AASU's Fast-Track Education Program for Military Personnel

SAVANNAH, GA— October 16, 2003—Current or retired military veterans can become certified to teach through Armstrong Atlantic State University's quick-start program—Troops to Teachers/GTAPP II—with financial assistance from the Department of Defense. The next open house will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 1 on Fort Stewart at the Army Education Center (Building 130). A second session will be held on November 18 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 159 on Ft. Stewart.

Military, their dependents, and residents of the general vicinity who hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education (and will be available to begin teaching in August 2004) are eligible to apply for admission. Other requirements include a minimum SAT (or equivalent) score of 1000, 2.5 GPA, and a clean criminal background check. Upon completion participants will be required to obtain a position with a school district during the spring of 2004.

One participant, Lt. Col. Clark Southard, said after 29 years in the army he did not want to retire and become idle. He said the program turns the skills of experienced military leaders into great assets for school systems.

"What children need are good male role models in the classrooms, because most of these children do not have any positive male influence in their lives," said Southard. "With my leadership skills, less time will be spent disciplining students, and more time will be spent teaching them school lessons and some life lessons, too," says Southard.

Courses will be offered in the spring of 2004 on Fort Stewart. Participants will be eligible to teach full-time under an "Intern" certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) in August 2004. If qualified, participants will work with their advisor on a Program of Study (POS). After completing the POS, participants are eligible for a clear and renewable, five-year certificate.

Troops to GaTAPP II is a collaboration among AASU's College of Education, the Army Education Center of the 3rd ID in Fort Stewart, and GaPSC. For additional information, contact Chris Schuberth at 912.921.7332, or via email at schubech@mail.armstrong.edu.