Veterans in the Classroom: How to Build a Rewarding Second Career in Education

By Kelli Brewer

You have served your country, and now you’re ready to make a change. Why not serve your community by bringing your experience, discipline, and drive into the classroom? Quality educators are in high demand, and even though teaching is not usually a six-figure salary, it is rewarding in ways money could never buy.

First things first, as you start to think about a career in education, it’s a good idea to speak with a career counselor. They can help you talk through your strengths and areas of interests so that you can make the best decisions possible when it comes to deciding what advanced degree or degrees you should pursue, what age group you’d like to teach, and so on.

The impact of education

You’ve probably seen the movie Dangerous Minds. In it, Michelle Pfeifer plays a former Marine who enters an inner-city classroom and teaches each student their strengths. What you might not know, however, is that this movie, though dramatized for the big screen, is based largely on a true story. Back in the early 90s, retired Marine and Navy servicewoman LouAnn Johnson published her book, My Posse Don’t Do Homework, detailing her experiences in an underserved community. She persevered, and her students were better for it.

Beyond a single educator’s experience, there is evidence that clearly illustrates the importance of teachers. According to The Scots College, teachers can impact a student’s performance in a quantifiable way, with a 30 percent variance in achievement. Teachers inspire and encourage their students to do more and be more from kindergarten through college.

One area where this impact is seen is in instilling a love of the written word. Students with good teachers are routinely encouraged to read. This, in turn, has a positive effect on their overall academic performance. But like a domino, learning to read in childhood follows a person throughout their lifetime, and people who read in adulthood gain an advanced vocabulary, increased intelligence, and other skills and assets that can boost their career.

Why veterans?

As a veteran, The Week points out that you already possess much of the training and experience you need to lead a classroom of eager minds. The military teaches adaptability, flexibility, and an appreciation for diversity. Further, you won’t back down when things get tough, and you have the inner strength to push past social, economic, and cultural barriers. All of these are traits of a successful educator.

If you are considering a career in education, keep in mind that you are entitled to benefits that can cover the cost of your own education. The Veterans Administration offers assistance in many ways. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, for example, covers a standard four-year degree and also offers, in some circumstances, a monthly housing allowance and rural benefit payment. The National Testing Program is another benefit available to veterans, and it reimburses the cost of testing for the SAT, GMAT, MCAT, and more than a dozen other approved academic  achievement and admission exams.

One step further

If you already have a degree, it might make sense to pursue a doctorate or Ph.D.  According to Teach, a Ph.D. is an excellent option if your interests are geared toward research, and if your ideal career includes an immersive experience in academia and the pursuit of further knowledge. A Doctorate in Education (EdD) is perhaps a better option if you prefer a hands-on role in leadership in the government, nonprofit, or education sectors. Regardless of your choice, each of these degrees opens up career opportunities in the classroom and beyond.

When you feel called to serve, there are many ways you can continue to do so beyond discharge. Your unique experiences make you an ideal individual to shape and mold the children of today into the leaders of tomorrow. Using your educational benefits, you can begin your career in academics and start shaping the world one mind at a time.

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