New Program in Northwest Florida Helps Military...

New Program in Northwest Florida Helps Military Veterans and Schools

PENSACOLA, Sept. 8, 2006 – The University of West Florida and Workforce Escarosa, Inc. unveiled a new pilot program called "Hometown Heroes Teach" on Sept. 8. This new initiative will help eligible veterans earn Florida teacher certification and place them in teaching positions in schools throughout Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. Twenty-five men and women will be selected to participate in the program in each of the two pilot years.

"There is a critical teacher shortage in our area, and this program will help alleviate that situation," said UWF's Dr. William Maloy who is the Project Director and a U.S. Navy/Marine Corps veteran. "It will also give these combat-wounded veterans the chance to use their experiences to help our youth build their own creative edge."

Funding for the project is provided by Workforce Florida, Inc. Workforce Escarosa, Inc. and the University of West Florida. A consortium comprised of Workforce Escarosa, Inc., Workforce Development Board of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, UWF and the three school districts of Northwest Florida are dedicated to helping military servicemembers with service-connected disabilities continue their public service through careers in critically needed teaching fields.

During the initial selection process, priority will be given to those combat-wounded veterans with bachelor's degrees. Degrees do not have to be in education. That group will participate in the Fall 2006 online program called "TeacherReady," which prepares potential teachers for Florida Certification in as little as nine months.

Veterans' groups or individuals interested in learning more about the program and its eligibility requirements can contact the project manager Paul Frederick at (850) 474-2242 or pfrederick@uwf.edu.

Comments: 14

Donald H. Sep 18, 2006, 3:52pm EDT

This sort of program is needed all over the country! These guys will be better teachers, stand up to parents & politicos & get some education into the ehads of their students...!

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Leah Christensen Sep 18, 2006, 3:58pm EDT

They need this all over the WORLD!! As for the USA, I know a guy in AZ, who would be great!!! I think you know who I am talking about. What a great idea!!! I also think YOU would be a good candidate!!!

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Lisa W. Sep 18, 2006, 3:59pm EDT

This sounds like a great program.

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Susan *. Sep 18, 2006, 4:03pm EDT

As an educator I would like to see more enter the teaching field with "practical knowledge"....as far as I'm concerned you cannot put a limit on experience...it is priceless!

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♯ ♪ Sep 18, 2006, 4:05pm EDT

They could use this in Michigan too. The auto workers can get teacher certification (maybe, in Michigan it's tough because of the teacher union) and then go into Detroit, where their teachers go on strike every year.

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Donald H. Sep 18, 2006, 4:07pm EDT

Leah.....I do not want to teach...I had to do that in garduate school...hated it...can you imagine me with a classful of recalcitrant teenagers? Ha! They would all be in intensive care......! Me? I'd be in jail..! No way....!

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Todd L Sep 18, 2006, 4:08pm EDT

FANTASTIC IDEA !!!!!

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Leah Christensen Sep 18, 2006, 4:27pm EDT

Doc! You're right about where they'd be, and where you'd be. That just goes to show what's wrong with North America. Kids NEED a guy like you to whip 'em into shape!!! That's one of the MAIN reasons why I suggested you'd be perfect for the job.

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Leah Christensen Sep 18, 2006, 4:32pm EDT

Another thought!

Speaking of recalcitrant teenagers..... I think I should hire you as my bodyguard. Idiots on skateboards and bicycles are endangering my life. I've written about that before. Also a few times I've been approached by gangs of guys on the street, late at night. Why should I have to stay home, if I want a cappuccino in the middle of the night? I have as much right to be out as they do.

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Ruth MacGill Sep 18, 2006, 6:32pm EDT

It is good to hear that programs like this are being developed for the latest crop of veterans. It takes a brave and hardy soul to teach these days. Combat training might help, or at least improve respect for the teacher.

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Visionaerie B. Sep 18, 2006, 9:29pm EDT

This is a totally awesome idea. I think that anything that brings people together to share knowledge is worthwhile. The vets are looking for a steady gig, and the kids need a good role model. Everybody wins! A few years back the VFW was supposed to be selling tins of ANZACs biscuits (in supermarkets) but I never found them in any store. Has anyone ever gotten any of these? They would make a nice gift for my dad -- any info is appreciated.

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