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Insurance

by SAE

Jul 27, 2016

When does insurance coverage begin for the 2016-2017 school year? And when does the first pay check come?

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Finally got our flights...

by Quick Question

Jul 27, 2016

but, of course, trying to ship our pets is going to be a little tricky. The flights they booked us on are Delta and Air France. To ship our pets internationally, they require us to go through one of those pet transporting companies. Their fees all seem to be quite high (I put in for a quote with one that gives a military discount to current or form...See More

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Couple of Questions We ended up just changing my husband's flight so he's flying out of JFK directly into Naples with both pets. The kids and I are staying on the regular booked flights (of course, it'll take us 3 flights to get to Naples-UGH!). We're paying for my husband's flight ourselves, which was very reasonable including the charges for the pets, so we're happy...See MoreWe ended up just changing my husband's flight so he's flying out of JFK directly into Naples with both pets. The kids and I are staying on the regular booked flights (of course, it'll take us 3 flights to get to Naples-UGH!). We're paying for my husband's flight ourselves, which was very reasonable including the charges for the pets, so we're happy with it. It's really not a major concern for us if we get reimbursed for it or not. It would have been a MINIMUM of $400 to ship the dog and cat ($200 each), however with the dog having to go in cargo (not in the cabin) it would have been much more (for international they require you to go through a pet shipper). My husband's direct, along with the charges for the 2 pets, comes to around $525. Definitely worth it for us. Plus, he'll arrive a day before us so he can get settled into the room and get the pets settled.

On 7/29/16, Nathan wrote: > It's not even a stretch for me to predict you're going to be > disappointed about even one rental car being approved, > much less two rental cars. Anyway, it's not TMO that > "approves" rental cars during PCS (or TDY) official travel. > Rather, the agency itself must pre-approve a rental car at > gov't expense - it's just not ging to happen - but, I've been > wrong before, so, give it a try...you, and I, could be > surprised). > > ~Should~ DoDEA approve you to rent a car on its dime > (and that approval would be required no matter the > distance and no matter the start & end points) then also > realize that your husband's official orders would have to be > officially "amended" to make even one rental car > authorized. > > So, Milan is a big city and so is Naples. If TMO will book > your family & pets to Milan's airport (or Rome's or Venice's, > or ??) then plan instead to take a train to Naples, dozens > daily, and trains are very much approved for official travel > and/or reimbursement. Enjoy the scenery without you also > being required to drive. Italy's super highways are > excellent but traffic customs there can be, shall I say > surprising. A fast train connection can get you from Milan > to Naples in under 5 hours! Why even think oif driving > when it's possible to travbel th edistance much more > rapidly than driving, while also allowing your pets cages to > come along. If you are not in a hurry to get to Naples, try to > plan to stop in Rome for a day or two or three, perhaps a > several hours stop in Pisa to tak in the Tower; if that's > possible, then a day or two, at least, in Firenze. Here's a > link, fmi: > > https://www.italiarail.com/pages/routes/naples-to-milan > > Talk to TMO to see what they can do to book both air and > train bookings using your husband's orders - they can > definitely book the air tickets, but might tell you to go online > to book your train tickets yourself. Definitely book your train > tickets in advance, i.e. don't just show up at the train > station. Do avoid doing air bookings/payments yourselves > due to you never being able to get the low, low gov't rates > that TMO can get in your behalf - eventual Travel Voucher > settlement amount will be based on the rates the gov't can > get for your travel, which is often FAR less than what you > would pay yourselves, so you'd risk being "out-of-pocket" > when you do your own official travel bookings. > > > On 7/28/16, Quick Question wrote: >> Actually, all the AMC flights ended up being a bust. No >> availability for 3 weeks. Don't want to leave any later >> than that (wouldn't be there to help find the house, get >> the kids registered for school, etc.). >> >> As to my friends benefits, it's not a problem and she >> wouldn't get in any kind of trouble. I'm a former employee >> of the same airline(as of about 2 weeks ago), and we get >> one kind of passes for spouses/kids, etc., and then > others >> we can give to anyone. Unfortunately, she checked today >> and if I flew on her passes I'd be what's classified as a >> D3. Unfortunately, D3s cannot travel with pets, so that's >> out now. >> >> We're looking at now changing to fly out of JFK non-stop >> to Milan (all 4 of us at the same time, plus the two >> pets), then renting 2 vehicles and driving from Milan to >> Naples. Going through USAA for the car rental discount >> makes it really cheap to rent the vehicles. We have to >> call the travel office tomorrow to see if they approve of >> this change. >> >> >>

