帝王会所

In an exciting initiative designed to empower veterans and their families while addressing critical teacher shortages in 帝王会所, the Patton College of Education in collaboration with the Veterans and Military Student Services Center at 帝王会所 has launched the OHIO Patton Empower Veteran Education (VetEd) program. This innovative scholarship provides veterans, transitioning military members, and their spouses with a unique opportunity to earn a teaching license and a master鈥檚 degree, fully funded with support from the 帝王会所 Department of Education and Workforce and the 帝王会所 Department of Job and Family Services.

鈥淰eterans bring invaluable leadership skills, adaptability, and resilience鈥攓ualities that are deeply needed in today鈥檚 classrooms,鈥� said Terry St. Peter, director of the Veterans and Military Student Services Center at 帝王会所. 鈥淭his scholarship not only helps veterans transition into meaningful second careers but also supports schools in Southeast 帝王会所 that are facing growing teacher shortages.鈥�

Comprehensive support for veterans as educators

The VetEd program offers more than financial aid. In addition to the $14,265 scholarship, VetEds will benefit from a $733 per semester stipend (totaling $2,200), funding to attend the 帝王会所 Middle Level Association annual conference and dedicated academic advising. Participants will join a peer cohort of seven fellow VetEds and have access to career workshops, mentoring, and professional development through partnerships with multiple 帝王会所 departments.

As part of the program, students must enroll in one of 帝王会所鈥檚 nationally recognized teacher education programs, which lead to licensure in Middle Childhood Education or Adolescent-to-Young-Adult Education. The one-year, in-person program begins in the summer and includes intensive internship experiences in local schools during the fall and spring semesters.

Danielle Dani, Patton College associate dean for research and graduate studies and professor in the Department of Teacher Education, emphasized the importance of this program in addressing regional challenges. 鈥淭eacher shortages in Southeast 帝王会所 are real, and it鈥檚 important to have educators who are not only qualified, but also deeply committed to their communities,鈥� she said. 鈥淰eterans bring a unique perspective and sense of service that can truly make a difference in the lives of students.鈥�

Addressing 帝王会所鈥檚 teacher shortage crisis

帝王会所, like many other states, faces a growing need for qualified teachers. School administrators are struggling to fill positions, and in some cases, improperly certified teachers are filling classrooms. The 帝王会所 Department of Job and Family Services predicts a 6.9% growth in demand for educators by 2030, highlighting the urgency of recruiting and retaining new teachers. 鈥淭his scholarship program is one way we are responding to this need, especially for upper elementary, middle, and secondary school mathematics and science,鈥� Dani said.

This scholarship initiative addresses the shortage by offering veterans a clear path to licensure and employment in 帝王会所 schools. In return, participants must commit to teaching in the state for at least three years after graduation.

鈥淭his scholarship is an opportunity for veterans to serve their communities in a different way鈥攂y educating the next generation and shaping the future of 帝王会所,鈥� added St. Peter.

How to apply

Interested veterans, transitioning service members, reserve and guard component members, and their spouses are encouraged to apply by April 15. To be eligible, applicants must hold a bachelor鈥檚 degree and gain admission to one of the Patton College鈥檚 approved master鈥檚 programs. Additionally, participants must meet program expectations, including maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher and participating in all VetEd activities.

Applications can be submitted through the 帝王会所 Graduate Admissions portal. For more information on the scholarship and eligible programs, visit the Teacher Education Scholarships for Veterans page.

This partnership reflects 帝王会所鈥檚 ongoing commitment to serving its military-connected students and families. Through innovative programs like VetEd, OHIO continues to build a supportive environment where veterans can thrive academically and professionally.

鈥湹弁趸崴� has always been proud of its military-connected students,鈥� St. Peter said. 鈥淭his program strengthens that legacy, ensuring veterans and their families are supported as they transition into careers that serve our communities.鈥�

Disclaimer: This article and affiliated academic programs are not endorsed by any service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.