OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The Spouses to Teachers program is now available to military spouses in the Pacific.
Spouses of active duty, selected Reserve and National Guard, and Individual Ready Reserve (recalled to active duty) personnel who are interested in a career in public education are eligible for the program. 

While the program does not pay for tuition, it does help offset the costs for teaching certification tests and state examinations, said Ms. Kathren Rodriguez, 51st Mission Support Squadron education service officer. 

"The Spouses to Teachers program, partnered with Airmen and Family Readiness and the education office, does help spouses get up to 50 percent off the tuition paid each term through the Air Force Aid Society," said Ms. Rodriguez. "That particular financial help is only available to spouses overseas." 

The goal of this DOD-sponsored program is to provide counseling and guidance on state-specific certification requirements, certification options, scholarships available and state employment resources, according to a Spouses to Teachers press release. Up to $600 is available via a voucher process to reimburse the costs of testing fees associated with teacher certification and licensure. 

The education office here can help spouses by giving them general education information, as well as the use of their computers to apply for the program or get financial aid information. They can also provide information on CLEP and DANTES testing, which allow a student to gain credits for a subject instead of having to take a class. 

"Spouses pay $80 to take the electronic CLEP tests," said Ms. Rodriguez. "In the past, the cost was $120 and it took four to six weeks to receive the test results. Now they'll get the results immediately." 

For more information on the Spouses to Teachers program, go to www.spousestoteachers.com, or send an e-mail to stt@voled.doded.mil. For information on CLEP or DANTES testing, stop by the education office here. For information on upcoming classes, visit the universities on base in Bldgs. 787 and 789.