Jul 29, 2016

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Good to hear you have a plan to get the pets directly to Naples. That will minimize the stress for them.

Ensure your husband knows to keep all his personal flight and travel related receipts and then submit them in his Travel Voucher. Uncle Sam will allow actual expenses up to what they would have paid for his travel had they booked him. T...See MoreGood to hear you have a plan to get the pets directly to Naples. That will minimize the stress for them.

Ensure your husband knows to keep all his personal flight and travel related receipts and then submit them in his Travel Voucher. Uncle Sam will allow actual expenses up to what they would have paid for his travel had they booked him. That amount ~could~ be more that what you will actually pay for his travel so you'd get back what you pay, but of course, not more than what you actually pay.

Don't throw away the pet transporttion receipts either (but don't submit those costs for reimbursement, doh!), nor throw away any other out-of-pocket receipts related to this move because if you decide to file long form taxes for this year then those unreimbursed moving costs can be deducted on Form 3903F - the form to claim unreimbursed moving expenses for a foreign move - so, depending on your overall tax situation, it may or may not reduce your taxes but it's sure better to have those receipts and not need them than the other way around.

On 7/29/16, Quick Question wrote: > We ended up just changing my husband's flight so he's flying out > of JFK directly into Naples with both pets. The kids and I are > staying on the regular booked flights (of course, it'll take us > 3 flights to get to Naples-UGH!). We're paying for my husband's > flight ourselves, which was very reasonable including the > charges for the pets, so we're happy with it. It's really not a > major concern for us if we get reimbursed for it or not. It > would have been a MINIMUM of $400 to ship the dog and cat ($200 > each), however with the dog having to go in cargo (not in the > cabin) it would have been much more (for international they > require you to go through a pet shipper). My husband's direct, > along with the charges for the 2 pets, comes to around $525. > Definitely worth it for us. Plus, he'll arrive a day before us > so he can get settled into the room and get the pets settled. > > On 7/29/16, Nathan wrote: >> It's not even a stretch for me to predict you're going to be >> disappointed about even one rental car being approved, >> much less two rental cars. Anyway, it's not TMO that >> "approves" rental cars during PCS (or TDY) official travel. >> Rather, the agency itself must pre-approve a rental car at >> gov't expense - it's just not ging to happen - but, I've been >> wrong before, so, give it a try...you, and I, could be >> surprised). >> >> ~Should~ DoDEA approve you to rent a car on its dime >> (and that approval would be required no matter the >> distance and no matter the start & end points) then also >> realize that your husband's official orders would have to be >> officially "amended" to make even one rental car >> authorized. >> >> So, Milan is a big city and so is Naples. If TMO will book >> your family & pets to Milan's airport (or Rome's or Venice's, >> or ??) then plan instead to take a train to Naples, dozens >> daily, and trains are very much approved for official travel >> and/or reimbursement. Enjoy the scenery without you also >> being required to drive. Italy's super highways are >> excellent but traffic customs there can be, shall I say >> surprising. A fast train connection can get you from Milan >> to Naples in under 5 hours! Why even think oif driving >> when it's possible to travbel th edistance much more >> rapidly than driving, while also allowing your pets cages to >> come along. If you are not in a hurry to get to Naples, try to >> plan to stop in Rome for a day or two or three, perhaps a >> several hours stop in Pisa to tak in the Tower; if that's >> possible, then a day or two, at least, in Firenze. Here's a >> link, fmi: >> >> https://www.italiarail.com/pages/routes/naples-to-milan >> >> Talk to TMO to see what they can do to book both air and >> train bookings using your husband's orders - they can >> definitely book the air tickets, but might tell you to go online >> to book your train tickets yourself. Definitely book your train >> tickets in advance, i.e. don't just show up at the train >> station. Do avoid doing air bookings/payments yourselves >> due to you never being able to get the low, low gov't rates >> that TMO can get in your behalf - eventual Travel Voucher >> settlement amount will be based on the rates the gov't can >> get for your travel, which is often FAR less than what you >> would pay yourselves, so you'd risk being "out-of-pocket" >> when you do your own official travel bookings. >> >> >> On 7/28/16, Quick Question wrote: >>> Actually, all the AMC flights ended up being a bust. No >>> availability for 3 weeks. Don't want to leave any later >>> than that (wouldn't be there to help find the house, get >>> the kids registered for school, etc.). >>> >>> As to my friends benefits, it's not a problem and she >>> wouldn't get in any kind of trouble. I'm a former employee >>> of the same airline(as of about 2 weeks ago), and we get >>> one kind of passes for spouses/kids, etc., and then >> others >>> we can give to anyone. Unfortunately, she checked today >>> and if I flew on her passes I'd be what's classified as a >>> D3. Unfortunately, D3s cannot travel with pets, so that's >>> out now. >>> >>> We're looking at now changing to fly out of JFK non-stop >>> to Milan (all 4 of us at the same time, plus the two >>> pets), then renting 2 vehicles and driving from Milan to >>> Naples. Going through USAA for the car rental discount >>> makes it really cheap to rent the vehicles. We have to >>> call the travel office tomorrow to see if they approve of >>> this change. >>> >>> >>>

