school principal

occupational therapist

maintenance supervisor

DoDEA

DoDEA is an interesting, challenging, and eye-opening place to work. I highly doubt it is similar to working at other schools since the hierarchy is very similar to a military command. DoDEA is a place where you are definitively ranked by your federal service level (GS) and treated as such, even if you are overqualified for your position.
DoDEA focuses on catering to 1) the local command, 2) the parents, and then 3) the educators. It is less like a school system and more like if the GS employees ran a business for everyone else to enjoy. The chains of command above the individual schools run their principals to the bone. (Principals are typically GS-12) This then spills over into placing sometimes impossible demands on the office staff, which they are barely able to perform, even if they are properly trained and skilled at their job. This is often because of outdated, ineffective equipment, rigid contracts, or military rules. The GS has to both stop the buck and answer to parents (or the command) when something goes awry. Teachers are almost never held accountable for their actions. Why does GS do this? Because we're the mediators- we do everything we can, with no appreciation, to make it all run smoothly. The GS employees within the schools have to create a tough exterior in order to set off the illusion that DoDEA is just a normal school system. It isn't. It's hierarchical, even though institutions should be collaborative. When administrators assign specific, important tasks to someone with a low GS level, the employee in question has many hurdles to jump over (and many tomatoes to dodge) in order to make sure their duties are completed.
 
Would I recommend a job like mine (Office Automation), especially to military spouses abroad? I would have to say, it depends on many factors. If you're looking to break into the GS system, it's a decent place to start. Also, since this position can be very draining, I wouldn't recommend it to college students. It helps to be extraverted and to have a high tolerance for condescension. Aside from this, I do like my job. It is challenging and DoDEA is far from perfect. I have learned new skills and have discovered many aspects of myself I did not know existed. However, I definitely would not say it is for everybody.

DoDEA - what can I say? When I was hired, I was ecstatic after working for pennies in local public school districts. I was thankful to be getting paid for my education, but I found that since I couldn't bring my children to work with me, I was spending nearly an entire paycheck in childcare just to be pushed into another tax bracket. In other words, it didn't feel like I was making all of that much more money. That was okay at first until management became controlling and micromanaging. You will never have a voice as an employee here. As long as you sit back and act like this organization is perfect, you will probably be fine. That's what they want you to do after all. However, if you start to speak up for the children and families, or yourself even, you will be reprimanded and treated as if you are some sort of security threat. The leadership is toxic and focuses on pleasing local command and parents to avoid ICE comments. You aren't ever thanked for your hard work, but you can be sure you'll be reprimanded for any mistake. The best interests of the children are not at heart. Technology and "approved technology list" is outdated. Overall, it's worth while if you just want to get your foot in the door for a federal job, but I wouldn't do this for 30 years. If your career is teaching, you'll have a more pleasant and fulfilling experience outside of the gates where there is more focus on putting children and educators first. 

World Class education for government employee children.  All schools PreK-12 are accredited through AdvancEd.  

Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), as one of only two Federally-operated school systems, is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and managing prekindergarten through 12th grade educational programs on behalf of the Department of Defense (DoD). DoDEA is globally positioned, operating 172 accredited² schools in 14 districts located in 11 foreign countries, 7 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. DoDEA employs approximately 15,000 employees who serve more than 74,000 children of active duty military and DOD civilian families. DoDEA is committed to ensuring that all school-aged children of military families are provided a world-class education that prepares them for postsecondary education and/or career success and to be leading contributors in their communities as well as in our 21st century globalized society.  Taken from: www.dodea.edu, January 2016

A typical day at work is interacting with the students in the classroom and helping them with school lessons. I've learned as a substitute teacher that our job is valuable to the main teacher because she relies on us and we are the ears and eyes for when they are away. Working for the school system is great, being able to fill in for a teacher and learn about the different students is so rewarding; but the hardest part of the job is not being able to substitute in the same classroom every time, you get so accustomed to one class and a set of students, then that next day you may be required to fill in for another teacher. The most enjoyable part of the job is being able to interact with the students and meet new people everyday, the co-workers at this job was very helpful every step of the way; and management was great, kept on top of things at all times

I love my job as an aide for the most part. The pay could be better, but it has seen an increase recently (overseas). I am lucky to have worked with a great teacher this year, however she is leaving next year and so will I. Some of the teachers have very little respect for the aides they work with and that in turn can really make or break this job. I often work as a sub when my teacher is out (something I am happy to do), but without sub pay. We also rarely receive help, but yet we are still expected to assist additional teachers when they are alone without their aide for the day. My contractual day was extended without warning this year and no additional pay, just a longer unpaid lunch break. Many  aides are also permanent subs, which mean they can work slightly less and get paid substantially more. These issues have all been forwarded to HR. On the bright side, I love the kids and job itself.

School nursing in a DODEA school requires a mixture of expertise. Many schools are located on bases without medical facilities. Learned to be a good diagnostician, loved the school setting and working with the teachers.
Management changes a lot, and you can have good or bad experiences, but if the teachers work well together, you have a great setting anyway. Our experience was very good overall. Coworkers are fun and mostly professional. The hardest part of the job was missing our grandchildren who were growing up stateside! The most enjoyable part of the job was traveling for conferences, traveling with colleagues to shop or sightsee.
Our very best experience was the 5 summers spent doing humanitarian work in Russia. Very rewarding and the people were great!

Out dated system of education.
*A typical work day consited of teaching classroom music instructions to MS/HS students.
*I have learned that military dependents are socially at risk and need special attention.
*My style of management is "laizie fare," and to listen to the advice and opinion of subordinates. I get along well with management and very supportive of their decisions.
*I have the support and respect of my co-worker, as I support and respect them also.
*The most difficult part of my job is to leave my students, at the end of the day.
*Among the most enjoyable parts of my job is to realize that I have made a positive difference is a person's life.

High energy specialized workforce responsible for the capacity of the organization to complete the mission and ensuring it is postured for the future. 

It is a diverse portfolio with a great deal of C-Suite interaction and support. Advisement to the Director takes on additional responsibilities as he requires specialized project management. 

The most difficult part of the job is influencing the entire organization without the authority. This is the area in which I have grown the most.

The most enjoyable part of the job is that I have earned a great deal of credibility with the Director and he trusts me and my judgment. He supports my efforts and allows me a lot of creative freedom without over-management.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The staff first because no matter what, we all continue to be professional. Second I would say the kids, though we have our moments, I love my job and the kids are awesome.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Getting up but that’s any job. Once I’m there I’m good.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
We are all there for the learning purposes of the children. Middle school is tough but we all handle it as a team.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I work with SPED which is the best ever! I go in everyday feeing like I’m going to make a difference and leave feeling satisfied.

DoDEA is an Agency that needs to find itself. It's very political. Lacks clear guidance. Outdated policies. Management fearful of the union. Teachers feel entitled and don't put the best interest of the kids first. It's all about Me Me Me and what I can do to get over on the taxpayers. After experiencing some of the mediocrity that's allowed within the Agency, no way I would ever send a child(ren) to be taught by these teachers. This does not apply to all teachers but the amount of less than stellar employees is numerous. Leadership supports the teachers more than the principals. I guess that's due to the fear of the union. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
School principal 1 salary reported	$130,596 per year
Occupational therapist 1 salary reported	$114,259 per year
Maintenance supervisor 1 salary reported	$27.35 per hour

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