1.
Sign up with Operation Socrates.
2.
Start the DoD SkillBridge Internship application through your command, selecting a 90, 120, or 180-day option.
3.
Contact and interview with schools you're interested in.
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Once a school agrees to host you, connect them with Clear Path for Veterans to set up the agreement.
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Operation Socrates will provide a Letter of Acceptance, if needed.
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Travel to your internship location.
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Get paired with a mentor teacher in your subject area.
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Gain hands-on experience, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship.
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Work on state certification or a teaching degree during the internship, if desired.
10.
Schools may offer you a position afterward.
11.
When the internship ends, notify Clear Path for Veterans, complete a survey, and consider mentoring future candidates.
1.
Stay apolitical. Focus on teaching students how to think, not what to think.
2.
Be punctual, prepared, and dressed appropriately.
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Set a positive example in and outside the classroom.
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Embrace various teaching methods.
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Learn from your mentor—ask questions and show respect.
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Remember, you may be the only veteran some students and teachers have ever met. Represent veterans well.
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Get involved outside the classroom: coach, lead clubs, tutor, etc.
8.
Deepen your knowledge in your teaching subject.
It’s free. We rely on partnerships and donations to support our candidates.
You’ll need at least an associate’s degree or be enrolled in a bachelor’s program to participate.
We can help you find a college program that fits your needs.
The internship lets you explore teaching as a career, gain experience, build a network, and receive mentorship from an experienced teacher. You’ll also enhance your résumé and establish connections with potential employers.
The internship lasts 90–180 days, and pairs you with a mentor in your subject area. You’ll observe, work with small groups, and gradually lead lessons. If successful, you may be offered a teaching position, subject to certification requirements.
Yes. The skills, experiences, and leadership from your military service are valuable in education.
There’s no specific background. Anyone with leadership, advising, instructing, or recruiting experience is encouraged to apply. Most importantly, it would help if you had a passion for shaping future generations.
Absolutely. The desire to make an impact is what matters most.
Consider your degree, military training, and personal interests. The Department of Education in your state can help align your degree with subjects. Choose a subject you're passionate about, because your enthusiasm will be contagious.
Yes, Clear Path for Veterans offers résumé assistance.
Clear Path’s career services provide job-search tips, resume help, and interview prep. Our Warriors Working program connects you with employers.
Yes. We can help you explore degree or certification programs, prepare a résumé, and connect you with employers. Our mentors can also provide guidance.
Yes, we support military spouses who want to pursue teaching.
If your internship falls over the summer, you can work with summer school programs or other district-hosted programs.
Yes, the school district will handle this, and processes vary by district.
Yes, as long as you meet your state’s requirements. If certified during the internship, you’ll be eligible for hire once the internship ends.
Yes, some states offer unique pathways for veterans who want to teach. Visit our state information page for details.
Possibly. Check with your university to see if the internship can fulfill this requirement.
Yes, if your university has an agreement with the school, no additional memorandum is needed.
Yes. Once a school agrees to host you and the internship agreement is signed, we can provide an LOA.
We can share past examples, but you’ll need to work with your school and mentor to develop a specific plan.
With a degree and teaching experience, you can consider corporate training, educational consulting, instructional design, nonprofit roles, museum education, and more.
Not always, it depends on state regulations. Check out our state-information page.
Yes, though interning near your future residence can help with networking and job placement.
Our college program is in development. Once launched, we’ll provide enrollment details. In the meantime, you can coordinate with a willing professor or college.
Yes. Our School Board Leadership program is in development and will offer resources soon.
Yes. Our School Start-Up Program is coming soon, and we’ll provide enrollment details once it’s launched.
It depends on your goals. Our advisors can recommend programs and connect you with veteran-friendly options.
Your military service already demonstrates a commitment to serving others, the ability to work with a diverse range of individuals and cultures, and countless other attributes that have provided you with abundant life experience compared to the average teacher candidate coming out of college. You can continue to enhance your resume by coaching, tutoring, working, or volunteering with the youth of America.
No, only in-person internships are allowed right now.
Soldiers to Sidelines provides training and resources for veterans interested in coaching.
Soldiers to SidelinesTeacher certification, pay, and benefits vary widely by state. Our candidate advisors can help you decide if you’re considering several states. You can also visit the NEA’s site to see their review quantifying teacher salary, education support professional pay, and student spending in every state.
NEA State Rankings