Jul 29, 2016

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Curious

by Curious

Jul 27, 2016

Is the DODEA still hiring for the new school year? My husband and I applied back in October. My husband and I have both received one referral for the same job, but no interview. Is it still a possibility to be hired for 16-17? Thanks!

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I got offered a position in Bahrain teaching HS science. so excited!!

On 7/27/16, JJ wrote: > Ziggy for what position and location > > > > > On 7/27/16, Ziggy wrote: >> I just received an interview 6 days ago and a tentative >> offer the next day. I think its safe to say that there are >> still a few out...See More

Jul 27, 2016

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MA_Science Teacher Ziggy congratulations!!! I accepted a position to teach
science at Camp Zama, Japan. What courses will you be
teaching?

On 7/27/16, Ziggy wrote:
> I got offered a position in Bahrain teaching HS science.
> so excited!!
>
> On 7/27/16, JJ wrote:
>> Ziggy for what position and location
>>...See More

Jul 28, 2016

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Transfer and Misawa

by JJ

Jul 27, 2016

I was wondering if many people transfer after their tours are complete? I hear the winters are intense in Misawa any information about Misawa would be appreciated...

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(2)

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uh89 When I taught for DoDDS in Japan, I worked with a teacher who taught for several years there. She said it's a very nice setting, but that she transferred to the Kanto region because Misawa is very isolated and that the intensely cold winters and the massive amounts of snow were not to her liking. Other than that she spoke highly of Misawa. I've hea...See More

Jul 27, 2016

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haha Yes, it can happen although the transfer round always requires some luck. People in Misawa (and other in Japan) do have the advantage that they can also have the opportunity to transfer within district (after the general transfer round and before CONUS hiring) by agreeing to pay for the move yourself (provided that there is an opening that matches ...See More

Jul 27, 2016

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housing

by luna

Jul 26, 2016

Can you please tell me if you are allowed to find your own hotel/rental accommodations if you are allowed to live off base once hired? How does this work exactly?

