Transition from the military with confidence. Mission43 offers Project Management Professional certification courses, where military veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses can earn a PMP Certification at no cost to them.
Education Discovery Series: Become a Teacher
How military community members can establish a career in education
The Mission43 Education Discovery Series highlights educational pathways to some of the most highly sought-after careers in Idaho for military members, veterans, and their spouses. Here we sit down with the experts on finding a path that is right for you to become a teacher in Idaho.
Whether you’re a transitioning military member continuing to answer the call to serve, a spouse interested in a transportable career, or you’re seeking a mid-career change, a career in teaching is worth exploring now more than ever. And there are flexible options in both education and employment paths.
Keith Donahue, Director of School Strategy and Operations with Bluum addresses the teacher shortage and outlines the differences in public, public charter, and private schools as teaching opportunities in Idaho.
“Do a little bit of research to figure out what might be the right school. What pulls you when you look? Everyone will be very receptive, help you along the way, and be grateful for it.”
In Idaho, there are 116 public school districts, 66 public charter schools, 48 public magnet, 18 career technical, 124 private and parochial, 66 alternative, and 13 online and blended schools. While parent-focused, Bluum has put together an incredible resource that outlines school choices in Idaho. Not only does this help parents seeking the best school for their child, but it can be a guide for future teachers to find the right career path for their experience and goals.
Teaching pathways without a degree
The traditional path to becoming an educator is to complete an education-focused college degree program with the approved teacher preparation curriculum. However, there are alternative pathways that can have you in the classroom this school year.
Katie Rhodenbaugh, Evaluation and Research Program Assistant for the Non-Traditional Educator Preparation Program at College of Southern Idaho assists professionals in their transition to teaching, whether starting with an unfinished degree or a degree in something else entirely.
Non-Traditional Educator Preparation Program
The CSI Non-Traditional Educator Preparation Program accelerates opportunities for paraprofessionals and career-changers to become certified teachers in Idaho.
“The goal of CSI’s teacher preparation program is to address Idaho’s current teacher shortage by ensuring more flexible and robust training options to support emergency hires throughout Idaho school districts, but also expanding our program to fulfill our vision of partnering with districts to proactively create and fill local teacher pipelines.”
Participants will go through 5 modules in two semesters + one summer session that covers classroom management, instructional content, professionalism, intellectual engagement and application of content, and successful learning by all students. This program is unlike any other in the state, where candidates receive individualized and consistent support through highly-skilled mentors as they progress through each module, which can be accessed online from anywhere in Idaho.
“While they’re in our program, they’re serving as a teacher of record… you get to start working on the career ladder right away, making full teacher salary, and working towards your retirement from day one.”
In order to be eligible, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree and job offer (or be employed) at an Idaho district or school as a teacher, paraprofessional, or classroom aid. Members that are seeking employment in Region 4 that do not have a job offer or active role in the classroom can reach out to Katie to fill out a form that is shared with HR directors; it’s not uncommon for Directors to use this as a recruiting tool when certified applicants cannot be found.
Find out more about the Non-Traditional Educator Preparation Program by visiting their FAQ page.
Career Technical Education, CTE
Do you have a professional technical skill? Career Technical Education teachers in Idaho are in high demand. These educators come with valuable industry experience to prepare Idaho’s youth for high-skill and in-demand careers.
CTE teachers are needed at a variety of schools, much like Elevate Academy, where industry meets education. Professionals with skills, experience, and/or certifications in healthcare, business, information technology, firefighting, criminal justice, and many other areas are currently needed.
If you have a special skill that you would like to bring to a classroom, click here to find out more about pathways to become a CTE teacher in Idaho.
Charter School Certification
Another non-traditional option in Idaho is through the Public Charter Teacher Certificate, which is a charter school-specific teaching certificate valid only for teaching at a public charter school. At a minimum, candidates must be over 18, have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and pass background check standards to be hired.
Often, charter schools have curricula that require a different set of standards than more traditional certification records. This certification option allows for public charter schools to hire quality talent and offer on-the-job training and mentorship to meet their specific teaching needs.
While it’s important to note that charter school-specific teaching certificates are not transferable to a traditional public school district, educated members of the military community that have a passion for teaching, are no strangers to accepting a challenge, adapting, and mastering new skills might find this path a natural fit.
If you’ve ever thought about teaching, this is the time to get started!
Joanne Collins, a military spouse that has recently transitioned to Idaho shares her story about what drove her passion for teaching and how she ended up making the decision to change her career path and teach elementary school full-time.
If there’s one message that we hope comes across from this session of the Education Discovery Series, it’s that
“YOU CAN DO IT!”
If you feel the call to serve, but don’t know where to start, we’re here to assist. No matter where you are in your higher education journey, there is a program for you to get into the classroom. Idaho’s youth need leaders like you!
