We are in the final stages of our summer road trip in the Southeastern US.corner view
best kept secret
My husband and I agree that one of life's best kept secrets is DoDEA, or Department of Defense Education Activity. DoDEA is actually our employer, the US government agency that hired us to teach overseas in the Department of Defense Dependent Schools.
Here's the gist of the gig:
DoDEA runs many US schools in locations throughout Europe, the Pacific, Cuba, and Guam. (There are even some schools in the eastern US, but that's a bit different.) A contract with DoDEA includes the packing and shipping of any household items and a car to the new duty station. The government provides us a generous tax free housing allowance to cover most of the rent and utility expenses; it's usually an amount sufficient to cover rent at a very nice address. There is also a tax free cost of living allowance. The salary is competitive, and for a girl teaching in a public school in South Louisiana, it was like hitting the jackpot.
Should I continue?
The student demographic is generally fairly easy to work with, and we basically escape issues common in public schools in the US. (We do, though, have issues unique to our mostly military population. Generally, we receive support to help us to support these students.) Our schedule is nice, as we are off for all US federal holidays as well as the traditional US school holidays like Christmas and spring break. Summer break lasts for 10 weeks. The government springs for our flight home every other year.
Umm. . . need more?
We have a transfer system that allows teachers to move from one location to another after a couple of years in a spot; it's not perfect, but it is an option for some. Consequently, we have friends across the globe. It is also an option to put down roots (like we've done); we can stay as long as there is work for us.
And?
We have many opportunities for professional development, to include summer graduate programs in locations like Naples and Rota. We work with a diverse group of professionals from all parts of the US, have great health benefits, and the same retirement benefits as other US government employees.
There is more. . . . but I am giving you only the gist, right?
More corner views:jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele, modsquad,caitlin, joyce, ani, kim, a day that is dessert, natsumi, epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch, c.t., jeannette, outi, schanett, ritva, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer, dana, denise, cabrizette, bohemia girl, dianna, isabelle, amber, a girl in the yellow shoes, mister e, janis, kari, jgy, skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison, lise, cate, mon, victoria, crescent moon, erin, otli, amy, ida, caroline, lisa, dorte, kimmie, la lune dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa, britta, virgina, april, b, kyndale samantha, karen, kristina, dorit, goldensunfamily, sophie, janet, mcgillicutty, desiree, di, travelingmama, aimee, sunnymama, amanda, ali, jenell, guusje, britta, juanita, pamela, inna, daan, myrtille, cris, ibb, susi, jodi, lily, gillian, athena, pienduzz, latisha, clairette, kelleyn, iris, demara
best kept secret
My husband and I agree that one of life's best kept secrets is DoDEA, or Department of Defense Education Activity. DoDEA is actually our employer, the US government agency that hired us to teach overseas in the Department of Defense Dependent Schools.
Here's the gist of the gig:
DoDEA runs many US schools in locations throughout Europe, the Pacific, Cuba, and Guam. (There are even some schools in the eastern US, but that's a bit different.) A contract with DoDEA includes the packing and shipping of any household items and a car to the new duty station. The government provides us a generous tax free housing allowance to cover most of the rent and utility expenses; it's usually an amount sufficient to cover rent at a very nice address. There is also a tax free cost of living allowance. The salary is competitive, and for a girl teaching in a public school in South Louisiana, it was like hitting the jackpot.
Should I continue?
The student demographic is generally fairly easy to work with, and we basically escape issues common in public schools in the US. (We do, though, have issues unique to our mostly military population. Generally, we receive support to help us to support these students.) Our schedule is nice, as we are off for all US federal holidays as well as the traditional US school holidays like Christmas and spring break. Summer break lasts for 10 weeks. The government springs for our flight home every other year.
Umm. . . need more?
We have a transfer system that allows teachers to move from one location to another after a couple of years in a spot; it's not perfect, but it is an option for some. Consequently, we have friends across the globe. It is also an option to put down roots (like we've done); we can stay as long as there is work for us.
And?
We have many opportunities for professional development, to include summer graduate programs in locations like Naples and Rota. We work with a diverse group of professionals from all parts of the US, have great health benefits, and the same retirement benefits as other US government employees.
There is more. . . . but I am giving you only the gist, right?
More corner views:jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele, modsquad,caitlin, joyce, ani, kim, a day that is dessert, natsumi, epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch, c.t., jeannette, outi, schanett, ritva, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer, dana, denise, cabrizette, bohemia girl, dianna, isabelle, amber, a girl in the yellow shoes, mister e, janis, kari, jgy, skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison, lise, cate, mon, victoria, crescent moon, erin, otli, amy, ida, caroline, lisa, dorte, kimmie, la lune dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa, britta, virgina, april, b, kyndale samantha, karen, kristina, dorit, goldensunfamily, sophie, janet, mcgillicutty, desiree, di, travelingmama, aimee, sunnymama, amanda, ali, jenell, guusje, britta, juanita, pamela, inna, daan, myrtille, cris, ibb, susi, jodi, lily, gillian, athena, pienduzz, latisha, clairette, kelleyn, iris, demara
9 comments:
I like when I learn a thing or two. Thanks for sharing. xoxo
Holy mackerel! That sounds like a total JACKPOT and I got it... happy for you but can't tell yet if I'm overwhelmingly jealous. Good Post!!!!
Wow. It was something of a mystery (secret?) to me how and why you ended up in your paese, piccolo e bello.
PS so, no trip back to the US next year:)?
The other Vicenza teachers need to be reminded of your great points. Maybe they will be happier in thier jobs...or at least complain a little less.
Down side...no grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. to babysit at a moments notice.
Funny, I was just encouraging our babysitter to look in to the DODs system. She spent last spring studying in Rome and loved it. If I lived my life another way I would have def. gone this route.
Karen, I'd be happy to answer any questions your babysitter may have should she be interested.
Francesca, We go home each summer, but have a more limited budget on the years that we have to purchase the airfare; obviously, this year Uncle Sam helped us out.
Michelle -- agreed. Sometimes we all forget to count our blessings. I long for the summer to A. get away from the complaints and B. refresh my positive energies. You are absolutely correct about the isolation from relatives. We have especially learned that this summer. We have been (after 5 long years) able to form some friendships with folks who are willing to trade off children. . .and our neighbors are a Godsend to us. . .all of them.
Jodi -- don't be jealous! Applications are available online to certified teachers :)
ummmm....are they hiring? ;)
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com
Very interesting ! Thanks for sharing !!!
I think that is a good kept secret. Sounds better than the job my husband has as a professor. He never has 10 weeks off in the summer and though we live in a cool city, I think it would be fantastic to live in Italy for a year or two.
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