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Once at your assignment, absolutely YES, you are allowed to live off base in the place of your choosing, as long as the lease or terms of rental are approvable/ed by the base's housing office. Some locations also allow the option to apply to live in on-the-base family housing, or if unaccomappnied by any family members then in the BOQ/Unaccompanied...See More

Jul 26, 2016

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haha Generally yes. The only caveat is that it depends on where you are going and when you get there. A very few locations seem to change their minds every few years (e.g. you must live on base, you must live off base and those who have been on for more than 5 years need to get out, you can choose on or off, etc).

On 7/26/16, reality sheriff wr...See More

Jul 26, 2016

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TQSA Questions

by Quick Question

Jul 26, 2016

Trying to understand TQSA rates, etc. Can anyone help? I'm looking at the chart but not sure I understand how to read it. This would be for Naples, Italy and it would be my husband (the teacher) and his 3 dependents (myself and 2 of our children, ages 17 & 14). Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

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Couple of Questions We haven't made a reservation yet because we still don't
have our flights over yet. This is the place we're
considering (someone on another message board recommended
it):

http://www.hotelagora.net/Home.php

It looks like it'll work for us. It's not on the base, but
close by, has a shuttle, more room (there are 4 of us...See More

Jul 26, 2016

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Before you reserve a TLA (or rent a home/apartment), be sure you call the Housing Office to confirm that any TLA you're thinking of reserving is officially base approved. Italy is different. If you rent something not approved by the Housing Office you can run into problems getting your TQSA a/o LQA approved. Better safe than sorry. Contact your spo...See MoreBefore you reserve a TLA (or rent a home/apartment), be sure you call the Housing Office to confirm that any TLA you're thinking of reserving is officially base approved. Italy is different. If you rent something not approved by the Housing Office you can run into problems getting your TQSA a/o LQA approved. Better safe than sorry. Contact your sponsor and Principal for more info. Here's a link that's helpful for those new to Naples:

