1. Troops to Teachers
SEPTEMBER 2012 Central States Vol. 4-12
A Great Opportunity: Teacher Ambassador STAFF
If you’ve been teaching for at least five years, check out the Teacher Ambassador Program. With the
Jefferson City Office
option of participating on full-time or part-time bases. There are only a very few Fellows selected,
877-530-2765
so please contact the TTT office for guidance on the application process. View program details at
the following link: Teacher Ambassador Fellowship. Chad Schatz
Director
http://www2.ed.gov/programs/teacherfellowship/index.html John Hose
Assistant Director
The Teaching Ambassador Fellowship program offers three separate year-long paid positions: Ron Marsch
Supervisor
1. The Washington Fellowship is a full-time appointment based at the
Department’s Headquarters in Washington, John Parker
2. The Classroom Fellowship enables teachers to participate on a part-time Supervisor
basis for the Department, in addition to their regular school responsibilities, Debbie Butcher
working in collaboration with the Department’s Regional Offices and Teacher Certification
3. The Regional Fellowship, which is a full-time appointment based at one of Supervisor
the Department’s Regional Communications Offices – Atlanta, GA; Seattle, Alice Kirsch
WA; and either Boston, MA, New York City or Philadelphia, PA. Administrative Assistant
If you are interested in applying for 2013-2014 Fellowship, email the US Dept of Ed at teacherfel-
lowship@ed.gov with the subject line “notify me” and they will inform you when the 2013-2014 St. Louis Office
Application is released. 314-467-5080
Mike Bitzenburg
“All Teaching Ambassador Fellows spend one year learning about key federal programs and poli- Supervisor
cies; sharing their expertise with federal staff members; and providing outreach and communication Robert Hummel
about federal initiatives to other educators on behalf of the Department in order to help teachers
Approval Developer
understand and implement these efforts at the federal, state and local levels, to improve the likeli-
hood of their success. For the Fellows, the program adds greater knowledge of educational policy Suzanne Adam
and leadership to their toolkits to contribute to solutions at all levels for long intractable challenges Secretary
in education.”
Kansas City Office
816-241-1705
Scan this code and
Scan this code with Turner Shipman
be the first one to Supervisor
your mobile device leave a message.
to be directed to the Leo Blakley
Mention that you Approval Developer
Troops for Teaches used this code and
website. Sharon Sawyer
receive a free gift. Secretary
To find out if you are eligible for GI Bill education and training benefits, call 888-442-4551.

2. State Teacher Job Vacancy Sites VA Medical
Looking for a new job? These are some sources that may prove useful for certified teaching
and substituting.
Centers
IA: http://www.iowaeducationjobs.com/ MO: http://www.moteachingjobs.com/ in Missouri
KS: http://www.kansasteachingjobs.com/ NE: http://www.nebraskaeducationjobs.com/ Columbia
800 Hospital Drive
How to Participate in Troops for Teachers 573-814-6000
The most common initial question candidates ask is, “How do I participate in Troops to Teachers?” Kansas City
A helpful way to get started is by understanding the Participant Lifecycle below: 4801 Linwood Blvd.
816-861-4700 or
Determine Eligibility 800-525-1483
Go to www.proudtoserveagain.com to complete the Self-Determination of Eligibility Guide to find
out if you may be eligible. Poplar Bluff
Register 1500 N. Westwood Blvd.
Register online at www.proudtoserveagain.com or ask the Troops to Teachers Office for a Registration Packet. 573-686-4151
Your Certification Pathway St. Louis
Your state recognizes subject-specific preparation programs which result in certification. Contact the Jefferson Barracks
Troops to Teachers Office for details on specific programs.
Jefferson Barracks Drive
Teacher Certification 314-652-4100 or
Certification, in most states, requires passing the Praxis exam and getting a criminal history check. To 800-228-5459
receive a 10% off on Praxis study materials use the discount code “troops” at www.ets.org.
St. Louis
Get Hired
John Cochran Division
TTT can help you land a position by identifying job opportunities and providing guidance on
résumés, cover letters and the interview process. 915 N. Grand Blvd.
