Anyone else havi...See MoreSo, I received my travel packet Monday afternoon, and haven't been able to get a hold of my HR rep since then, to include her voicemail stating that her phone is not accepting messages. I need her to coordinate with my current HR to set up my physical and get me transferred to DODEA so that I don't have a break in service.
Anyone else having trouble getting responses from HR?
CdubI had the exact same problem this week, but I kept calling over and over, until she did pick up. (Also, my HR rep was gone all last week on holiday - something I only discovered when I received an automated message reply to my email.)
As for your marketability, ELA is a fine area to have. It's a relatively common area of certification to have but then again, there are generally many positions open every year. Your only potential drawback would be to make sure that you can also be qualified with DoDEA for all HS grades since you would otherwise be limiting yourself to MS. You should be fine since the requirements for HS with DoDEA are only 6 more credit hours (I believe).
You might think about seeing what it would take to add another subject area or two. Areas like Speech, Drama and Journalism only require 9 credit hours if you have a degree in ELA. Many ELA teachers may also need to teach another class or two in some schools (then again many do not). AP certifications would also be helpful but not necessarily required.
As for going overseas with children, generally a teacher's children are automatically able to attend school wherever you are posted at no cost. Many/most teachers and their families seem to think it ends up being a very positive experience and a great life/lifestyle, although admittedly it is not for everyone.
Anyone know a good website for finding digital fingerprinting places? I have found some in my area but they say they do them for the department of education or DHR only. I have called several sheriffs dept and police departments locally but they only do hard copies. I need 4 hard copies and a digital set sent to 3 places.
RL85Thank you for your informative response! I can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel. Just not sure if i'll make it to report day on Monday.
kelly@WA_counselor - my thoughts on buying a car in Germany is to but a German car.They are built for the autobahn and are cheaper to fix if you have problems. Just my two cents! If you want to buy a cat, I know a friend there now that wants to re-home theirs! =)
I've kept an updated profile on EAS for 2 years and finally got an interview at a stateside school last week. I only have one year of teaching experience, but I was a T.A. with the county school system and later a sub with DDESS. I think the interview went great - I brought in a teaching portfolio, 2 copies of references and a day later forwarded the DOD Official Evaluation from my Principal from when I completed my student teaching at a DDESS elementary school.
Questions : Should I send a thank you note to the Principal for the interview and what do you think my chances are in getting the job? Also, what is the average time frame that they wait to let you know about the job, either way? I grew up a military dependent and REEEAAAALY want this.
LolaTeachOnce the principals share their preferred candidates with HR, it can take hours or weeks. Usually DDESS is a lot quicker, but honestly it depends on HR. If you are getting nervous, you can call and speak to the secretary, sometimes they are willing to help.
LolaTeachOnce the principals share their preferred candidates with HR, it can take hours or weeks. Usually DDESS is a lot quicker, but honestly it depends on HR. If you are getting nervous, you can call and speak to the secretary, sometimes they are willing to help.
As for start up costs - just be smart. Don't overspend. I'd make sure you have a credit card with as much of a limit that you can get just to be sure. Start filing your TQSA (temporary quarters allowance) ASAP. Find someone at school who will walk you through it. I'd have as close to $5000 liquid cash on hand to get you through those first few weeks. Get the advance pay ASAP if it makes you feel better.
This job is amazing. You're going to see amazing places, meet amazing people, and you will be well compensated as long as you live within your means. It'll all work out. I'm not the most mellow person, and I survived. Come October, you'll be in the groove and all will be great!
Debt letters do happen but they are generally more annoying then life-wrecking. The only one we have ever gotten was for a few thousand for insurance premiums that they just stopped deducting. It was annoying but in checking, we did owe the money. We made double insurance payments for a while and it was done.
Moving anywhere (even into a new place across town) has start up/move in costs. In this case though, once you are in, there are literally no costs for rent or utilities, for the foreseeable future. Add to that the other benefits and generally good/better salary and yes, it can be a great financial situation (and that's not even getting into the great life for and your family, if any).
I have not received/heard anything since submitting my in-processing paperwork to the school secretary. I have emailed/called my HR rep. numerous times with no response. I am starting to panic. Is the process slower/different for local hires? Any advice on what to do or who to contact?
I know many of you have yet to complete EQIP and have to get orders and such, but, to me, my timeline seems "off" and SUPER slow.
Any help or encouragement would be GREATLY appreciated! :)
Para's are GS employees so it's tough to say whether you would have to redo anything for security/clearance. You would like to think that they would have told you by now if you did, but this is the gov't.
Check in with everyone but you should still be fine. At worst, don't panic. They are not going to give the position away if the delays are all on their end.
smTEACH23Thank you all for your help! I just found out my HR representative was on emergency leave...and I got in contact with the school secretary. Hoping all goes well within the next few weeks!
I am thinking of going back to school for post master's Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership, but am wondering if it would be more beneficial to get a second master's in abother certification area, like sped or middle school. Any ideas?