CONTACT US TODAY
Reach out to speak with a Mission43 Education or Employment Specialist to chat about your options and to be connected with school district representatives that have contacted us seeking talented professionals.
Education Discovery Series: HVAC Employment
Cybersecurity Opportunities in Idaho for Military
Cybersecurity Opportunities in Idaho
What to expect when seeking a career in cybersecurity
Cybersecurity remains one of the fastest growing career fields with vast earning potential. Not to mention that the nature of the work often means flexible hours and remote options.
Nick Emmerling provides insight on the cybersecurity outlook.
Growth in Idaho
In 2020 alone, the number of cybersecurity jobs in Idaho grew by 28%, and nearly every region across the state has a significant need for cybersecurity talent.
“Cybersecurity, no matter where you are, is growing exponentially”
Everyone needs cybersecurity talent. MBA programs are teaching business leaders to incorporate cybersecurity into their budget. With major industries like aerospace, agriculture, defense, energy, and manufacturing, Idaho is well positioned to maintain its increasing need for cybersecurity professionals. The real struggle, however, is finding the talent to fill those open positions.
Shawn Scott with PlexTrac, an Idaho-grown cybersecurity reporting and workflow management platform, provides more insight on the employment opportunities locally.
Where to work in Idaho
Blue Cross of Idaho is Idaho’s oldest health insurer, headquartered in Meridian, with district offices in Coeur d’Alene, Twin Falls, Pocatello, and Idaho Falls, ID. Blue Cross employs more than 850 employees, and has an in-house Information Security team.
Started in Boise, Cradlepoint is the world’s foremost expert in wireless edge solutions that unlock the power of LTE and 5G cellular networks for organizations’ people, places, and things. Voted one of the best places to work in Idaho, Cradlepoint has a diverse need for cybersecurity and computer technology professionals.
Intuit, formerly T-Sheets, was voted as the #1 place to work in Idaho in 2020. Intuit is the parent company to familiar platforms like turbotax, credit karma, and quickbooks that handle sensitive data and use emerging tech to serve over 100 million customers.
The J.R. Simplot Company is a family owned and privately held food and agriculture organization that has more than 13,000 employees serving customers around the world. With headquarters in Boise, ID. they hire for a variety of internal information security positions.
Kount provides digital identity trust and fraud prevention solutions. Kount’s global headquarters are in downtown Boise, and joined forces with Equifax in 2021.
Lamb Weston is one of the world’s largest frozen potato companies, turning famous potatoes into even more famous fries. They hire across many departments in Idaho and the Pacific Northwest, offering in-person and remote positions including Information Technology project management and offensive cybersecurity.
PlexTrac provides a platform for cybersecurity professionals and organizations to streamline reporting and workflow, making them more effective, efficient, and proactive. PlexTrac is a rapidly growing, venture-backed startup located in Boise, ID.
Find out more about how you can access the education you need to get started in a cybersecurity career here.
Education Discovery Series: CYBERSECURITY
Contact us
Connect with Mission43’s education experts to learn more about opportunities in Idaho and the education to get you there.
Cybersecurity: Free Education Opportunities for Military
Interested in a lucrative career in cybersecurity?
Free Education Opportunities for Military
Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing career fields in the nation, with a 0% unemployment rate and median salary upwards of $90k in Idaho.
With statistics like that, it’s understandable that careers in the cybersecurity field are highly attractive for transitioning military members and spouses. Moreover, members of the military community are often a natural fit because of their aptitude for problem solving, attention to detail, and ability to learn and adapt quickly.
If you’re thinking about a career in this field, most employers prefer at least a Bachelor’s degree, along with a number of other industry standard certifications. While the income potential is great, you may want to consider maximizing your VA education benefits, as you’ll periodically need to renew or obtain a certification. The options below are free to eligible military members, veterans, and military spouses, and can help launch a lucrative career in cybersecurity.
MISSION43 CYBERSECURITY ACADEMY WITH SANS INSTITUTE
Through a partnership with SANS Institute, one of the most prestigious cybersecurity training and certification providers in the industry, we are supporting eligible members through a series of certifications, preparing them to meet the needs of the Idaho cybersecurity job market with an estimated average entry-level salary of over $60k annually. Mission43 will provide full scholarships to selected participants. SANS reports that 90% of graduates land new jobs in cybersecurity within 6 months of program completion. It’s our goal to introduce new cybersecurity talent into the civilian and Federal workforce. The ideal candidate for this program is:
Free education options
Federal Virtual Training Environment (FedVTE) is a partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and Hire our Heroes to offer free, online cybersecurity training and certification prep courses like Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service (SFS) Program offers cybersecurity scholarships to outstanding undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students of up to $34,000 to cover costs at a participating institution. In return for financial support, participants must agree to work for the U.S. Government, in a cybersecurity related field, for a period of time matching the length of the scholarship. In Idaho, students can attend either the University of Idaho or Idaho State University.