314-652-4100 or
Become a Mentor! 800-228-5459
Classroom experience helps you understand what it means to be a great teacher. Share your knowl-
edge and passion for teaching with a new TTT participant!
s to Teacher
oop s The national Troops to Teachers website
is located at www.proudtoserveagain.com.
Tr
Teacher Certification Contact Information
Iowa
Ce s Geri McMahon • )515-281-8323
n tr a l S t a t e E-mail: geri.mcmahon@iowa.gov
www.troopstoteachers.mo.gov Missouri In order to qualify for the
Debbie Butcher • )573-751-7863 Troops to Teachers program,
Missouri/Kansas/Nebraska/Iowa E-mail: debbie.butcher@dese.mo.gov a veteran must have at least
Chad Schatz, Director Kansas six years of military service.
John Hose, Assistant Director Sungti Hsu • )785-291-3573 Most have much more than
that. Often, a TTT veteran is a
Missouri Department of Elementary E-mail: shsu@ksde.org retiree with at least 20 years of
and Secondary Education Nebraska service. This gives the school
Veterans Education and Training Section administrator a dependable
P.O. Box 480 • Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480 )402-471-0739 • E-mail: nde.tcertweb@nebraska.gov
teacher for today’s challenging
Phone: 877-530-2765 • Fax: 573-526-5710 Website: http://www.education.ne.gov/tcert school environment.
Email: chad.schatz@dese.mo.gov
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs
and activities. Inquiries related to Department programs and to the location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may
be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Civil Rights Compliance (Title VI/Title IX/504/ADA/Age Act), 205 Jefferson Street, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480;
telephone number 573-526-4757 or Relay Missouri 800-735-2966.
DESE 3440 9/11

3. Gov. Nixon signs legislation to strengthen, expand
Special Points Show-Me Heroes program to further increase
of Interest employment opportunities for Missouri veterans
••The Department In July 2012, Gov. Jay Nixon visited Broyles Transfer and Storage in Kirksville to sign House
of Veterans Affairs Bill 1680, which strengthens and expands the Show-Me Heroes program. Missouri’s Show-Me
Heroes program was established by Gov. Nixon in 2010 to expand employment opportunities
wants all veterans for Missouri’s military veterans and spouses.
to know about
During his visit, the Governor also officially presented Broyles Transfer and Storage with the
recent changes Flag of Freedom award, which is presented to Missouri businesses that hire veterans. Jacob
made to the Post- Condon, one of the owners of the company, is an officer in the Missouri National Guard who
is currently deployed in the Middle East.
9/11 GI Bill.
“I am proud to present the Flag of Freedom award to a business that has made hiring veterans
••There are various a priority,” Gov. Nixon said. “I am also proud to sign this legislation to strengthen our Show-
Me Heroes program so even more Missouri businesses hire those who have served us so
ways to determine admirably in our Armed Forces. Our military veterans are well-trained and make excellent
eligible benefits. employees, and Show-Me Heroes is a great way to acknowledge their sacrifices while
helping them transition back to civilian life upon their return home.”
Under HB 1680, Show-Me Heroes would add an On-the-Job (OJT) training component for
returning National Guard, Reservists and recently-separated active-duty service members that
The Missouri Show-Me Heroes employers agree to hire. Through an OJT program, employers would be
reimbursed for 50 percent of the Show-Me Heroes participant’s wages during a contracted
State Approving training period. The wage reimbursement will serve as an incentive for Show-Me Heroes
Agency Directory employers to hire and train returning National Guard, Reservists or recently separated active
duty personnel.
features all schools
The legislation also expands the eligibility of financial assistance to the spouses of active-
and colleges duty service members in addition to the spouses of National Guard and Reservists who are
approved for the currently eligible. The financial assistance in this legislation includes payment of overdue bills;
transportation and day care costs when pursuing employment; and vocational counseling and
GI Bill. Request a subsidized employment.
copy by calling
The Show-Me Heroes program, established by Gov. Nixon in January 2010, is designed
877-530-2765. to connect military veterans with job opportunities when they return home from service.
