WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — The Pasco County School Board is expected to give final approval Tuesday for dedicated funding that will support Heroes in the Classroom, an incentive program designed to bring retired first responders and military veterans into Florida’s teaching workforce.
Launched in 2023, the state-backed initiative offers a $4,000 first-year bonus to eligible veterans and former first responders who transition into education.
District leaders say the incentive is already helping address teacher shortages while bringing uniquely skilled professionals into local classrooms.
One of the program’s early success stories is Taylor Liamero, a 28-year-old Air Force veteran who spent nearly six years on active duty.
Straight out of high school, Liamero served in the Middle East, Europe, and later at a base in Virginia — experiences she says shaped her desire to continue serving her community in new ways.
Now, instead of military missions, her daily assignments involve coaching and teaching students at Wiregrass Ranch High School in Wesley Chapel.
“It’s something I always wanted to do,” Liamero said. “I’ve always loved coaching and athletics — from my time in the military and even before that as a young athlete. It just felt like something I needed to take a shot at.”
District leaders say Heroes in the Classroom is part of a broader effort to strengthen teacher recruitment and retention.
Kelly Smith, program coordinator for Teacher Pathways with Pasco County Schools, said the district has made major progress in reducing vacancies.
“When I first came on as a recruiter many years ago, we were in the triple digits starting the school year,” Smith said. “We’ve been very low in our vacancy count, and year over year we continue to make improvements.”
Smith says incentives like the veterans program help set Pasco apart from other districts competing for new educators.
For Liamero, the initiative gave her the chance to begin a career she now says feels like the right long-term fit.
“Now that I’m doing it,” she said, “I can’t imagine doing anything else—ever.”
To participate in Heroes in the Classroom, applicants must provide proof of eligible military or first-responder service and hold a valid teaching certificate or meet certification requirements
More details are available here.
Jason Lanning
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