TURNER – Edward Baehr, math teacher and John Lipofsky, applied technology teacher were recognized by the National Troops to Teachers Program for their teaching service at a recent ceremony at Leavitt Area High School.

Baehr, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, and Lipofsky a retired Navy master chief, participated in the national program when they retired from the military.

The Troops to Teachers Program focus is to assist service personnel transitioning from the military to enter into teaching as their next career. When the two began teaching, funding was provided to the school districts to offset salaries.

The intent of the current program is to provide financial support directly to the service member who, in return, agrees to teach three years in a high need school district or school.

Both men have been teaching for more than five years. This counters the national norm of only three to five years for those individuals traditionally trained to teach. Nationally, nearly 75 percent of the Troops to Teachers participants are still in the classroom after five years of teaching.

More than 45 teachers in the state have participated in the Troops to Teachers Program, with more going through the certification process. The program maintains a close relationship with the Maine Department of Education Certification Office to assist its candidates get certified and help to meet the teaching needs of Maine.