Administered by the Missouri Division of Workforce Development within the Department of
Economic Development, Show-Me Heroes has served as a campaign to showcase Missouri
businesses that are committed to hiring veterans. Employers participating in the Show-Me
Heroes program sign a pledge to increase efforts to reach out to, recruit and interview
veterans for job openings at their business.
(Cont)

4. Federal Benefits for Veterans,
Get the most Dependents and Survivors
out of your The 2011 edition of the
VA’s Federal Benefits for
Veterans, Dependents
GI Bill benefits and Survivors booklet
is now available. It
provides rates for certain
Click here to federal payments and
visit the official outlines many programs
GI Bill site at and services provided
www.gibill. by the VA and other
federal agencies. The
va.gov booklet also includes
toll-free phone numbers,
Internet addresses and a
To date, 2,118 Missouri businesses have taken the Show-Me directory of VA facilities
Heroes pledge and 1,637 veterans have been hired. Those throughout the country.
businesses like Broyles Transfer and Storage that have hired Download a PDF version of the booklet by clicking on
veterans receive the Flag of Freedom award, which consists the link below. Or, view the information online using
of a plaque featuring an American flag patch from the combat your Web browser by going to www.va.gov/opa/
uniform of a member of the Missouri National Guard worn publications/benefits_book.asp.
while that Citizen-Soldier or Airman was deployed in Iraq or
Afghanistan. Click HERE to download the
2011 edition of the booklet.
Employers who wish to participate in Show-Me Heroes can visit
the state’s Web site, MO.gov, to register and take the pledge.
Once a company has done so, it is listed in an online database
that highlights veteran-friendly employers across Missouri. The
database includes contact information for the businesses and
links to their Web sites.
Employers receive a special certificate, signed by the Governor,
and a decal to display at their location. In addition to the
employer directory, the Show-Me Heroes Web site also includes
resources for job-seeking veterans, including links to employment
openings in state government and a link to a statewide one-stop-
shop for Missourians looking for work.
“My administration remains committed to helping our veterans
The Sweet Dream Picture Pillows are available to the
find jobs when they return home,” Gov. Nixon said. “I ask every children of any family whose father or mother is on
employer in Missouri to visit MO.gov today to take the Show- active duty and will be absent from their family for at
Me Heroes pledge so we can express our gratitude to Missouri’s least three months.
service men and women, while continuing to move our economy Please read more about Sweet Dream Picture Pillows
forward.” on our website to learn more about this project and the
brave men and women serving in every single branch
In addition to Show-Me Heroes, another measure the state has of our armed forces.
taken under Gov. Nixon to encourage veterans to live, work,
and retire here in Missouri came in 2009 when the Governor
You are appreciated and we thank you!
signed legislation gradually phasing out the state tax on military
retirement income. Under the new law, by 2016, military
Visit our website at: http://www.pillowprojectusa.com
veterans will not pay any state taxes on military pensions.
To find out if you are eligible for Veterans Education and Training benefits,
or to see how much your entitlement is, call 888-442-4551.

