Timing of DODEA postings

shebestova
Posts: 11
Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2015 6:32 pm

Timing of DODEA postings

Post by shebestova »

When does DODEA post the bulk of their vacancies? Is it more in the fall or the spring?

Thanks so much!
wrldtrvlr123
Posts: 1173
Joined: Sat Feb 06, 2010 10:59 am
Location: Japan

Re: Timing of DODEA postings

Post by wrldtrvlr123 »

Basically neither one. DoDDS virtually never posts actual open positions that are available for external candidates. They sometimes post ads on USA jobs but those are more like general recruitment drives to inflate the candidate pool.

As for when they do most of their interviewing/hiring, its mainly done in June and July with some hiring done in May and August/September.
PsyGuy
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Location: Northern Europe

Response

Post by PsyGuy »

I concur with @WT123.

DODDS doesnt post external (CONUS) vacancies except in rare circumstances, and usually the general vacancy post is just a pointer to the EAS application and building the general applicant pool.

DDESS principals start looking for vacancies in Mayish, DoDDS PAC in Juneish and EUR in Julyish. CONUS hiring doesnt happen until after the internal transfer round. The Deadline to apply for a recruiting cycle in typically Marchish.
shebestova
Posts: 11
Joined: Tue Jun 16, 2015 6:32 pm

Re: Timing of DODEA postings

Post by shebestova »

Thanks so much for the info!
austin
Posts: 16
Joined: Sat Jan 02, 2016 11:08 am

Re: Timing of DODEA postings

Post by austin »

From my understanding, hiring might happen earlier as the transfer round is happening now. Just what I have heard in other forums.

What I don't understand is how ITs get a job with DoD. If we eventually want to go that route, we would be under contract since most teachers sign in January/February. How do teachers do it then?
PsyGuy
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Reply

Post by PsyGuy »

@austin

Its not, the transfer period is a negotiated period of time. Even if it ends early (as it has in recent years), it will just be a period of idle time. Even if principals could recruit CONUS earlier, they wont, they have other things to do, such as running their DSs.

Happens all the time, you break contract with your IS/DS to accept the DoDDS offer. Its not usually a problem, you just sell the 'supporting the troops' argument and if your HOS doesnt accept that, you just leave and break contract. You will likely never leave DoDDS once youre in, and an IS likely cant do much against your license. If a premium agency drops and bars you from repping with them, again you will likely never leave DoDDS so its not an issue. DoDDS is golden ticket, winning the lottery, dream job in the sky outcome. The vast majority dont go back.
wrldtrvlr123
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Location: Japan

Re: Reply

Post by wrldtrvlr123 »

PsyGuy wrote:
> @austin
>
> Its not, the transfer period is a negotiated period of time. Even if it
> ends early (as it has in recent years), it will just be a period of idle
> time. Even if principals could recruit CONUS earlier, they wont, they have
> other things to do, such as running their DSs.
>
> Happens all the time, you break contract with your IS/DS to accept the
> DoDDS offer. Its not usually a problem, you just sell the 'supporting the
> troops' argument and if your HOS doesnt accept that, you just leave and
> break contract. You will likely never leave DoDDS once youre in, and an IS
> likely cant do much against your license. If a premium agency drops and
> bars you from repping with them, again you will likely never leave DoDDS so
> its not an issue. DoDDS is golden ticket, winning the lottery, dream job in
> the sky outcome. The vast majority dont go back.
-----------------------------------------
Pretty much what he said.
Mahimahi
Posts: 5
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2015 5:29 pm

Re: Timing of DODEA postings

Post by Mahimahi »

Would someone please explain why DODEA jobs are considered 'dream jobs'? I just don't see it. What am I missing?
shadowjack
Posts: 2138
Joined: Sat Oct 06, 2012 9:49 am

Re: Timing of DODEA postings

Post by shadowjack »

Overseas education like it used to be. Not for profit. Good money/benefits/pension. Usually good locations. Real teaching.

Anything else?
wrldtrvlr123
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Joined: Sat Feb 06, 2010 10:59 am
Location: Japan

Re: Timing of DODEA postings

Post by wrldtrvlr123 »

Well, I would say that it is only a dream gig for some people. Many int'l teachers probably wouldn't consider it that all that dreamy because it's working with all American students and teachers, working on US military bases, working within a less int'l, more UScentric environment, curriculum etc. And, positions are only eligible for US citizens.

