Life After the Military

[bkess8]

Looking for any valuable advice!

In five weeks I will complete my bachelors degree in Organizational Management and I am set to hit 18 years of service in the US Navy. With 20 years coming soon and looking for a change in life I am almost set on becoming a high school teacher and going into coaching. I currently live in San Diego, CA but due to the cost of living and it being CA, I do not plan on staying when I retire. I was born and raised in Indiana but have been leaning towards Tennessee to move my family and start this new adventure. I want a state that has all weather seasons, low taxes (no taxes on my military retirement), a good place to raise a family, and somewhere close to drive to ND games on the weekends. What other options are out there? Does anyone live in TN and can tell me about job availability for teachers? Is anyone a teacher and can provide me some requirements for getting into teaching. I would like to coach baseball, softball, or football but honestly want to be involved with kids and help impact their lives.

Thanks for reading!

 

[pumpdog20]

I believe military retirement income is becoming state tax exempt starting in 2022 for indiana.

https://www.wthr.com/article/news/v...empt/531-87b990e1-2b4f-436c-b081-6fec4a398518

 

[NDdomer2]

Nashville is certainly one of the "booming" areas of the country. I can't say much more about Tennessee than that.

Good seeing you posting again BKess8 and thanks for your service. If you choose to come back to Indiana let me know where you plan on living as I know some teachers that could help - again depending on where.

 

[bkess8]

I believe military retirement income is becoming state tax exempt starting in 2022 for indiana.

https://www.wthr.com/article/news/v...empt/531-87b990e1-2b4f-436c-b081-6fec4a398518

I didn't know about this, thank you for the information. Not sure I can talk my wife into moving to IN but this will help!

 

[bkess8]

Nashville is certainly one of the "booming" areas of the country. I can't say much more about Tennessee than that.

Good seeing you posting again BKess8 and thanks for your service. If you choose to come back to Indiana let me know where you plan on living as I know some teachers that could help - again depending on where.

I've been lurking since there isn't a vbook anymore. I will keep you in mind if I do decide to make IN home again.

 

[Armyirish47]

For teaching when I left active duty they let me use my experience to work on a provisional license here in Arkansas which meant I could skip some of the pre-training for novice teachers and I would imagine each state will have some similar pathway with such a dire need of teachers. I would ultimately recommend the following:

1. Check out https://www.nfhs.org/ For coaching I think pretty much every state requires you to complete some coursework on this website. Some courses are free and others cost a little but Fundamentals of Coaching and First Aid Safety are pretty standard. Don't do it too early though because like here they have you retake some periodically. The sport specific courses are available as well.

2. Start looking into subject areas you might want to teach because with a non teaching background you will probably have to pass some combination of Praxis areas (https://www.ets.org/praxis) . Their are tons of study guides and what not available but the tests can be costly so save up a little scratch.

3. Nashville is awesome but it is BOOMING, traffic is a nightmare.

4. I went into teaching and coaching when I transitioned from active duty to the reserves so feel free to reach out privately for more info, especially if you add Arkansas to your destination list.

5. Beat Navy.

 

[NDdomer2]

I've been lurking since there isn't a vbook anymore. I will keep you in mind if I do decide to make IN home again.

us vbookies dont have much to do around here anymore!

 

[MacIrish75]

If you need any help and decide to come back to IN, let me know. I’m currently an administrator in north central Indiana and will help however I can. What do you want to teach? Some areas, like sciences and math, you can waltz into a job right now. Like someone else said, you may even qualify for an emergency license right away.

 

[NDRock]

I'm in SE Tennessee, near Chattanooga. Love it here. My wife teaches German at a local high school. Pay sucks and I can't say this is the most "pro education" area but we both love it here. Been here 23 years each. She's from Germany and I'm from Florida.

This area is seeing a large influx of people so I assume teaching jobs would not be too difficult. Sounds like you're looking more for the high school level. What would you want to teach? I can ask her what the requirements are as I'm not sure. Good luck

 

[drayer54]

Lots of states are going to be friendly to military retirees. I would shop for the place you want to live in and then get a certificate there. Your choice! You could do a hell of a lot worse than Nashville, although the city is broke and taxes within city limits are on the rise. My first job out of the Navy was doing what I was doing in the Navy and that made the transition easier.

 

[bkess8]

If you need any help and decide to come back to IN, let me know. I’m currently an administrator in north central Indiana and will help however I can. What do you want to teach? Some areas, like sciences and math, you can waltz into a job right now. Like someone else said, you may even qualify for an emergency license right away.

I am finishing my degree in Organizational Leadership. Not really sure what I am interested in teaching but know that is the direction I want to take in life. Any guidance as an administrator what I should look in to?

 

[bkess8]

For teaching when I left active duty they let me use my experience to work on a provisional license here in Arkansas which meant I could skip some of the pre-training for novice teachers and I would imagine each state will have some similar pathway with such a dire need of teachers. I would ultimately recommend the following:

1. Check out https://www.nfhs.org/ For coaching I think pretty much every state requires you to complete some coursework on this website. Some courses are free and others cost a little but Fundamentals of Coaching and First Aid Safety are pretty standard. Don't do it too early though because like here they have you retake some periodically. The sport specific courses are available as well.

