Veterans to Teachers in Texas: Why It Makes Good Sense

School districts across the country are increasingly finding out what corporate America has known for a long time: Military veterans make great hires. 

Veterans, for their part, are discovering that becoming a teacher is a great re-entry into the civilian workforce and a way to proudly continue serving their nation.

If you’re considering a second career, here’s what you need to know about why teaching can provide stability, personal fulfillment, and a chance to make a lasting impact.

Texas Is Looking For Veterans

Texas is actively seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to fill teaching roles across the state. As one of the fastest-growing states in the country, Texas faces a rising demand for educators driven by an expanding population and increasing school enrollment.

While leaving the military may feel like a enormous career change, becoming a teacher is a great way to still make an impact.

Texas is facing a teacher shortage, especially in the areas of:

• Career and technical education
• Computer science
• Mathematics
• Science
• Bilingual/English as a second language
• English language arts and reading 

If you choose to teach in one of these areas, the state or individual school districts may offer some incentives that include loan forgiveness programs, signing bonuses and pathways for career advancement. 

Skills That Are Transferrable

Military veterans possess a wealth of skills that seamlessly transfer to the classroom, making them highly effective educators. Here are six key skills veterans bring to teaching:

1. Leadership
   Veterans are natural leaders who know how to motivate, guide and inspire others. In the classroom, this translates to the ability to manage students effectively, create a sense of order, and foster a positive learning environment.
2. Adaptability
   The ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances is invaluable in teaching, where no two days are the same. Veterans excel at thinking on their feet and finding creative solutions to challenges.
3. Discipline and Time Management
   Veterans understand the importance of structure, routine, and meeting deadlines—qualities that help in lesson planning, classroom management, and maintaining accountability for both students and themselves.
4. Communication
   Clear, concise communication is essential in both military operations and education. Veterans are skilled at breaking down complex concepts and delivering instructions in ways that are easy to understand, which benefits students of all learning styles.
5. Teamwork and Collaboration
   Whether working with other educators, administrators, or parents, veterans know how to collaborate effectively to achieve common goals. Their team-oriented mindset enhances school culture and strengthens partnerships.
6. Commitment to Service
   A strong sense of duty and a desire to serve others are at the heart of both military service and teaching. Veterans channel this commitment into helping students succeed academically and personally.

By applying these transferable skills, veterans can thrive as educators while making a meaningful impact in their communities.

Next Steps For Veterans To Teachers In Texas

Educator preparation programs (EPPs) provide a streamlined way for aspiring teachers to obtain their Texas teaching certification. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject, you can complete an alternative teacher certification program in as little as 4 to 6 months.

For veterans interested in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) instruction, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) offers a specialized teaching certificate. Many JROTC instructors are retired military officers from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard. This certification requires a bachelor’s degree and successful completion of an approved EPP.

If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, there are still options available. You can pursue a Health Science or Trade and Industrial Education (TIE) certification through an EPP. In some cases, relevant military experience may count toward meeting the required experience and licensure qualifications for this certification pathway.

To support military families, Texas offers fee waivers for certain certification steps. Service members, veterans and military spouses who meet the eligibility criteria can save on costs associated with the certification process.

For more details about these waivers and the steps required to become a certified teacher in Texas, explore our article, Leaving the Military? Education Wants You!