In an effort to support military families and veterans, Licking Heights local schools now participate in the Ohio Veteran Educator Program, a state partnership between the Ohio Department of Education and the Workforce (DEW) and the Department of Veterans Affairs Ohio.

According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, this program “…supports public school districts, community schools, STEM independent schools, and joint vocational school districts in their efforts to recruit eligible military individuals…for public school employment “.

Those eligible to participate in the program include active and reserve military members, National Guard members, honorably discharged veterans and military spouses. All must be newly certified or classified Ohio public school personnel with employment beginning after June 30, 2023.

Participants must have a full-time role in the school; part-time positions and substitute positions are not eligible.

The program is mutually beneficial for military personnel and school districts—after one year of employment, veterans will receive a $3,000 hiring bonus from the schools, which DEW will reimburse. Schools will receive a $1,500 bonus from DEW for hiring and recruiting an eligible military person. Funds are unrestricted and can be used to support any aspect of school finances.

“We are honored to participate in this innovative employment solution that brings the wisdom, knowledge and experience of our nation’s military personnel into the classroom,” says Jocelyn Cosgrave, Director of Human Resources for Licking Heights. “This statewide partnership will provide stable economic and career opportunities for our nation’s military and their spouses while exposing our students to the expertise and insight of military professionals. Thank you to DEW and the Ohio Department of Veterans Services for making this opportunity possible for Licking Heights.”

Licking Heights currently employs full-time classified employees such as special education counselors, bus drivers and custodians. Interested community members can apply on the district website or contact [email protected].

The district has also established several pathways with Ohio colleges and universities for community members interested in becoming classroom teachers. For those interested in working in a school district but not sure if they want to commit to a full-time role yet, the district is always looking for classified and certified substitutes. Short-term substitute teachers are not required to have a college degree.

Information submitted by Licking Heights Local Schools.

This article originally appeared on the Newark Advocate: Licking Heights joins statewide initiative to hire veterans