UNLV's College of Education and the Clark County School District (CCSD) are teaming up with the federal Troops to Teachers program to help military veterans find new careers as public school teachers.

The CCSD needs more than 2,000 new teachers for the 2015-16 school year. UNLV's College of Education is helping to address this shortage through its alternative route to licensure (ARL), a fast-track program that trains college grads to become instructors in Nevada. This June, military veterans will have the chance to complete a five-week institute at UNLV to become licensed K-12 teachers in time for the new school year in August.

The institute is offered through the ARL and Troops to Teachers, a Department of Defense program that offers counseling and financial assistance to eligible military personnel and helps them transition to careers as teachers in high-need areas.

To qualify, prospective students must meet GPA requirements and have a bachelor's degree in an area other education. During the institute, students will take three courses and begin a professional development program. They will then have three years to complete the remaining coursework and pass required exams for a renewable professional teaching license.

The deadline for the summer program is March 15. Prospective students unable to meet the requirements for the summer program may apply for the fall semester. The fall application deadline is June 1. Visit the College of Education's Troops to Teachers page to view a webinar and learn more about the partnership, deadlines to apply, teaching opportunities in the CCSD, veteran services at UNLV, and available financial resources.

UNLV is home to an estimated 1,350 active duty, reservists, National Guard members, veterans and their dependents as of Fall 2014. UNLV was recently named a military friendly school by GI Jobs magazine for the fifth consecutive year and made Military Advanced Education's 2015 list of top military friendly colleges and universities.

The UNLV Office of Veterans Services helps veterans, active duty military members and families successfully navigate the academic and administrative pathways of a college education. The office processes enrollment certification for students to receive their G.I. Bill. In addition, the office links students to financial aid resources, campus and community organizations and employment opportunities for veterans. The office also advises the UNLV Student Veterans Organization.

Additional partners include Mobilizing National Educator Talent.