Job Discussion Forums

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I've been trying to think of how to solidify my teaching career and have been told that it might be worth it to try to get into DOD schools. I've taught in intl schools before and didn't exactly enjoy it due to all the stress and paperwork. Also, having a non-teaching spouse makes finds schools all that harder. I'd also have to go back to the US (I think) and get my certs turned into full licenses.

I actually prefer teaching uni level, but it's not exactly as stable as teaching K to 12.

Anyone here taught at a DOD school? Did you enjoy it? What are the working hours and paperwork like? How much time off did you get? Any other info that you have would be useful.

Thanks so much

Ariadne · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960

Haven't taught at them but my kids were in DOD schools on Okinawa. The teachers had base/commissary/PX privileges and they could fly space A on military flights. Pretty much like teaching in the US, with the same vacations. Military parents are usually quite good about offering to help out for field trips and projects, and their commands usually support them in this if time permits. The vast majority of the students speak English as a native language.

It's a good job with good pay and benefits if you can deal with kids.

Let is know what you discover and whether you pursue a job with DOD.

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naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Ariadne · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960

Hey, I'm not saying it's perfect, but most people who aren't teachers have jobs that don't include summer/Christmas/Spring Break holidays. I don't know about the taxes, but I'm sure you'll check on that before you accept a salary. With so many teachers out of work back home, the DOD jobs are probably pretty competitive about now. The job offers security, decent pay and benefits. Along with those things come some not so great things too I guess.

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naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

fladude · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 432

I have looked into this. The job offer I looked at but did not apply for required 1 year minimum experience teaching at a US public high school. That was, in fact, why I did not apply. A woman I went to teaching school with did apply anyway and got an interview, probably because it was by the US Navy and her husband was an officer. But even with said pull she was politely told to go get at least 1 year of experience (figure this translates into 2-3 years for most of us). As best I can tell, the pay and benefits are very good. There may be ways around the 1 year of experience requirement, but I did not press the issue. Overall it seemed liked a great deal, although you will work the same as if you were at a US public school as I imagine it is run along the same guidelines. The pay was better than most public schools, but certainly not up there with States like California.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

fladude · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 432

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I think the plan is to stay here for a bit, work at unis and then see if we can emigrate to Europe in five or ten years. And open a hostel or something like that.

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

Just throwing this out there, another type of DOD school is the one (DLIELC) I work at in Texas. The job conditions simulate the EFL lifestyle about as closely as you can while having a job in the US. We travel (I'm in Djibouti at the moment) and have all the benefits of civil servants plus we only teach adults:) Of course, we don't get five months of paid vacation but who does in the US?

Sadebugo

kebabmaster · Joined: 05 Sep 2010 Posts: 10

It's an interesting program.

spanglish · Joined: 21 May 2009 Posts: 742 Location: working on that

sadebugo - I would also appreciate hearing more of your perspective on strategies for getting your job. What kind of experience do they value most? Is experience in certain parts of the world more highly valued than in others? Is it better to have an M.A. TESOL from an American than British uni? Is it all about having an inside contact? Is post-masters experience regarded higher than pre-masters? Thanks!

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

To the last two posters, I'm reluctant to predict what qualifications would increase your chances other than what is posted in the job adverts. Applying for any government job is a multi-stage process that even those hired never fully understand. Sorry I couldn't help more.

Sadebugo

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Did they just place an ad?

spanglish · Joined: 21 May 2009 Posts: 742 Location: working on that

Some kind of insight or observations into the 'company culture,' and/or hiring process would have been welcome. You talk a lot about the positives of your job and it does sound very appealing.