2. Start looking into subject areas you might want to teach because with a non teaching background you will probably have to pass some combination of Praxis areas (https://www.ets.org/praxis) . Their are tons of study guides and what not available but the tests can be costly so save up a little scratch.

3. Nashville is awesome but it is BOOMING, traffic is a nightmare.

4. I went into teaching and coaching when I transitioned from active duty to the reserves so feel free to reach out privately for more info, especially if you add Arkansas to your destination list.

5. Beat Navy.

Going to send you a PM sometime today!

 

[Irish#1]

Thanks for your service. Much appreciated.

 

[goldandblue]

I live in Northern Middle Tennessee. Our county borders Kentucky. First of all, what are you looking for in regards to finding a home? Do you want to live in the city or in a smaller rural community? My wife is a Biology teacher here at the high school. I agree with MacIrish75 in that Science and Math are easy to find jobs in. If I were looking at getting into teaching personally I would look at STEM type classes as that suites me more and they are not core tested subjects. Often times there are coaching opportunities even in our rural area. As a matter of fact, the Softball coach is retiring next year. Depending on your MOS in the service you could potentially parlay that into a license waiver buying you a few years before You would need to complete your degree and pass your Praxis. My wife did not plan on teaching in college but she received a Degree in Biology. She taught on a waiver for 3 years while she worked on her Masters in Education.

As for ND games. I usually drive up to one a year. It's about 7 1/2 hours. We have had an influx of Californians over the last 3 to 4 years. If you own a decent size home there and sell it, you can probably buy just about anything you want here. LOL.

 

[BrownerandFry]

For teaching when I left active duty they let me use my experience to work on a provisional license here in Arkansas which meant I could skip some of the pre-training for novice teachers and I would imagine each state will have some similar pathway with such a dire need of teachers. I would ultimately recommend the following:

1. Check out https://www.nfhs.org/ For coaching I think pretty much every state requires you to complete some coursework on this website. Some courses are free and others cost a little but Fundamentals of Coaching and First Aid Safety are pretty standard. Don't do it too early though because like here they have you retake some periodically. The sport specific courses are available as well.

2. Start looking into subject areas you might want to teach because with a non teaching background you will probably have to pass some combination of Praxis areas (https://www.ets.org/praxis) . Their are tons of study guides and what not available but the tests can be costly so save up a little scratch.

3. Nashville is awesome but it is BOOMING, traffic is a nightmare.

4. I went into teaching and coaching when I transitioned from active duty to the reserves so feel free to reach out privately for more info, especially if you add Arkansas to your destination list.

5. Beat Navy.

Nashville is one of my favorite American cities, but for July's and August's humidity. It is open and I think it has to do with the number of transients who come through, both for school(lots of 'em) and to chase that musical dream. A lot of the people working in restaurants and bars were aware that odds were stacked against their making it big in music, but they had to scratch that itch.

And America is about nothing if it is not about dreamers. they get that in Nashville.t

 

[bkess8]

Can’t think all of you enough for your inputs, offers, and interest, it is one of the reasons I love this board for more than just ND FOOTBALL!
I have some PM’s to send out but it has been a very hectic day and I have another one again tomorrow so I will get them sent out when I can collect all my thoughts and get them sent out.

Army,
Thanks for the inputs! I have been looking into NFHS because I am trying to further my education in sports. Thanks for the PRAXIS inputs I have started to look into it and will be sending you a PM soon! There is a lot I can learn from you since you have already made the transition I am trying to accomplish. Thank you!

MacIrish,
I will shoot you a PM, I am very interested in your insight as an administrator!

NDRock and Goldandblue,
I will also be shooting you a PM because I want to learn about your local areas in Tennessee and insight on teaching licenses and pointers from you and your family!

Once again, Thank you all! You are what makes this board so great!
GO IRISH!

 

[Irish2155]

Thank you, sir, for your service.

It’s not teaching but if interested I could help you get on with any Cummins site including the Cookville, TN location. Also have Schneider Electric jobs in TN too. Two really great companies to work for.

Shoot me a PM if interested. Happy to help.

 

[Irishnuke]

Shippy! What is your rate? I’m still in SoCal in OC. I completely understand wanting to get out of CA. Had it not been for my wife being a native here I would have been gone years ago. I was so excited when I got orders to San Diego back in 2001 but that excitement has gone away in recent years.

Good luck in whatever route you take. Make sure to get any medical issues documented no matter how minor so you can apply for disability when you retire.

 

[bkess8]

I was a BM1 before getting selected for the Limited Duty Officer Program. I am currently a Lieutenant and work in Coronado as a training officer. I am on the medical claims road right now ensuring that I am documenting everything for future retirement!

 

[bkess8]

Sent you a PM Army.

 

[bkess8]

Is anyone a teacher or in an administrative position in a public or private school in Tennessee, or Indiana? If so please shoot me a PM, I need some guidance please.

