If South Carolina schools grow more disciplined in the coming years, it may be because new teachers take their military training into the classroom.
Four universities have teamed up with seven other state agencies to enhance Troops to Teachers, national program launched 1994 designed to point soldiers toward teaching careers after they leave the military. Until now, the program has served primarily as a referral service.
Headquartered at Clemson University, the S.C. Troops-to-Teachers Coalition aims to make the program better by actually preparing former troops for teacher certification.
The goal of the project is to provide advisement, coursework, training and field experience that will lead to certification and job placement, said Nancy C. Dunlap, project leader and associate director of Clemson's School of Education. The plan also calls for support and follow-up to help military men and women ease into teaching.
Because of their experience and leadership training, the program is directed at commissioned and non-commissioned officers with bachelor's degrees or higher.
"Military personnel represent a wealth of talent, experience, diversity, knowledge, expertise, skills and world view," Dunlap said.
At the same time, they can fill what is expected to be a huge shortage of teachers, especially in rural and inner-city areas, where schools have concerns about high-risk students, and a need for males in the classroom.
Teachers who go through the program would provide more of what many schools are missing: more African-Americans and Hispanics, and more men. They would be mature, physically fit, drug-free role models for kids.
One aspect of the coalition's approach that adds to the program's strength is the involvement of the South Carolina Military Assistance Council.
"The Military Assistance Council, established by executive order of the governor to coordinate the efforts of the military, the private sector and government in all military matters that affect South Carolina, functions as the advisory council for the coalition," Dunlap said.
Curriculum is developed by university faculty, based on what teachers need to know and do to be successful in the classroom. Prospective teachers will work paid internships for a year with mentor teachers.
In addition to Clemson University, the coalition includes the University of South Carolina, The Citadel, South Carolina State University, the Office of the Governor, IBM/Lotus, the South Carolina Military Assistance Council, the state Commission on Higher Education, the S.C. Department of Education, S.C. Center for Teacher Recruitment, and the state Employment Security Commission.
Adapted from a July 2001 press release.
CONTACT: Nancy Dunlap (864) 656-6575
WRITER: Ross Norton (864) 656-4810