DoDEA Makes It Easier for Teachers to Join and Serve Military Families

By Michael ODayFebruary 10, 2025

DoDEA Makes It Easier for Teachers to Join and Serve Military Families
Dr. Lienne Hill engages her 5th grade students in an interactive lesson at Kessler Elementary School, Fort Stewart. With a dynamic classroom environment and technology at their fingertips, students actively participate in learning and critical thinking activities. DoDEA operates as a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. It is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and managing pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade educational programs for the Department of Defense. DoDEA operates 160 accredited schools in 8 districts in 11 foreign countries, seven states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA Americas operates 50 accredited schools across two districts, located on 16 military installations, including Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard bases in seven states, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Committed to excellence in education, DoDEA fosters well-rounded, lifelong learners, equipping them to succeed in a dynamic world. (Photo Credit: Michael ODay) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) modified licensure reciprocity in March 2024 to simplify the process for teachers with valid state licenses to work in its schools. Individuals can now use their valid state-issued licenses to qualify for DoDEA teaching positions, helping to bring in more talented educators and better support military families worldwide.

Under this reciprocity change, teachers with valid, unencumbered state licenses from any U.S. state or territory or certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) can now certify in comparable areas under DoDEA. Teachers won’t need to complete additional testing or certification steps to be qualified to work. However, temporary or emergency licenses don’t qualify under the new rules. Military spouses with certain license limitations will also be eligible to receive DoDEA certification in comparable areas.

The benefits of this update extend to everyone involved. The new process removes unnecessary obstacles for teachers, making it easier for skilled educators to fill open positions in DoDEA schools. Students benefit from having more qualified teachers, which enhances the quality of education and creates a stable learning environment. For military families, who often face frequent relocations, this change ensures their children’s education is less likely to be disrupted. Additionally, future employees will find DoDEA a more appealing employer, offering streamlined pathways to join its global network.

To help with the transition, DoDEA reviewed thousands of applications from educators in its Employment Application System (EAS). This effort aimed to ensure that all eligible applicants are given an equal chance to fill positions for the 2024-2025 school year. Applicants were notified about the changes, and hiring began quickly to bring in new teachers onboard.

“By simplifying the licensure process, we are ensuring that highly qualified educators can join our team faster, allowing us to serve the educational needs of military-connected students better,” said Jennifer Eybl, Chief, HR Human Capital Management Branch.

The updated system makes adding new teaching areas easier for current DoDEA teachers who want to expand their certifications, with guidance available on the DoDEA website.

“Our mission is to provide every student with the best possible education, and that starts with ensuring we have top-notch teachers in every classroom,” said Dr. Judith Minor, Americas Director for Student Excellence. “This change is a major step toward that goal.”

Educators and others interested in learning more can visit the DoDEA website or contact regional licensure offices for assistance. This initiative is another way DoDEA supports military families and builds a strong educational foundation for their children.

TOP STORIES