‘Veterans Reach To Teach’ Program: Servicemen Serving the Classroom

PHOENIX, April 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Through a strategic partnership directed by Checkered Flag Run Foundation founder and U.S. Army Desert Storm veteran Alan “AP” Powell, veterans and educators throughout metro Phoenix are coming together to fill vast teacher vacancies in Arizona schools, launching Veterans Reach to Teach, www.VeteransReachToTeach.com, May 4, 10am, at American Legion Post 65, Phoenix.

The program kicks off with special guest, veteran and former principal/substitute teacher Dr. Robert Pipkin, and key supporters Arizona Rep. Reginald Bolding; Executive Director of Teachers On Call Arizona Dan Nienhauser; Founder of Purposely, Aaron Bare; President/CEO of Black Chamber of Arizona Kerwin Brown and Powell. Veterans will be able to meet school district leaders, learn more about the substitute process and even apply for an IVP Fingerprint card.

“When a teacher is absent, without a substitute available, classes are frequently combined or other teachers lose their preparation period. This can impact multiple classroom learning environments,” said Rep. Bolding. “Quality substitute teachers can have a direct impact on underserved student populations.”

The Veterans Reach to Teach initiative is a resource for local school districts affected by the large number of teacher vacancies, also serving as a bridge for veterans looking to serve their local communities through education. A recent survey conducted by the Arizona School Administrators found 52 school districts anticipating nearly 1,700 vacancies for the 2016-2017 school year; a drastic increase from the 1,200 vacancies reported by 85 school districts in August 2015.

The program will assist veterans who have a bachelor’s degree in securing their substitute teaching certificate. Teachers On Call Arizona will provide veterans a wide variety of Professional Development courses, including specially developed coursework and will work closely with new veteran Guest Teachers to ensure they are well prepared for success in the classroom.

More than 532,000 veterans reside in Arizona, according to the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs.

Teachers On Call Arizona, a local educational services agency, is partnering with the educational program-driven charity, Checkered Flag Run Foundation, Black Chamber of Arizona, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Post 65, Purposely.com and Rep. Bolding to connect, engage and prepare veterans for substitute teaching assignments beginning August 2016.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160427/361018