Cisco Veterans Cyber Scholarship Program, in partnership with CyberVetsUSA, provides free online cybersecurity training and certifications to transitioning service members, guard/reserve, veterans, and military spouses. The training is self-paced and usually takes 12-14 weeks to complete. Foundational IT/networking experience is recommended.
Onward to Opportunity is a partnership between the Institute for Veterans and Military Families and Syracuse University. O2O is a free program for transitioning military members and military spouses that offers industry standard certifications in areas like customer service, information technology, and business management. O2O courses are offered online for members in Idaho, and include some of the most sought-after certifications: CompTIA A+. Security+, CASP+, SSCP, CISSP, and many more!
Second Watch, created by Palo Alto Networks, believes that veterans have intrinsic skills needed in the cybersecurity arena. The program features 9 self-paced steps that guide you through digital learning courses, leading to free Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) and Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity (PCCSA) exams. Veterans can also take free courses leading to the (paid) Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Engineer (PCNSE) exam.
SANS VetSuccess Immersion Academy: If you already have a degree and/or some experience in information technology, information security, or audit from military service, this free SANS immersion might be right for you. Eligible transitioning service members and active duty spouses can complete up to three SANS courses and industry-leading certifications. Candidates must meet Academy requirements and submit an application, online assessment, and personal interview.
Skills gap in Idaho
The options above are great resources for all skill levels, but especially for those looking to stack their skills for marketability. Taking advantage of one or more of these opportunities can lead to a promising career in a short amount of time, as there is currently a high need for web and Java developers in Idaho and not enough graduates to fill open job positions.
If you’re new to the information security/cybersecurity field, it’s a good idea to establish your career goals and build your education plan accordingly. Local tech recruiters suggest that having a Bachelor’s degree in computer science can not only open more employment doors, but also lead to a $10+ an hour wage increase.
Education Discovery Series: CyberSecurity
Connect to learn more about Cybersecurity program options
How to Get Started in Cybersecurity
Are you a transitioning military member, veteran, or military spouse interested in learning what it takes to make cybersecurity your next career? We sat down with 2 of Idaho’s top cybersecurity experts that made the transition from military to civilian cybersecurity professionals to find out more about steps to take to make yourself more marketable in this fast-paced, in-demand industry.
Education Discovery: Paying For Flight School
Mission43’s Education Discovery Series: Aviation
In session 1 of Mission43’s Education Discovery Series: Aviation, we sat down with Shane McKenna, military instrument flight examiner and owner of Cloud Surfer Aviation in Boise, Idaho. Shane provides insight into using state education assistance benefits as a member of the Army National Guard, Part 61 and Part 141 flight schools, and the process to becoming a professional aviator.
Using State Education Assistance to Fund Flight Training
In Idaho, members of the Air and Army National Guard are eligible for state-funded education assistance, which can be used for education providers located in-state. While the GI Bill restricts flight school funding to Part 141 programs, state-funded education assistance allows members to attend Part 61 programs, provided that they are located in Idaho.
Air Guard members eligible for the State Tuition Assistance Program (STAP) can receive reimbursement for flight training up to $4000 per year.
Army Guard members eligible for the State Education Assistance Program (SEAP) can receive up to $5000 per year.
Part 141 vs. Part 61
Training standards for Part 141 and Part 61 flight schools are the same; both require the same standards of performance and knowledge when it comes to FAA tests. However, they are different in the style of teaching.
Part 141 flight training is more structured, with FAA approved curriculum and more stringent oversight on maintained aircraft. Because of this, the number of hours of required training is reduced. By maintaining the high standards of Part 141, you’re receiving curriculum-based flight training, and you know exactly where you are in the process every step of the way. The school will retain your flight records so your flight training is seamless.
Part 141 training requirements include:
Minimum of 35 hours flight time to earn your Private Pilot License
Minimum of 35 hours flight time to earn your Instrument Rating
Minimum of 190 hours to earn your Commercial Rating
If you are seeking a career in professional aviation and have the time to dedicate to a rigid training schedule, Part 141 may be a fit for you. GI Bill funding can ONLY be used toward Part 141 programs.
Part 61 flight training is more flexible and relaxed than Part 141. Instead of a curriculum-based flight school, students have more control over their training timeline because flight instructors are typically more willing to work around their schedules. This opens up options for part-time instruction for people with busy or irregular schedules. With a Part 61 program, the student keeps track of their flying hours in their personal log-book. So, if your training is erratic or you switch instructors mid-training, you may require extra flight hours to keep your skills current and each instructor must sign off on your previous check-flights.
