I am wondering what the work culture is like at West Point Elementary (understanding of course that's its always in the eyes of the beholder). Are employees generally content? What is the area like? How is leadership in terms of consistency and decision making? Any thoughts welcome.
IsItFriday?It's a small little school, isolated far from the rest of DoDEA, which has had major Admin changes in the past few years, and where many teachers have to wear many hats.
Hi. I'm brand new. This is my first year applying and I have gotten 4 referrals, but no interviews. I was wondering if the COVID vaccination is still required to teach stateside/overseas. I have heard conflicting information.
I'm not sure what your final comment is based on. How would you know if someone's stance on vaccines changed based on the covid vaccine? People don't typically go around discussing their medical decisions. If it did change due to the covid vaccine, it may be because most covid vaccines are mRNA or perhaps it's due to the number of reported adverse reactions. Many people tend to change their views on vaccination after they or a family member experience an adverse reaction. May that never happen to you.
It's just science and statistics. Previous to Covid, only a tiny fraction of the population ever resisted or protested against vaccinations and/or the recommendations of medical professionals and scientists. So, the vast majority of people have all of the previous commonly recommended vaccinations. immunizations, etc.
There are different types of vaccinations (including more traditional types) that people could choose to receive. Either way, the percentage/severity of adverse reactions for Covid vaccinations are in line (or even lower) then for other previous vaccinations. Knowing someone who had a severe adverse reaction is obviously sad/distressing but doesn't change the basic statistics/science.
Only a very tiny number of religions have any tenet that actually objects to vaccinations, so again, most of the objections against Covid are suddenly held beliefs and seemingly not based on long held, traditional/established religious beliefs.
I didn't mean for this thread to become a whole Covid debate, so feel free to have the last word and I will not comment again.
Would love any insights, advice and helpful explanations on obtaining housing on or off post (preferably on post). Trying to prepare for our move to Korea and want to be up to speed as much as possible. If there is anything I can do before shipping out to reduce the stress all the better.
bondoIndyGuy...Our landlord near Osan provided a TV and all other appliances. Hopefully the installations will go smoother than ours...they installed a dishwasher but forgot to attach water:) Main thing is getting as comfortable as possible. Decide on apartment or house...they do have single family housing units and tons of apartments. Not sure how many...See MoreIndyGuy...Our landlord near Osan provided a TV and all other appliances. Hopefully the installations will go smoother than ours...they installed a dishwasher but forgot to attach water:) Main thing is getting as comfortable as possible. Decide on apartment or house...they do have single family housing units and tons of apartments. Not sure how many years they are giving you credit for but your LQA is going to be quite high. Landlords will want you...well, your money. Ask around the base as there is always someone that is willing and able to assist. We had an angel help us...she met us when we got there, took us around, helped set us up with an agent...if you are at Osan, I can give you the agent you should deal with...she was so good to us and her family was crazy about our sons. We are not very demanding and only found out after the fact that we could have requested so much more. Example, I went out and bought a TV when all I had to do was ask for one. Getting a car is another adventure that I can provide input on if you choose. If you don't want one, getting in the apartments near the base is essential. Can also provide insights on those fun mornings when you get to your entrance and they have it locked down...forces you to take the long way:) Little things that you've never heard of can either really bug you or take them as a wonderful adventure. Anyone who has an issue with the U.S. has never lived outside the U.S. We are so Blessed and spoiled. Be flexible...our time did not turn out as I had hoped but I wouldn't trade the adventure for anything. Please let me know if you have other questions. You are probably only a couple of weeks out from getting your orders!!!
bondoIndyGuy...Our landlord near Osan provided a TV and all other appliances. Hopefully the installations will go smoother than ours...they installed a dishwasher but forgot to attach water:) Main thing is getting as comfortable as possible. Decide on apartment or house...they do have single family housing units and tons of apartments. Not sure how many...See MoreIndyGuy...Our landlord near Osan provided a TV and all other appliances. Hopefully the installations will go smoother than ours...they installed a dishwasher but forgot to attach water:) Main thing is getting as comfortable as possible. Decide on apartment or house...they do have single family housing units and tons of apartments. Not sure how many years they are giving you credit for but your LQA is going to be quite high. Landlords will want you...well, your money. Ask around the base as there is always someone that is willing and able to assist. We had an angel help us...she met us when we got there, took us around, helped set us up with an agent...if you are at Osan, I can give you the agent you should deal with...she was so good to us and her family was crazy about our sons. We are not very demanding and only found out after the fact that we could have requested so much more. Example, I went out and bought a TV when all I had to do was ask for one. Getting a car is another adventure that I can provide input on if you choose. If you don't want one, getting in the apartments near the base is essential. Can also provide insights on those fun mornings when you get to your entrance and they have it locked down...forces you to take the long way:) Little things that you've never heard of can either really bug you or take them as a wonderful adventure. Anyone who has an issue with the U.S. has never lived outside the U.S. We are so Blessed and spoiled. Be flexible...our time did not turn out as I had hoped but I wouldn't trade the adventure for anything. Please let me know if you have other questions. You are probably only a couple of weeks out from getting your orders!!!
One way I've thought of doing this is by wearing fun/silly socks each day instead of my usual black ones. A SPED teacher at one of my old schools did it and it became a thing among both staff and students to see what crazy or silly socks he was wearing that day.
I know it's not going to make a huge impact, but it feels like it could be a good first step towards showing a lighter side to me and show my students that I'm a human with interests and personality too.
I am also curious how I can go about applying for a pay advance in this position. Am I entitled to it, or is that only for permanent overseas employees?
If anyone also has experience trying to apply for secondary dependency for a family member (a parent) please let me know. Thank you!
Bee92Actually, just got information that I will NOT have the option to apply for a pay advance. xD But the other two parts of my question I would like additional clarification on. Thank you!
I have just been offered a teaching position with DoDEA overseas. I have 17 years of verifiable teaching and a Masters Degree. How can I find out how much I will start off being paid for my 1st year with DoDEA? Just the base salary. I have found the COLA and LQA allowances.
https://...See MoreIt's a tax-free addition to your pay. It varies wildly by location and time (depending on cost of living, currency exchange rates, etc.). Ours tripled up to $840 per pay period before dropping down to $500+.
It's listed as a percentage by location, but makes more sense when you use the calculator (if you haven't already):
Hello, I am trying to understand how RAT works. If I do not start the job at the beginning of the year does that mean that year does not count towards the two year RAT allowance?
hahaYes, there are a certain number of school days you need be present and on duty for that year to count towards RAT. I forget the exact rule but it's something like 170/175 days as I recall.
Thanks ...See MoreMy daughter and son in law are planning on moving to Germany in the next year. I have been in education for 29 years and have actually taught with DoDEA many years ago. However, I am currently an educational diagnostician for special education. Does anyone know how active recruitment is for the assessor 0415 position is for DoDEA?
Getting hired for any position is a long shot these days. It gets even longer if you try to target a certain country/location. But, complete/update your EAS and see what happens. You never know!