5. Troops to Teachers
to Teache
ps rs
oo
Tr
Central States
Ce
n tr a l S t a t e
s Monthly update
State Charter School information
IA
District City School Name Management Organization Accolades Year Opened
Des Moines Public Schools Des Moines Des Moines Charter School 2010
Sigourney Community Sigourney eSigourney Entrepreneurial Academy for Leadership 2007
School District (Eseal)
Southeast Webster-Grand Burnside Iowa Central Charter High School 2004
Schools
West Central Community Maynard Northeast Iowa Charter High School 2005
School District
Dubuque Community Dubuque Prescott Elementary Charter School 2006
Schools
Storm Lake Community Storm Lake Storm Lake/Iowa Central/Buena Vista Early College 2005
Schools Charter Hs
KS
District City School Name Management Organization Accolades Year Opened
Abilene Abilene Virtual School 2009
Little River Academy You 2008
Caney Valley School District Caney Caney Valley Charter Academy 2009
Greeley County Schools Tribune Greeley County Jr. High Charter School 2006
Topeka Public Schools Topeka Hope Street Charter Academy 2004
Hugoton Hugoton Learning Academy 2009
USD 258 Public Schools Humboldt Humboldt Elementary Charter School 2008
Olathe Insight Schools of Kansas 2008
at Hilltop Education Center
Insight Schools
Lawrence Lawrence Virtual School K12 Inc. 2004
Hutchinson Pleasantview Academy 2005
Grade School
Hutchinson Pleasantview High School 2001
Charter
Oswego Schools Oswego Service Valley Charter Academy 2008
Lindsborg Smoky Valley Virtual Charter 2005
School
Emporia Turning Point Learning 2005
Center
Newton Public Schools Walton Walton Rural Life Center 2007
West Franklin USD 287 Pomona West Franklin High School Learning Center 2001
Haven Public Schools Yoder Yoder Charter Elementary School 1998
MO
District City School Name Management Organization Accolades Year Opened
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Academie Lafayette 1999
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Allen Village Charter Edison Learning 1999
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Alta Vista Charter School 1999
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Alta Vista Middle School 2010
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Benjamin Banneker Charter Academy 1999
School District
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Better Learning Communities 2011
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Brookside Charter Middle School 2002
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Brookside Charter School 2002
School District
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Carondelet Leadership Academy 2010
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis City Garden Montessori Charter School 2008
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Confluence Academies Old North 2003

6. Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Confluence Academies South City 2006
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Confluence Academies Walnut Park 2004
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Confluence Preparatory Academy 2008
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Construction Careers Center 2001
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Delasalle Charter School 2010
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Della Lamb Elementary 1999
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Derrick Thomas College Prep 2007
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Derrick Thomas Elementary Academy 2005
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Derrick Thomas Jr. Academy 2007
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Ewing Marion Kauffman School 2011
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Frontier School of Excellence - Middle 2007
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Frontier School of Excellence - Upper 2007
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Frontier School of Innovation - Lower 2009
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Frontier School of Innovation - Middle 2009
School District
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Gateway Science Academy 2010
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Genesis Promise Academy - Lower 2011
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Genesis Promise Academy - Upper 2010
School District
Kansas City Genesis School 1999
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Gordon Parks Elementary 1999
School District
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Grand Center Arts Academy 2010
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Hogan Preparatory Academy High School 1999
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Hogan Preparatory Academy Middle School 1999
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Hope Academy 2009
School District
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Hope Leadership Academy 2011
School District
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Imagine Academy of Academic Success 2007
Imagine Schools
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Imagine Academy of Careers Elementary 2007
Imagine Schools
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Imagine Academy of Careers Middle 2007
Imagine Schools
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Imagine Academy of Environmental Science and Math 2007
Imagine Schools
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Imagine College Preparatory High School Imagine 2008
Schools
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Imagine Renaissance Academy of Environmental Sci- 2007
School District ence & Math - Kensington Campus Imagine Schools
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Imagine Renaissance Academy of Environmental Sci- Imagine Schools 2007
School District ence & Math - Wallace Campus
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Jamaa Learning Center 2011
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City KIPP: Endeavor Academy KIPP Foundation 2007
School District
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis KIPP: Inspire Academy KIPP Foundation 2009
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy - Elementary 1999
School District
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Lift for Life Academies 2000
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis North Side Community Charter School 2009
Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Pathway Academy - Elementary Edison Learning 2009
School District
Saint Louis Public Schools St. Louis Preclarus Charter School 2011
NE
Nebraska is one of nine states not to have adopted the charter school movement. Here are a few sites to gather more information.
• Race to the Top - Can We Compete: Nebraska’s Charter School Initiative Vicki E. Murray, Ph.D.
http://heartland.org/policy-documents/race-top-can-we-compete-nebraskas-charter-school-initiative
http://www.platteinstitute.org/docLib/20100402_Charter_School_Study_-_FINAL.pdf
• Opinions divided on charter schools in Nebraska
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/netradio/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1913170