There "should" also be an additional reimbursement for costs associated with relocating. It's mainly designed for costs on the other end of PCS move, but it's a miscellaneous reimbursement that could offset some of the costs of breaking a lease.
ecd5I would look closely at your lease. The lease will tell you what the stipulations are for breaking the contract early. Some require 1-3 months rent. However, if you live near a military base, they may have a clause that waives this fee if you have official orders.
First, I agree with ecd5, IF there is a transfer round, as a new hire you will be at the bottom of a list, that will most likely be really long because transfers have not happened for several years. Lots of people will try for one because they know they might not be able to later. Now, this is only if the new transfer round looks like the old one. Which it might not, there might be some new rule that makes it a bigger hurdle then hundreds of people above you on a list.
Second, teaching is really hard no matter where you do it. So (at least in my opinion) it isn't like every weekend you are going on some grand adventure...you might be chaperoning prom, or working at the Spring Carnival. Here is another statement based on my own experience, no matter where you work/live, you can travel to the places you want to see. I know this is something I got a better handle on after I came to DoDEA because before in the states, I could only afford to go every 2 or 3 years so it was a big deal. But now, most people travel at every break (at least pre-Covid ruining the fun). I am able to see the places I want much more frequently and so where I live doesn't seem as big of an obstacle to the life I want.
Final thought: I think Bahrain is a great location, because you can travel to Europe and to Asia. So you are in the middle and can go to all the places.
1.) I noticed in my application that I was qualified to teach Grade 1-6 and Special Education: Mild Learning Impairment and have state certifications in both, but when I look at my qualifications under national board/state certified it says not qualified. I've emailed HR and waiting to hear from them, but I am curious to see if anyone else has had this issue.
2.) Also: I am wondering what other qualifications I should look at in order to make myself a stronger candidate. What are some viable schooling options people have used when looking to add additional certifications? I've used University of Phoenix in the past and it gets the job done but can be pricey.
State certs are not required but yes, they do generally cut the required SH's in half, which can make it easier/cheaper/faster to become qualified in the eyes of DoDEA.
hahaI am aware of a couple of Journalism classes since I have been in (but Drama or Yearbook seems more common). I looked back at some of the last Transfer Round opening lists and there were around 10+ positions for Compensatory Math/Reading out of 150ish positions listed, which isn't bad.
Missamy@Soda If you don't mind saying, where in the states are you? I'm on a referral list for Maxwell Airforce Base and crossing my fingers I get an interview request.
-If hired, is the paperwork 100% digital (via scanning, uploading, or faxing)? I currently work at an international school in an emerging nation and English is not an official language. Getting things by mail effectively/efficiently to my apartment is already hit or miss. With the pandemic, the country is in lockdown, you can not travel to other cities or parts of the city (for fingerprinting purposes) and can only leave home for work or groceries/medicine.
-Also, even though I am a US citizen I have lived here since the fall. How would this impact the move to the new location if I were hired (and upon my arrival)? Would I need to move back to the US or could I stay somewhere and wait? Does it change any benefits?
I still have the interview, but I thought I could maybe find some help here!
JoeCasy91@Soda Do you remember if you needed prints done on a set form? Because things move so slow where I live I think I will go ahead and do my prints (just to have them if I get hired) and avoid delays.
SodaThe instructions said to tell the person doing it to use a specific kind of card—I think it was a color. The officer who did my prints said it was the only kind they used for that purpose. I think there was a different color if you were being booked.
CordeliaI don't know the answer to your question, except that my state worked individually with me. I also know that West Virginia (not my state) offers teacher's certification for life. No renewal ever. So that might be worth checking out...
Wondering about the timeline for move from DDESS to DODDS. I submitted security clearance form today. Was told most likely won't need equip. Anyone know how long security clearance might take and/or how long the formal offer will take at this point? My understanding is I do my own request for orders in TOPS as a current DoDEA employee. How long does all of that take? Thanks! Trying to time everything I need to get done!
Can anyone recommend the best schools to teach at domestic and abroad? I currently teach dual enrollment math at a large urban high school in Florida. Thanks!
Opinions vary. Europe is generally well thought of by many people (Rota, Ramstein, etc.) and many people feel kindly towards Japan (any of the locations nearest Tokyo) and Oki (take your pick of schools). Most places are what you make of it and perceptions are indeed a personal taste.