Military Family Resources

The Purple Star Award is awarded to schools that show a major commitment to our nation's military. Any school will be honored with a Purple Star Award if it completes all the required activities listed below plus one optional activity. 

For a list of awarded school districts, please visit Purple Star Awarded Honorees.

Ohio has been waiving fees for any initial (or renewal) Ohio educator license, permit or certificate for candidates who are veterans or current service members of all branches of the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves since 2015. This waiver is also available to any spouse of an active duty service member. 

For more information, please go to the Ohio Department of Education website.

Troops to Teachers was established in 1993 to assist transitioning service members and veterans in beginning new careers in public, charter and Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. Ohio offers an Alternative Educator Licensure Program to anyone who holds a bachelor's degree. There is also an option for qualifying individuals who have a high school diploma, five years of documented work experience, and completes an approved preservice career-technical education program in these areas to teach in career technical programs. The program provides counseling, employment facilitation and financial support services for eligible participants to help them meet education and licensing requirements to teach and subsequently sure employment.

For more information, please see Troops to Teacher - Proud to Serve Again.

Since 1986, April has been designated as "The Month of the Military Child". This month is a time for all branches of services to provide special days and events to honor their children. This commemoration recognizes the contributions that military children make as their parents, guardians and families serve our nation.

Ohio is working to ensure that military children are properly enrolled in schools, have eligibility for school activities, and have assistance in meeting graduation requirements. To learn more about the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission, please refer to Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

The ISFAC connects military families with national, state, regional and community resources as well as volunteer support services. For more information, please visit Ohio ISFAC.

There are many resources available to Ohio military families. The Ohio National Guard's Family Readiness Program provide information and tools for Ohio families, including educational resources, youth camps and recreational opportunities. To learn more, please visit Ohio National Guard Family Readiness and Warrior Support Program. You will also find information here - Stay Connected with Ohio Military Kids.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill program helps military personnel use their GI Bill benefits to attend college classes or on-the-job training programs. The GI Bill Comparison Tool will help families make the most of their benefits. To learn more about what benefits you are eligible to receive, please visit Post-9/11 GI Bill.