West Virginia Gov Morrisey Signs Troops-to-Teachers Law Addressing Veteran Transition, Teacher Shortage

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey signed Senate Bill 765 into law, establishing a state-level Troops-to-Teachers program to address the teacher shortage by helping veterans transition into teaching careers. The legislation streamlines the certification process for veterans, allowing them to gain classroom experience while completing necessary requirements without needing a traditional teaching degree. The program aims to reduce bureaucratic barriers and utilize the state's significant veteran population as a valuable resource for education. Veteran Senator Tom Willis, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the leadership and mentorship qualities veterans bring to classrooms, which can positively impact students. Delegate Bill Ridenour, also a veteran, supported the bill based on his own challenges pursuing education after military service, highlighting the program's importance. The initiative follows the federal Troops to Teachers program, which ended recently due to decreased participation, and is designed to strengthen West Virginia's education system by providing a fast, fair, and effective pathway for veterans to become certified teachers.