First Year Teachers
First year teachers who are eligible for the GI Bill may now receive VA Education Benefits for On-the- Job Training (OJT) during their first contract year. They can be teaching with a regular professional certificate or a temporary authorization.
- Requirements for participation:
- Application for VA Benefits.
- Application for approval of the OJT position
- Training outline developed by school officials, including a letter detailing mentoring/ supervision by either school principal or experienced teacher.
- Designate a school official to serve as the contact person between the school and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the VA.
- Benefits:
- First year teachers can receive VA Education Benefits under Chapter 34/30 that are paid directly to him/her and thus need no special accounting or payroll practices. This is a valuable addition to first year salaries. The amount a person receives depends upon his/her chapter of eligibility and years of service.
- This benefit is separate from Troops-to-Teachers and may be used in addition to Troops-to-Teacher funds.
- Allows the school districts to participate and be a positive force in the veteran’s transition from military to civilian life.
Contact the Veterans’ Education and Training Section of DESE at 573-751-3487 for more details.