The West Virginia Troops to
Teachers Program
Program Update
October 1, 2013
West Virginia History
• 1994 – 2007: West Virginia veterans are
directed to DANTES federal office in
Pensacola, Florida for program support.
• 2008 – 2013: The West Virginia Department
of Education partners with DANTES. State
program director Robert Mellace works to
successfully enhance the Troops to Teachers
program’s promotions and operations
statewide.
• October 1st, 2013: West Virginia becomes a
part of the program’s North Atlantic Regional
operations and welcomes regional program
director Vanessa Barron.
Media Promotions
Statewide Media Promotions
Statewide Media Promotions
“With the Troops to Teachers program, West Virginia has seized an
excellent opportunity to provide our brave veterans the chance to
add value to our classrooms. Veterans bring leadership and
experience to our classrooms and their students. They are excellent
role models and I am confident they will help us educate our young
people and prepare them with the skills they need to compete in
today’s global economy. ”
Statewide Media Promotions
Statewide Media Promotions
Statewide Media Promotions
Accomplishments
2008 - 2013
Statistics
• The Office of Professional Preparation has
received contact from over 1,000 veterans
who expressed an interest in teaching within
West Virginia.
• Of those veterans, more than 400 have
become registered members of the program.
• 68 Troops to Teachers program members
have found full-time employment as
professional educators in West Virginia.
Note: Prior to 2008, the Troops to Teachers program averaged only
one member hired each year.
State Program Report Card
The West Virginia Department of
Education received the following
grades from DANTES for overall
program effectiveness:
Fiscal Year 2009 – B (8 Full-time Hires)
Fiscal Year 2010 – C (8 Full-time Hires)
Fiscal Year 2011 – A (12 Full-time Hires)
Fiscal Year 2012 – A (22 Full-time Hires)
Full-time Hires in West Virginia
2008-2013
JROTC = 43
Special Education = 4
Science = 4
Math = 3
Social Studies = 3
Vocational = 3
Elementary
Education = 2
English / Reading = 1
Fine Arts = 1
Foreign Languages = 1
Physical Education = 1
Business Education = 1
Health = 1
43 JROTC
25 Non-JROTC
68 Hires
Questions?
Mr. Robert Patrick Mellace III
Teacher Quality Coordinator
West Virginia Department of Education
Division of Educator Quality and System Support
Office of Professional Preparation
http://wvde.state.wv.us/troopstoteachers
rmellace@access.k12.wv.us
1.304.558.7010
1.800.982.2378