APSU researchers discuss how military experience preps veterans for teaching at national conference

By: Marisa Roberts March 2, 2026

Jasmin Linares, assistant vice president for Military and Veterans Affairs (at left), and Dr. Joanne Philhower, assistant professor in the Eriksson College of Education (at right).

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Two Austin Peay State University employees presented research at a national education conference on how military service translates into teaching skills, part of a year-long study to inform veteran recruitment efforts and address widespread teacher shortages.

Dr. Joanne Philhower, an assistant professor in the Eriksson College of Education, and Jasmin Linares, assistant vice president for Military and Veterans Affairs, met with veteran students in focus groups throughout the 2025-26 academic year to identify key takeaways. They discussed their findings during the Annual Meeting in Arlington, Virginia, held Feb. 8-11.

The research emerged from Philhower’s experience teaching veteran students at Austin Peay, where approximately 33% of students are military-affiliated. She noticed strong connections between military service and teaching skills through classroom discussions, and partnered with the VETS Bravo-designated Military and Veterans Affairs Division to formalize her observations.

“I am thankful that the Military and Veterans Affairs Division has been so open to collaborating and helping me understand the military side of things,” said Philhower, whose father also served in the Army during the Vietnam era. “In having discussions with my dad about my research and my interactions with student veterans, he has been more willing to share information about his military experience. Not only has this research helped me think about how I can support this special population better, but it has also helped me personally in my relationship with my dad.”

Dr. Joanne Philhower and Jasmin Linares present their work during the Association of Teacher Educators Annual Meeting in Arlington, Virginia, held Feb. 8-11. | Contributed photo

Philhower and Linares’ work identified several areas of overlap between military service and teaching, including:

• Classroom management: Veterans remain calm under pressure and are skilled at managing challenging situations.

• Relationship building: They are accustomed to working with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Adaptability & open-mindedness: Listening, adjusting, and leading with respect are developed through service.

• Leadership and mentorship: Teaching mirrors the coaching and development roles many veterans held in uniform.

Based on these findings, the Eriksson College of Education and the Military and Veterans Affairs Division are developing targeted programming, including:

• Workshops and transition conversations designed for student veterans pursuing education degrees

• Intentional support structures for veterans entering classroom environments

• Strategic recruitment effort to address teacher shortages by encouraging veterans to consider teaching as a continued form of service

This initiative comes as Tennessee faces an ongoing teacher shortage, with several positions across the state either vacant or filled by teachers on emergency credentials APSU’s veteran student population represents a potential pipeline to address these gaps while supporting post-military career transitions.