Now, why it could be considered a dream gig for many people (like myself)? Salary is good (great compared to many int'l schools, only fair to good compared to some elite int'l schools). For example, they give 10 years credit which would put a teacher with a Masters at $60K+ per year. plus a generous housing allowance that fully covers more than adequate housing and all utilities, plus a cost of living allowance that varies per location but is generally an extra $200 t0 $500 per month. Also, employment opportunities, including teaching/subbing and non-education related positions, are available beyond many int'l school locations.

Other benefits include fully funded relocation to and from the posting (16,000 lbs of shipping, transportation, temporary per diem of housing and meals until you are in permanent housing), full privileges on post/base (Commissary, PX, restaurants, gym, movie theater, pools etc), limited use of legal aide services, clinic etc. Also, consider that many bases/schools are located in places like Europe and Japan where most schools generally feel they don't have to offer generous salaries and benefits packages due to the allure of the location.

And, once you are past your two year provisional period you have tenure. This means that it is very difficult to lose your job. Even if the school closes, they have to find you another job somewhere in the world. There is also the opportunity to take part in the transfer round where you can (if a bit lucky) move to a more preferred location/position without having to interview, give up your current position etc (and of course the move is fully funded). And if you ever wish to go back to an int'l school you can literally job search up until school starts without having to give up your current position.

Also, DoDDS cannot even ask you about family size when considering you for a position so large families/numbers of dependents are not the factor that they are in the int'l school circuit. Schools also must provide SPED services far beyond those that are generally offered by int'l schools so that can be a major benefit to families with children who do not fit the typical int'l school mold.

Many people also appreciate having the option to take advantage of the on post/base opportunities to whatever extent they wish while also being free to venture out into the local community when they are ready.

So, many advantages to DoDDS, some disadvantages and many other factors that are a wash (or are positive or negative depending on your own personal situation or viewpoint).
Walter
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Location: UK
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Re: Timing of DODEA postings

Post by Walter »

You know, the person who knows most about this subject is Dave Psyguy. He has postings five years ago where he talks about being a DODDS teacher:
"Pleased yes. Im in an unusual place right now, Im a new DoDDS teacher and with all the excess teachers needing to be placed for next year my job isnt exactly secure and stable." This was posted in 2011. Tell us, Dave, why did you leave?
peachestotulips
Posts: 60
Joined: Sat Apr 18, 2015 6:24 am

Re: Timing of DODEA postings

Post by peachestotulips »

I've been trying to find an answer to this, and don't really know where to look. Are there many DoDDS schools that offer the IB curriculum or that are also IB World Schools? I have found a few that offer the DP.
global_nomad
Posts: 72
Joined: Thu Jan 07, 2016 12:12 pm

Re: Timing of DODEA postings

Post by global_nomad »

I've becoming more intrigued by a possible DODDS posting due to the fact that most salaries at private international schools have not kept up in recent years. However, I've heard the application process is a nightmare for people that have worked at numerous international schools. Can anyone shed some light on this? Also, are specialists like Art teachers, Music teachers, School Psychologists, Media Specialists in demand?
wrldtrvlr123
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Joined: Sat Feb 06, 2010 10:59 am
Location: Japan

Re: Timing of DODEA postings

Post by wrldtrvlr123 »

peachestotulips wrote:
> I've been trying to find an answer to this, and don't really know where to
> look. Are there many DoDDS schools that offer the IB curriculum or that are
> also IB World Schools? I have found a few that offer the DP.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are virtually none. I say virtually only because I don't know everything about every school and I heard something about Bahrain not too far back. Virtually every DoDDS school follows a US curriculum and is moving towards Common Core(ish).
wrldtrvlr123
Posts: 1173
Joined: Sat Feb 06, 2010 10:59 am
Location: Japan

Re: Timing of DODEA postings

Post by wrldtrvlr123 »

global_nomad wrote:
> I've becoming more intrigued by a possible DODDS posting due to the fact
> that most salaries at private international schools have not kept up in
> recent years. However, I've heard the application process is a nightmare
> for people that have worked at numerous international schools. Can anyone
> shed some light on this? Also, are specialists like Art teachers, Music
> teachers, School Psychologists, Media Specialists in demand?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was hired with a background in international teaching in 3 different countries (and two different US states) and the application process was not particularly difficult. You fill out the online application like any other, get your references to complete online forms and see what happens. The only part of the process that could be difficult for someone with multiple former schools would be getting someone from the school to complete an employment verification form after being hired for years of experience credit purposes (and they only except 10 years so that should not be too onerous).

As for Specialist positions, yes, they are always in demand with the usual caveat that there are fewer candidates for fewer positions.
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