The Department of Defense's Troops to Teachers program, a low profile project since 1994,  has picked up steam after gaining the support of both President Bush and first lady Laura Bush.

A former elementary school teacher herself, Mrs. Bush told personnel at the DoD school, Fort Jackson, S.C. that military people are "tremendous role models" whom American youth "would do well to emulate," and challenged military personnel nearing retirement to, "Turn your attention to the home front, to Uncle Sam's classrooms, where we need your service as teachers."

"Mrs. Bush's interest in the program has really generated a tremendous amount of response in the military," said John R. Gantz, Troops to Teachers program manager. "We've seen a dramatic increase in the application rate and in the contacts that we've had."

"All our state offices have said she has generated tremendous interest among the retired military population looking at teaching as a second career," he added.

President Bush has also thrown his support behind Troops to Teachers, seeking Congressional approval to increase funding for the program from $3 million to $30 million as part of the Defense Department budget request for fiscal year 2002.

"If funding comes through, I think we'll be able to easily bring 2,000 to 3,000 really quality teachers to public education each year," Gantz stated.

Congress created Troops to Teachers in 1994 to assist personnel affected by the Clinton administration's military budget reductions. Through referral and placement services, Troops to Teachers helps separating military personnel in finding new jobs in public education.

The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) at Pensacola, Fla., oversees the program.

Locally, 25 state Troops to Teachers offices are assigned to assist former military personnel in locating jobs in education and in making the transition into a teaching career.

To be eligible for Troops to Teachers assistance, applicants must have at least six continuous years of active duty and a service record leading to an honorable discharge. Applications must be filed no later than one year after separation from the military.

For more information about the Troops to Teachers program call the DANTES toll-free number at 1-800-452-6616; visit the program Web site at http://voled.doded.mil/dantes/ttt/; or write to the Defense Activity of Non-traditional Education Support, 6490 Saufley Field Road, Pensacola, Florida 32509-5243.