Politics & Government

VETeach Pilot Program at Stockton College Now Official

The pilot program is designed to help armed forces veterans become teachers.

is now home to a pilot program that will help veterans who served in the armed forces on or after Sept. 11, 2001 become teachers, after Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno signed the legislation Thursday afternoon in Atlantic City.

The is a 36-month teacher preparation pilot program. Veterans who successfully complete the program will receive a bachelor’s degree and be eligible to apply for a certificate to teach children from kindergarten through eighth grade, as well as certain secondary education fields.

The federal “Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act,” which provides 36 months of tuition benefits, will cover the tuition for those students who are eligible.

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“This program is a win-win-win for veterans, Richard Stockton College, and the school districts and students that will ultimately benefit from a new generation of enthusiastic and dedicated veteran teachers,” Stockton Provost Dr. Harvey Kesselman said in a release from the governor’s office. “We expect this program will be a great success, serve as a national model, and ultimately become a permanent part of our teacher education offerings.”

Sen. Christopher J. Connors, of the Ninth Legislative District, was a co-sponsor of the bill.

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“Today’s bill signing marks the beginning of a tremendously promising initiative that will open career paths for our veterans while at the same time proactively working to address an anticipated shortage in public school teachers resulting from retirements over the next several years,” District 9 representatives Connors, Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove said in a release. “Even more encouraging for our Delegation is that the pilot program will be undertaken at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey which is located in 9th Legislative District. Having spoken with both college representatives and students on multiple occasions, we know that Stockton is firmly committed to identifying working solutions to address pressing veterans’ issues, including enhancing employment opportunities for returning military personnel."

“This bipartisan supported initiative was quickly advanced through the Legislature largely in part of the widespread support displayed throughout the education community.  There is a general consensus of our state’s public education system which stands to benefit tremendously from an increase in the number of veterans who will bring their values of dedication, professionalism and can-do attitude to the classroom everyday.”  

The bill's other sponsors included Sen. Jim Whelan, Assemblymembers Mila M. Jasey, Wayne P. DeAngelo, Cleopatra G. Tucker, Daniel R. Benson and Ruben J. Ramos, Jr.

“I am proud that Stockton College will launch this program – to our knowledge the first of its kind in the country – to serve our veterans. These future teachers have defended our way of life, and the VETeach program will empower them to access their American dream, all while serving our youth,” Secretary of Higher Education Rochelle Hendricks said in a release. “This program will also help serve the important purpose of attracting more men and minorities into the teaching profession, where they can continue to build on their tradition of service to our country.”

“New Jersey’s veterans are among the most disciplined and highly trained members of the state’s workforce," Guadagno said in a release. "Our school districts will benefit in a very meaningful way by having these dedicated men and women apply their experience in the service of educating of New Jersey’s children … Not only will these veterans serve our state in the classroom, their personal sacrifice on behalf of our nation serves as a great example to students about the meaning of service, community and dedication.”


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