 

[RDU Irish]

I saw that over a million teachers quit last year - lots of demand for teachers across the country. I am a big fan of former military in our schools. The pension plus paycheck and earning toward a state pension stack up very well for your personal finances as well. I have had clients take a similar route and sign up for reserves to bolster some credits too.

North Carolina is center of ACC country so ND plays as much as anywhere outside of South Bend. Raleigh area has Duke, UNC and NC State within 15 miles of each other and most ACC tourneys played nearby (if you are in to more than just football). 2000 strong local ND alum club that usually has a bus trip to games like VT, UVA that are about 4 hour drives. Wake Forest is nearby, Clemson not a bad drive from Charlotte.

Fort Bragg is nearby so there is a huge military contingent in the eastern half of the state. Lots of demand for teachers everywhere as we are a net migration state with strong population growth. Building a lot of schools in the area and teachers in smaller school districts get poached to the bigger more well funded schools all the time.

Thanks for your service! Good luck in the search - you are 100% on point seeking this type of feedback with a 2 year runway for action.

 

[NDRock]

Come to Tennessee, lots of others are. My son broke his leg pretty bad last week playing for his 8th grade team. He’s home bound for awhile. His 4 main teachers just spent their lunch break driving to our house (15 minutes away) to visit him and make sure he’s good with working from home. East Tennessee has been a great place to raise a family. Good people.

Good luck.

 

[bkess8]

Come to Tennessee, lots of others are. My son broke his leg pretty bad last week playing for his 8th grade team. He’s home bound for awhile. His 4 main teachers just spent their lunch break driving to our house (15 minutes away) to visit him and make sure he’s good with working from home. East Tennessee has been a great place to raise a family. Good people.

Good luck.

My family is looking to stay east of Nashville. I have always had a plan and don't want to retire and move my family to somewhere new and not have a plan.

 

[bkess8]

I saw that over a million teachers quit last year - lots of demand for teachers across the country. I am a big fan of former military in our schools. The pension plus paycheck and earning toward a state pension stack up very well for your personal finances as well. I have had clients take a similar route and sign up for reserves to bolster some credits too.

North Carolina is center of ACC country so ND plays as much as anywhere outside of South Bend. Raleigh area has Duke, UNC and NC State within 15 miles of each other and most ACC tourneys played nearby (if you are in to more than just football). 2000 strong local ND alum club that usually has a bus trip to games like VT, UVA that are about 4 hour drives. Wake Forest is nearby, Clemson not a bad drive from Charlotte.

Fort Bragg is nearby so there is a huge military contingent in the eastern half of the state. Lots of demand for teachers everywhere as we are a net migration state with strong population growth. Building a lot of schools in the area and teachers in smaller school districts get poached to the bigger more well funded schools all the time.

Thanks for your service! Good luck in the search - you are 100% on point seeking this type of feedback with a 2 year runway for action.

I will have to look up the cost of living as well as how NC taxes military retirement. I want to stay away from military bases as much as possible. I am grateful for every opportunity the military has provided me but I don't want the constant reminder around me (hope that makes sense). Thank you for the input because any information is valuable. Tennessee is ideal for me because my mom resides in Indiana and the tax laws and cost of living is great for my situation. Plus I can drive to all ND home games!

 

[ab2cmiller]

I will have to look up the cost of living as well as how NC taxes military retirement. I want to stay away from military bases as much as possible. I am grateful for every opportunity the military has provided me but I don't want the constant reminder around me (hope that makes sense). Thank you for the input because any information is valuable. Tennessee is ideal for me because my mom resides in Indiana and the tax laws and cost of living is great for my situation. Plus I can drive to all ND home games!

Confused, Tennessee is ideal or Indiana is ideal?

 

[bkess8]

Confused, Tennessee is ideal or Indiana is ideal?

Tennessee is ideal because of the taxes and cost of living. It is close enough to family also.

 

[NorthDakota]

Come to Tennessee, lots of others are. My son broke his leg pretty bad last week playing for his 8th grade team. He’s home bound for awhile. His 4 main teachers just spent their lunch break driving to our house (15 minutes away) to visit him and make sure he’s good with working from home. East Tennessee has been a great place to raise a family. Good people.

Good luck.

As someone who broke his leg very bad once (tib/fib) and broke the same tib again a couple years later, I sympathize with the kid. Make sure he gets back up to full speed. I didn't do any physical therapy. Learning to walk again was not a huge issue, but learning to run again was a big. I ended up learning the wrong way, ran with heavy feet sorta plodding around for years.

 

[bkess8]

Come to Tennessee, lots of others are. My son broke his leg pretty bad last week playing for his 8th grade team. He’s home bound for awhile. His 4 main teachers just spent their lunch break driving to our house (15 minutes away) to visit him and make sure he’s good with working from home. East Tennessee has been a great place to raise a family. Good people.

Good luck.

What area do you live in? I want to buy about 5 acres of property that has multiple schools within reasonable driving distance.

 

[drayer54]

My wife is an IN teacher. I'm ex-Navy. We're in Carmel, IN. Can help if needed.