Ohio Military Veteran Educators Program

Ohio understands the value that military individuals bring to Ohio’s PK-12 classrooms. The Ohio Military Veteran Educators Program (OMVEP) assists service members, veterans, and their spouses with beginning a career as an educator or in a classified support role. OMVEP is a partnership between the Departments of Education and Workforce and Veteran Services.

OMVEP offers free career counseling and there is no commitment necessary. The program does not directly place participants in jobs but can provide employment consultation.   

To qualify, a person must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • ​An active duty member of any branch of the United States armed forces; 
  • A veteran of any branch of the United States armed forces who separated from service with an honorable discharge; 
  • A member of the National Guard or a member of a reserve component of the United States armed forces; 
  • A spouse of a service member or veteran with an honorable discharge.
    • Note: This eligibility is specific only to the OMVEP programs. Spouses of non-active duty military members or veterans applying for any Ohio State Board of Education-issued license type other than the Alternative Military Resident Educator license do not qualify for the military fee waiver.

Career Paths in Education

OMVEP assists with the transition from the military to working in a school. The Career Paths in Education webpage provides information on the types of positions available in schools along with licensure pathways.

Financial Resources

OMVEP provides financial resources to assist eligible participants in starting careers in education. These include:

  • License fee waivers;
  • Ohio Assessment for Educators vouchers;
  • Alternative License Institute subsidies

Visit the Financial Resources webpage for more information.

Military Recruit Award  

The Department reimburses schools and districts that provide a hiring bonus to military individuals who remain employed with the school for at least one year. The Department also awards a bonus to the district or school for hiring and recruiting an eligible military individual. Visit the Military Recruit Award webpage for more information.  

SkillBridge in Ohio Schools

SkillBridge is an internship program for active duty service members transitioning out of the military. OMVEP connects interested schools and service members with the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE). SOCHE is an Authorized SkillBridge Organization that helps find internships for service members interested in the education field in Ohio.

Grant Opportunities

The EmpowerVetEd grant provides funding to participating institutions of higher learning that support military-connected individuals in teacher preparation programs. Interested candidates should contact one of the participating schools for specific program details.

Last Modified: 1/6/2026 10:49:10 AM