as many ways as possible to say 'yes.' Sometimes the jobs won't be in California, but that doesn't mean we can't help you find one."

Studies conducted by the National Center for Educational Information and Old Dominion University showed educational employers prefer military veterans nine to one over otherwise equally qualified civilian job seekers.

"Why veterans? Because things you take for granted every day as the way things are supposed to be are the qualities employers desire most," said Nathanson. "Your organization, self-discipline, punctuality, desire to achieve and honest, sincere caring for the success of others are virtues they're looking for in someone they want in teachers."

The field of education, like the Marines, is always looking for a few good men and women, especially in math, science, and special education said Nathanson.

"Troops to Teachers provides a lot of help for veterans who are considering a job in teaching kindergarten through 12th grade. From stipends as high as $5,000 to help offset the costs of becoming a teacher, to help with credentialing, we can help," said Nathanson. "There are many requirements you have to meet, but for those with the true desire to teach America's next generations, we can help with all of them."

Nathanson said veterans hired to teach at schools designated as "high need" can look forward to financial incentives as high as $10,000.

Naval Surface Forces (CNSF) Command Career Counselor Master Chief Navy Counselor (SW/AW) Laura Paquian said she counsels all Sailors she helps transition out to keep an open mind about teaching as one of many options available to them when they leave the Navy.

"The more you explore, the better off you will be. (Teaching) is another opportunity to serve and mentor, just at a different level," said Paquian. "I think once you've devoted time serving your country, service to others comes as second nature. Teaching is like the Navy…every day you're going to make a difference."

That spark of dedication struck a chord with one Sailor who is just beginning her career and heard what Nathanson had to say at a briefing held aboard Naval Amphibious Base Coronado Feb. 17.

"I want to help children who have issues with things like studying, like I did when I was in school. The briefing showed me that there are guidelines I have to follow and some of the requirements I am going to have to meet," said Information Systems Technician Seaman Apprentice Sonia Varela, assigned to CNSF's communications division. "It's helpful for retirees because it encourages them as they realize they've already met so many of the requirements. It helps me too by showing me which college courses I need to take to get where I want to go."

Varela said she wants to be a World History teacher some day, and together with experts at Troops to Teachers, she is on her way to the front of the class.