By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

THE Public School System has accepted 13 more returning Army Reservists who have joined the Troops-to-Teacher Program.
The federally funded program aims to assist returning servicemembers to get into other professions.
The 10 returning servicemembers who were the first to join the program now assist regular classroom teachers in the CNMI’s 20 public schools.
“We now have 23 troopers,” program director Geri Willis said.
PSS conducted a three-day orientation for the new members last week at Marianas High School.
Two of the program’s first members, Winfred Camacho and Roman Benavente, discussed their contracts, tuition assistance and other benefits provided to members, while Isaac Aguon, Kim Palacios, Derrek Omengebar, George Dela Cruz, and Rosa Jean Camacho shared their experiences in the classroom so far.
Among the new program members are Norman Deleon Guerrero, Harley Eriich, Rudy Kaipat, Alfred Ocampo, Randy Pagapular, Patrick Rodeo, and Terence San Nicolas.
Because the program is coordinated with Northern Marianas College, the new members were also briefed by its acting president, Danny Wyatt, and chief financial officer Raaj Kurapati.
The program members were informed about their biweekly payments, fringe benefits, heath and life insurance options as well as retirement benefits.
On the last day of orientation, Friday, the program members familiarized themselves with the schools and began work in the classrooms.
The PSS Troops-To-Teachers program has been recognized and commended by the U.S. Department of Defense.