After 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, including serving in Africa for Operation Enduring Freedom, Kyle Teeselink of Manson wanted to take on another adventure - teaching Iowa high school students. He was honored on Monday as Iowa's first Teacher of the Year for the Troops-to-Teachers Program. The Iowa Department of Education recognized Teeselink during the Manson Memorial Day Celebration.

Teeselink is a first-year business instructor at Manson Northwest Webster High School, where he teaches students in grades nine through 12. He received his bachelor's degree in management and human resources from Park University in Parkville, Missouri, and his business education endorsement from Buena Vista University.

After retiring from the Air Force in 2006, Teeselink decided to pursue a second career in education because the service aspect of teaching appealed to him. The Troops-to-Teachers program provided financial assistance to help him obtain an Iowa teaching certificate.

The Troops-to-Teachers Program is a joint effort between the United States Department of Education and the Department of Defense to assist eligible men and women serving in our nation's Armed Forces to seek second careers as teachers in America's public schools. Eligible military veterans that participate in the program may receive federal funding to help them meet state of Iowa teacher certification requirements and bonuses for agreeing to teach in high needs Iowa schools.