In conjunction with Veteran's Day, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is spotlighting the ways our agency works with and supports veterans across Missouri.

Veterans Education & Training

DESE evaluates programs for approval so veterans and their dependents may use their GI Bill® benefits. Those GI Bill® benefits can be used for college or technical education programs, as well as on-the-job training programs and apprenticeships. Make sure you or the veteran in your life know all the ways to take advantage of these benefits. Click here to learn more.

Troops to Teachers

The Troops to Teachers program was established in 1993 to assist transitioning service members and veterans in beginning new careers as K-12 teachers. Learn more here if you or a veteran you know is interested in continuing their service to others.

Honorary High School Diplomas

Operation Recognition provides honorary high school diplomas for veterans and civilian prisoners of war (POWs). Submit the Honorary High School Diploma Application here. After the Missouri Veterans Commission verifies that an applicant is eligible, the application is sent to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. DESE then prepares the diploma and mails it to the recipient or designated party.

Have a question, or want to learn more about veterans' programs and services? Call DESE's Veterans Education & Training office at 573-751-2571.