BGSU partners with Ohio to help active military members, veterans use their skills to fill teacher shortage

Through the state's EmpowerVetEd grant, BGSU is helping veterans transition from military life to academia

By Branden Ferguson

For more than a century, Bowling Green State University has been a leader in training educators. Today, as the nation faces a critical teacher shortage, BGSU is building on its legacy with a new initiative — helping active-duty military members and veterans become teachers.

The EmpowerVetEd grant from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, in partnership with the Department of Veteran Services, aims to eliminate barriers for military personnel and their spouses to complete educator prep programs. BGSU was the only public university in northwestern Ohio to receive the grant.

"Veterans are uniquely prepared to fill the need caused by the teacher shortage in northwest Ohio and across the country," said Dr. Tracy Huziak-Clark, director of the School of Inclusive Teacher Education in the College of Education and Human Development. "Veterans bring unique skills to the classroom, including resilience, leadership and a collaborative spirit.

"With support in disciplinary content and teaching methods to facilitate the transition from military life to academia, the EmpowerVetEd program is structured to assist their transition."

Through the grant, BGSU provides students with a cost-of-living stipend and up to $4,000 in tuition assistance. The three-year grant totals more than $150,000 and will welcome five new students to BGSU this year.

"Veterans acquire extensive technical training and expertise during their service, especially in STEM fields, which are among the highest needs in Ohio and the nation," said Huziak-Clark. "Many veterans have practical experience with advanced technology, engineering systems and computer networks, preparing them to make technical concepts more relatable for students.

"With previous roles involving creative problem-solving with the latest advancements in cybersecurity, robotics and telecommunications, veterans can recreate active and authentic learning experiences in modern classrooms."

Samantha Cline, an active-duty service member with two years in the Ohio Army National Guard, was one of the program's first participants. For Cline, the path to becoming a teacher started with a personal connection.

"Ever since my teacher Mrs. Hurtig saved me from going down the wrong path, I knew I wanted to become a teacher," Cline said. "She saw me for who I was and not for who I was pretending to be. I will never forget her kindness, respect and dedication to being the best version of herself. I hope to have a similar impact on my students."

When the time came to look at education programs, Cline turned to BGSU for its long-standing history in education and the program's integration of experiential learning.

"I have been shadowing a teacher in a classroom since I was a freshman," Cline said. "Opportunities to tutor students and teach them in a classroom have helped me figure out what teaching style, classroom management and overall teacher I want to be. These hands-on experiences have built my confidence and my ability to be an effective teacher."

Cline also recognized the University's commitment to military students as a key factor in her decision. Ranked as the No. 1 university in the Midwest for veterans and active military students, Cline has found unmatched support from her professors, advisors and the Office of Nontraditional and Military Student Services.

"The support I have received is phenomenal," Cline said. "I know that if I have any issues, I can go to the office and get everything sorted out. That being said, I have been fortunate enough to never run into any problems thanks to the support I have received."

To assist veterans and active service members in the education program, BGSU offers dedicated advisors with past military experience who can provide realistic and timely advice when helping them meet their goals. Providing numerous opportunities for veterans/teachers to learn and practice in the field, BGSU has partnered with military-friendly K-12 districts that are committed to supporting and hiring veterans as teachers.

"With the help of this grant and program, I have been able to focus more on my academics and my training," said Cline. "I am grateful for this opportunity, and I hope more programs like this arise in the future to help even more veterans."

The next round of applications for Ohio's EmpowerVetEd at BGSU begins in March.