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Heights Participating in Statewide Initiative to Employ Veterans in Schools
Licking Heights Local Schools is proud to announce their latest effort in supporting military families and veterans. The district is now participating in Ohio’s Military Veteran Educators Program, a state partnership between the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) and Ohio Department of Veterans Services.

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

Those eligible for participation in the program include active and reserve military members, National Guard members, veterans with honorable discharge, and military spouses. All must be new first-time Ohio public school certificated or classified staff with employment beginning after June 30, 2023.

Participants must be in a full-time role with the school; part-time 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 schools, which DEW will reimburse. Schools will receive a $1,500 bonus from DEW for hiring and recruiting an eligible military individual. Funds are unrestricted and may be used to support any aspect of school finances. 

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

Licking Heights is currently hiring full-time classified employees like special education aides, bus drivers, and custodians. Interested community members can apply HERE on the district’s website or contact [email protected].

The district has also established multiple pathways with Ohio colleges and universities for community members interested in becoming a classroom teacher. 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 both classified and certified substitutes. Short-term substitute teachers do not need to have a college degree.