http://www.wikinapoli.com/benvenuti

On 7/26/16, Quick Question wrote: > We haven't made a reservation yet because we still don't > have our flights over yet. This is the place we're > considering (someone on another message board recommended > it): > > http://www.hotelagora.net/Home.php > > It looks like it'll work for us. It's not on the base, but > close by, has a shuttle, more room (there are 4 of us > total), and they'll allow our pets (we have both a > dog-lab/hound mix, and a cat). > > On 7/26/16, Nathan wrote: >> Sure! Receipts from the base commissary a/o any other >> gorcery stores, on or off base, for food that you will >> prepare are all perfectly acceptable to submit for your >> TQSA reimbursements. But, have you made a reservation for >> a temporary place that actually has a >> kitchen/kitchenette? If not, something else to add to >> your to-do list. Welcome to DoDDS! >> >> On 7/26/16, Quick Question wrote: >>> I forgot to ask, if we do buy food to cook, can we >>> submit >> those >>> receipts for reimbursement? >>> >>> On 7/26/16, Quick Question wrote: >>>> Thanks for all the great info! Unfortunately (or >>>> fortunately, depending on how you think of it, LOL), we >>>> don't have >> many >>>> regular credit cards (I have a few store cards and a >>>> Visa >> with >>>> maybe $1,000 limit). I guess if I would have known of >>>> it ahead of time I could have applied for something >>>> else (or asked for an increase on my card). >>>> Unfortunately, I've been using my card on all these >>>> expenses lately (kids' school clothes, pet crates, >>>> fixing vehicles, baby shower for my daughter, etc.). We >>>> may have to resort to borrowing from a family member. >>>> When I saw how much we can get in >> TQSA, you >>>> know I thought about how I could go for several weeks >> without >>>> cooking (and I love cooking, btw, but it'll be tough >>>> without all my own stuff, LOL)! >>>> >>>> On 7/26/16, reality sheriff wrote: >>>>> Don't forget, you can use your major credit cards, >>>>> especially the Visa credit card, almost everywhere on >>>>> the planet now, yes, both on and off base. Don't cook! >>>>> Use yoru credit cards at restaurants on and off of the >>>>> base; along with yoru temporary lodging receipts, >>>>> scan-submit your restaurant charge slips/receipts >>>>> periodically for TQSA reimbursement. >>>>> >>>>> You know of Advance Pay already so plan to obtain the >>>>> necessary CAC card on Day #1. With the CAC card and a >>>>> school network account (set up by the local AT, >>>>> usually) he can login to the network and authenticate >>>>> & apply at the DAPS webapp, link below, for up to 3 >>>>> months salary >> as >>>>> Advance Pay. DAPS is also where you'll file for (1) >>>>> Foreign Transfer Allowance - Miscellaneous Expenses >>>>> Portion (i.e. a tidy $1300 for a family), TQSA >>>>> reimbursements, LQA application and subsequent >>>>> Reconciliation fo LQA. The deposit should show up in >> your >>>>> bank account within a week or two. >>>>> >>>>> https://webapps.dodea.edu/daps/index.cfm >>>>> >>>>> And, here's a recommended link that has the handiest >>>>> short-list of the most essential DoDEA links, for both >>>>> new hires and old hands too: >>>>> >>>>> https://sites.google.com/site/wtsfac/ >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 7/26/16, Quick Question wrote: >>>>>> Thanks, Reality Sheriff! That's exactly the info I >>>>>> was looking for. Now it makes me wish we had more >> spendable >>>>>> cash now. I >>>>> would >>>>>> be able to not cook for a while when we first got >>>>>> there, but >>>>> since >>>>>> it's based on actual expenses w/receipts, that won't >>>>>> be >>>>> possible, >>>>>> at least until we get advanced pay. Between doing >>>>>> everything >>>>> here >>>>>> to prepare for the move, the pets, etc., things are >>>>>> going to be tight when we first get there. >>>>>> >>>>>>

Jul 26, 2016

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Waiting for SATO

by Quick Question

Jul 25, 2016

How long does it take for SATO to book our flights? We received our orders last Wednesday. Contacting them regarding travel was one of our steps, so I did that since I'm a bit more knowledgeable about working with the military, acronyms, etc. than my husband. The lady started by asking about the orders, which I told her we had just received. Then s...See MoreHow long does it take for SATO to book our flights? We received our orders last Wednesday. Contacting them regarding travel was one of our steps, so I did that since I'm a bit more knowledgeable about working with the military, acronyms, etc. than my husband. The lady started by asking about the orders, which I told her we had just received. Then she stated we would need official passports and visas. I told her we had already received those also. She asked if dependents would be going, to which I stated yes. I also informed her we had 2 pets, a dog and a cat, which would be going with us. She didn't seem to care. She told me to send her an email with our names, birthdates, and desired travel date. She also asked about my husband's (I think it was) GTC. I had to ask what that was. She stated it was his government credit card. I informed her he was a new hire and didn't have one. That seemed to confuse her and she implied he needed it (Again, I told her he was new, didn't have one, nor did he have an ID card yet).

I sent her an email with the information she asked for, and I also including the information on our pets (since she didn't really seem to care about them, I was worried she would forget). That was on Thursday, and we still hadn't heard back from her. My husband called her about an hour ago, and I tell you, listening to the conversation was painful. You could tell she really wasn't providing much info to any of his questions. She once again stated we needed passports and visas to which he replied we did. He even asked if he needed to send a copy or something to show we have 'em. She said no, but maybe later someone might want one. The whole interaction of what I could overhear seemed odd. She didn't give any kind of timeline or anything on when we could expect to find out our travel date, how we would find out, etc.

How long does this usually take? I'm pretty much a go with the flow kinda gal, but I swear, this woman just seemed new and unsure of what she was doing, which worries me (especially in regards to the pets).