Part 61 training requirements include:
Minimum of 40 hours of flight time for Private Pilot License
Minimum of 40 hours, plus at least 50 hours of cross country flight time for your Instrument Rating
Minimum of 250 hours for Commercial Rating
If you need a more flexible schedule or want to fly for personal reasons, Part 61 may be right for you.
Credentialing Assistance
The Military Credentialing Advancement Initiative (better known as COOL) can provide up to $4000 annually for courses and exams that lead to industry-recognized civilian credentials in an occupation of your choice, to include Airline Transport Pilot, Airplane Instrument Rating, Certified Flight Instrument Instructor Rating, and other aviation related ratings/certifications.
To learn more or apply, visit the links below:
Scholarships
If you are willing to put in the work, there are quite a few scholarship opportunities available, both to military-connected members and the greater public. This list is not comprehensive, but provides a great starting point.
AAERO Scholarship Program awards up to $2,500 for aspiring pilots who have not yet received their private pilot’s license.
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association awards members up to $7,500 for training as a private, sport, or recreational pilot. If you are not an AOPA member, you can get a free 6-month student pilot membership.
Idaho Aviation Association has 4 different scholarships with varying requirements, to include three $3000 scholarships and one $1500 scholarship. Applicants can apply to only one of the available scholarships.
Leroy W. Homer Jr. Foundation awards one scholarship a year for people ages 16-23 pursuing professional flight instruction, not through a university, leading to certification as a private pilot. Scholarship applications open October 31st through January 31st.
Stripes to Bars is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that assists veterans in their transition to aviation careers. Stripes to Bars provides annual scholarships, nationwide, for fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. Application window is open each year from January 1st to May 15th.
The Ninety-Nines Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund for female aviators offers five types of aviation scholarships, to include flight training and emergency maneuver training.
Women in Aviation: Women Military Aviators Dream Flight Scholarship up to $2,500 awarded to female aviators pursuing flight ratings at an accredited institution or FAA Part 141 approved flight school.
Contact Us
If you’re thinking about starting a career in aviation and want more information, contact a Mission43 education advisor today!
Education Discovery: Military to Commercial Pilot
Mission43’s Education Discovery Series: Aviation
Session 2 of Mission43’s Education Discovery Series: Aviation features Spencer Widman, Army National Guard C12 pilot and First Officer for American Airlines. Spencer shares his experience as a military aviator transitioning into commercial airlines employment.
Becoming a Commercial Airline Pilot
The process to become a commercial pilot is long, the barriers to entry (like cost) are high, but even though it takes a lot of work, the potential is unlimited.
In the previous session of Mission43’s Education Discovery Series: Aviation, we talked about the methods, flight hours, and financial commitment required at each step. To become a commercial airline pilot, at minimum, you’ll need to do the following:
Obtain a Class 1 or 2 medical certificate
Earn a Private Pilot Certificate
Earn the Instrument Rating
Obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate
Become a Certified Flight Instructor
Add the Multi-Engine Rating
Earn a Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
When it comes to gaining employment with a legacy carrier, the amount and quality of your flying hours count! According to 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual salary for airline and commercial pilots is $130,440. Airline pilots will usually start their careers as first officers, with pay increasing as they gain experience and seniority.
Pilot Shortage
Because of the pilot shortage, companies are getting creative with recruiting strategies. Many of the most recognizable carriers have cadet program partnerships that work with universities and flight schools, and offer financial assistance to Flight Instructors in affiliate programs.
American Airlines: Envoy Cadet Program
Delta: Propel Pilot Career Path Program
JetBlue: Gateway Select
*SkyWest: Pilot Pathway Program
*SkyWest is partnered with Silverhawk Aviation Academy and Treasure Valley Community College.
Contact us
If you’re thinking about starting a career in aviation and want more information, contact a Mission43 education advisor today!
Education Discovery: Using GI Bill Benefits at Silverhawk Aviation Academy
Mission43’s Education Discovery Series: Aviation
In Session 3 of Mission43’s Education Discovery Series: Aviation, we visit Silverhawk Aviation, a Part 141 flight school in Caldwell, Idaho. Alisha Sweeney, Director of Student Services, shares details about using GI Bill benefits for degree-seeking and vocational flight programs at Silverhawk.
Learn more and connect with the education pillar
Education Discovery: Veteran Student Flight School Experience
Mission43’s Education Discovery Series: Aviation
Session 4 of Mission43’s Education Discovery Series: Aviation features Chad Morris, prior enlisted Navy electronics technician and Assistant Chief Flight Instructor at Silverhawk Aviation. Chad provides insight into the veteran-student experience at Silverhawk.