The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is partnering with the Ohio Department of Veterans Services to offer a financial initiative to encourage veterans, current military members and their spouses to work in its schools.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen Dackin and Ohio Department of Veterans Services Director Maj. Gen. (U.S. Army, retired) Deborah Ashenhurst introduced the initiative.
Through the new Military Recruit Award program, schools can now offer a $3,000 hiring bonus to current military, veterans and their spouses to join the education workforce in Ohio.
“In Ohio, we are proud to support members of the military and their families. This program is not only a win for our service members, but also for our students,” said Governor DeWine. “What they will gain from these heroes goes beyond textbooks. They will have a front-row seat to learn about important life values like duty, integrity, respect and courage. I look forward to seeing the positive benefits our Military Recruit Award will bring to entire communities.”
The Military Recruit Award is designed to support public school districts, community schools, independent STEM schools and joint vocational school districts in their efforts to recruit Ohioans involved in the military.
“Individuals from our military exemplify service, leadership, collaboration and many other skills that translate to and strengthen the education profession,” said Dackin. “The Military Recruit Award will boost Ohio’s education communities by attracting and retaining these revered individuals to careers in education.”
The state’s Department of Education and Workforce will reimburse districts or schools that provide a $3,000 hiring bonus to military individuals who remain employed with the school for at least one year.
It will also offer a $1,500 bonus to the school or the district for hiring and recruiting an eligible military individual.
“I am grateful for the Military Recruit Award, which is yet another example of how Ohio values military service and the unique skillsets of veterans and those currently serving,” said Ashenhurst. “A strong sense of values, discipline and teamwork make veterans and military members ideal for influencing the development and education of Ohio’s children. This program will be a path to a successful career transition for many Ohio veterans.”
Award applications are now being accepted. For more information, visit the Department of Education and Workforce’s Ohio Military Veteran Educators Program Recruiting Initiative webpage. For further questions, email Ohiomvep@education.ohio.gov.