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KLS Oh I see typos now... I am going to Okinawa. Still need my pack out scheduled though. I'm hoping it all comes together soon!

n 7/26/16, Quick Question wrote: > UGH! So quick, and we're still waiting. I'm going to call > tomorrow. My husband called on Monday, but he's "nicer" than > I am and just takes whatever they say. ...See More

Jul 26, 2016

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Teaching We had a very difficult time with this. We were told to go to the nearest base which is virtually impossible without a military ID. We called a couple of bases and were given a really hard time about traveling to the base. We finally talked to someone who was willing to "sponsor" us for the day, so we could go to the travel office and boo...See More

Jul 28, 2016

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Certifying for additional Content Areas

by ET

Jul 25, 2016

If I am already credentialed and qualified for certain content areas in DODEA, and want to become certified in another content area,do I:

1. Have to take 12 or 24 credits within that content area?

2. Have to take the Praxis for the content area I want to certify in?

3. Can I CLEP credits be counted towards certifying? ...See More

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Jay22 I concur with what haha already stated. I would just add that if you are already DoDDS certified in one subject area and DO NOT have state certiifcation in seeking another endorsement then you need the 24 semester hours. 30 semester hours are required for initial certification and then 24 for subsequent certs IF you do not hold a state license in t...See MoreI concur with what haha already stated. I would just add that if you are already DoDDS certified in one subject area and DO NOT have state certiifcation in seeking another endorsement then you need the 24 semester hours. 30 semester hours are required for initial certification and then 24 for subsequent certs IF you do not hold a state license in those content areas you are seeking. But the licensure analysts do not automatically accept all state certs so just be aware.

Keep in mind a few other things: make sure you have the required upper division coursework which in most cases is half of the 24 hours....so 12 hours must be upper division--doesnt have to be graduate level, but 300-400 level coursework. Also,for some content areas like English, Social Studies, ESL there are very specific courses you must have which the licensure "gods" are very picky about. Example: For 210/310 English you must have a course in the teaching of writing. A course with the title of just composition or creative writing will not satisfy that specific requirement. The creative writing course may be used for the overall English hour requirement but you still need at least one course in the teaching of writing along with one course in American Lit and one course in British Lit. The remaining hours can be in any English course.

I have never taken a course from the Univ of La Verne so I cannot speak on those courses but I have taken plenty of courses from Fresno Pacific and used them to add my English cert for DoDEA. Most courses with FPU are now online and use Moodle but some are distance work where the instructor mails you the required coursework and you mail it back via snail mail. I like FPU....the prices are right, course work is not too heavy and I found the content very applicable to the classroom. Plus DoDEA has accepted all my FPU courses for recertificaion and adding new certs. FPU is very popular with DoDEA teachers.

On 7/25/16, haha wrote: >

If you are state certified in an area that DoDDS also > offers certification in then you only need half of the > usual credits (12 or 15 depending on the area). > > If you have met the PRAXIS requirements (according to your > EAS application) then DoDDS doesn't generally care about > further subject area tests. > > CLEP credits can be counted by DoDDS if they appear on an > accredited college transcript. > > I haven't used either of those schools but generally any > accredited program is acceptable by DoDDS. Whenever > possible, choose classes that match the DoDDS requirements > for the area you are trying to add as exactly as possible > in the course title and/or the catalog description. > > On 7/25/16, ET wrote: >> If I am already credentialed and qualified for certain >> content areas in DODEA, and want to become certified >> in another content area,do I: >> >> 1. Have to take 12 or 24 credits within that content >> area? >> >> 2. Have to take the Praxis for the content area I want to >> certify in? >> >> 3. Can I CLEP credits be counted towards certifying? >> >> Has anyone used University of LaVerne or Fresno >> Pacific, and can you give insight to how you decided >> which courses to take?

Jul 25, 2016

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ET Thanks for this insight.

