The American Legion Urges Congress to Pass Post 9/11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
The American Legion has delivered letters of support to four members of Congress
for introducing bills that would improve the Troops to Teachers (TTT) program,
which is designed to make it more accessible for military veterans to transition
into careers as educators.

"Since 1999, The American Legion continues to support the concept of offering
incentives and assistance to former U.S. service members seeking certification
and employment as educators," National Commander Clarence E. Hill wrote in
letters to Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.; Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo.; Rep. Joe
Courtney, D-Conn.; and Rep. Tom Petri, R-Wis. "We are pleased your bill seeks to
make the Troops to Teachers program more accessible to a greater number of
veterans and more school districts…Clearly, Troops to Teachers meets the needs
of local schools and is an excellent employment opportunity for recently
separated service members."

The bills, H.R. 3943 and S. 1932, would expand the Troops to Teachers program
pool of eligible participants by reducing length of service requirements. The
Post 9/11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act would also expand the number of
school districts in which participants can qualify for a stipend toward the cost
of becoming a teacher. Moreover, the Act would create an advisory board charged
with improving awareness of the program, increasing participation and ensuring
that the program meets the needs of schools and veterans.

The current Troops to Teachers program was implemented in 1994. William Owings,
a professor who has studied the program, told Time Magazine, "Principals and
other supervisors have reported that these teachers worked better with problem
children, worked better with parents and worked better with colleagues." He
added that administrators have observed that "the TTT people rated higher in
exhibiting behaviors that are associated with increases in student achievement."

In his letters to the sponsoring lawmakers, Hill expressed his support. "The
American Legion salutes you for your leadership on this important matter and
stands with you in support. The Post 9/11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act not
only assists veterans in transitioning to a new career as educators, but also
provides excellent role models for the youth of this nation."

With 2.5 million members, The American Legion is the nation`s largest veterans
service organization. The Legion traditionally works hand-in-hand with members
of Congress, leadership of the Department of Veterans Affairs and other key
stakeholders to assure appropriate funding and policy making on measures and
issues affecting the military`s active duty, National Guard and Reserve
personnel, veterans, and their families.

Media contacts:Craig Roberts, (202) 263-2982, Cell (202) 406-0887; or Joe March,
(317) 630-1253, Cell (317) 748-1926.A high resolution photo of Nat. Cmdr. Hill
is available at www.legion.org.

The American Legion
Craig Roberts
202-263-2982 Office
202-406-0887 Cell
www.legion.org

Copyright Business Wire 2009