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that the problems is not supply, but retention, claiming that retained teachers do not need
replacement (Stutz 2004). However, not all criticize the Temporary Teacher Certificate.
Promoters of the changes suggest that the traditional method of teacher certification is
outdated, provides low standards, and shortchanges teachers on needed preparation in their
academic field. The U.S. Department of Education recommended “that states restructure their
certification processes by raising standards for teacher quality while removing barriers to
certification (ED4: Alleviate the Texas Teacher Shortage 2003, 6).” The report indicates that
rigorous academic training produces teachers who know their subject areas and can raise student
achievement. Thus, the Texas Temporary Teacher Certificate is an acceptable method of gaining
qualified teachers. The Troops to Teachers program is another option.
Texas Military Initiative/Troops to Teachers Program
The Troops to Teachers program was originally authorized and funded under the FY1993
Defense Authorization Bill in order to incorporate “downsized” military personnel into civilian
jobs. Originally slated to end in FY1999, funding was moved to the U.S. Department of
Education under NCLB in 2001 (Region XIII Education Service Center 2004). “Troops-to-
Teachers ... provides guidance on how to obtain certification, maintains a nationwide teacher
referral system, has placement offices in 24 states, and provides participants with lists of district
vacancies. Participants receive a stipend of up to $5,000 to pay for certification costs, or a bonus
of $10,000 if they teach full-time in a high-need school ... for at least three years” (U. S
Department of Education 2002, 50).
Since the program began in 1995, over 1500 Texas veterans have made the transition
Convention