On 7/25/16, Jay22 wrote: > I concur with what haha already stated. I would just add that if > you are already DoDDS certified in one subject area and DO > NOT have state certiifcation in seeking another endorsement > then you need the 24 semester hours. 30 semester hours are > required for initial c...See MoreThanks for this insight.

On 7/25/16, Jay22 wrote: > I concur with what haha already stated. I would just add that if > you are already DoDDS certified in one subject area and DO > NOT have state certiifcation in seeking another endorsement > then you need the 24 semester hours. 30 semester hours are > required for initial certification and then 24 for subsequent > certs IF you do not hold a state license in those content areas > you are seeking. But the licensure analysts do not > automatically accept all state certs so just be aware. > > Keep in mind a few other things: make sure you have the > required upper division coursework which in most cases is half > of the 24 hours....so 12 hours must be upper division-- doesnt > have to be graduate level, but 300-400 level coursework. > Also,for some content areas like English, Social Studies, ESL > there are very specific courses you must have which the > licensure "gods" are very picky about. Example: For 210/310 > English you must have a course in the teaching of writing. A > course with the title of just composition or creative writing will > not satisfy that specific requirement. The creative writing > course may be used for the overall English hour requirement > but you still need at least one course in the teaching of writing > along with one course in American Lit and one course in British > Lit. The remaining hours can be in any English course. > > I have never taken a course from the Univ of La Verne so I > cannot speak on those courses but I have taken plenty of > courses from Fresno Pacific and used them to add my English > cert for DoDEA. Most courses with FPU are now online and > use Moodle but some are distance work where the instructor > mails you the required coursework and you mail it back via > snail mail. I like FPU....the prices are right, course work is not > too heavy and I found the content very applicable to the > classroom. Plus DoDEA has accepted all my FPU courses for > recertificaion and adding new certs. FPU is very popular with > DoDEA teachers. > > > > On 7/25/16, haha wrote: >> > > If you are state certified in an area that DoDDS also >> offers certification in then you only need half of the >> usual credits (12 or 15 depending on the area). >> >> If you have met the PRAXIS requirements (according to your >> EAS application) then DoDDS doesn't generally care about >> further subject area tests. >> >> CLEP credits can be counted by DoDDS if they appear on an >> accredited college transcript. >> >> I haven't used either of those schools but generally any >> accredited program is acceptable by DoDDS. Whenever >> possible, choose classes that match the DoDDS > requirements >> for the area you are trying to add as exactly as possible >> in the course title and/or the catalog description. >> >> On 7/25/16, ET wrote: >>> If I am already credentialed and qualified for certain >>> content areas in DODEA, and want to become certified >>> in another content area,do I: >>> >>> 1. Have to take 12 or 24 credits within that content >>> area? >>> >>> 2. Have to take the Praxis for the content area I want to >>> certify in? >>> >>> 3. Can I CLEP credits be counted towards certifying? >>> >>> Has anyone used University of LaVerne or Fresno >>> Pacific, and can you give insight to how you decided >>> which courses to take?

Jul 26, 2016

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NTE question

by JC

Jul 24, 2016

As a local hire and NTE, I know basically what to expect but my question is this... I finished the first year of a 2 year NTE,but my principal hasn't told me if I'm not coming back next year (no talking to me or written word) but I am not on the schedule as of yet...am I required to get some sort of notice about not returning for my second year? An...See More

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Missed your last Q...immediately accept the offer even with Step 1 indicated. Once your prior experience documentation supports that you're warranted a higher Step, then that Step change will become official, backdated to yoru start date, and your pay will also be adjusted and, if needed, adjusted retroactively to your start date - no worries, just...See MoreMissed your last Q...immediately accept the offer even with Step 1 indicated. Once your prior experience documentation supports that you're warranted a higher Step, then that Step change will become official, backdated to yoru start date, and your pay will also be adjusted and, if needed, adjusted retroactively to your start date - no worries, just submit your documentation asap.

On 7/24/16, Nathan wrote: > It's a permanent job offer, not an NTE offer. If overseas > DoDDS, then it appears (per your "tour length of 1 year") you > are headed to a one-year RAT area - reply with what base and > someone here will quickly confirm for you. NTE apointments > are clearly worded as such, plus NTE jobs don't come with > hardly any benefits, especially not transportation nor shipping > from the States. Btw, a "One year RAT" (Renewal Agreement > Travel) area just means that when you agree to serve one > more school year then the government will pay your > summertime round trip home for you and dependents. The > other kind of tour length/area for DoDDS is the "Two year RAT" > area which just means you must agree to teach two more > school years prior to gaining that paid round trip RAT. > > Your first 2 years in DoDDS will be a Trial Period, also known > as Provisional Teacher status (aka "Probation"), during which > time you can be terminated, no reasons necessary, so, "walk > on eggshells" for this entire 2 year time. At the end of that > successful 2 years, you will be a Permanent/Professional > teacher in DoDDS. (Those with veteran hiring preference > serve a one year Trial Period as a Provisional Teacher; not all > veterans have veteran hiring preference as this depends on > when the service was and the highest rank attained and > whether retired, etc.) > > Submit asap the official documentation from your prior > district(s) re your years of prior teaching in accredited P-K/12 > schools. If you have any half-time years, be sure to submit > proof for those as well because two half years will be counted > as a whole year for salary setting purposes. In DoDDS, the > max number of prior (non-federal) teaching years you can > bring in is 10, so it sounds like you can expect to be placed at > Step 11 assuming all your documentation is accepted. Submit > sooner rather than later so that you're more accurately paid > from the beginning, or as near as possible to that. > > (fyi, The DDESS schools are DoDEA>stateside< plus Guam & > Puerto Rico, official territories. These DDESS jobs allow only 5 > of your prior non-federal teaching years for salary setting.) > > On 7/24/16, SAE wrote: >> Sorry to chime in on someone else's strand, but I have a >> question on this topic. I was recently given a tentative offer, >> and the email reads, "This is a full time, permanent position >> with a tour length of 1 year." Is this the same as NTE, or if all >> goes well, might I be elligible for permanent status after the >> two years? >> >> Also, my offer places me on Step 1, though I have 12 years >> experience. Can this be changed if I submit my proof of >> employment form from my current district? I plan on emailing >> it to the HR person Monday a.m. Should I be concerned >> about signing the agreement with the wrong figure on it? >> >> >> On 7/24/16, reality sheriff wrote: >>> Meet with your Principal asap and explicitly ask him/her >>> your question: whether or not you are expected to return >>> this Fall. Heads up: s/he may not be able to give you an >>> explicit answer pending knowing the enrollment numbers >>> that support needing an NTE teacher in the first place. >>> >>> Not to Exceed, NTE, as it relates to the Term Appointment >>> you have, technically does not guarantee that the job lasts >>> *until* that expiration date, rather the stated end date is the >>> maximum term of the appointment, i.e. not the minimum >>> term of the appointment. Technically, NTE appointments >>> can be ended at *any* point during the term although >>> ~usually~ DoDDS NTE jobs do last the entire term. >>> >>> If you are seeking a career with DoDDS, or even if you >>> want to position yourself to be able to make the choice to >>> go for a DoDDS career, when you meet with your P, I >>> recommend you also ask whether your position is >>> considered a "Continuing Position". Only if it is a >>> "Continuing Position *and* you are holding it during your >>> 3rd year, can you be "Converted to Permanent" status at >>> the end of your 3rd school year. Once Converted, you can >>> then apply for an official Transfer to a new commuting area >>> and gain the usual assortment of valuable recruitment >>> incentives/benefits like LQA, Shipping, RAT, etc. >>> Conversely, if you are not in a "Continuing Position" during >>> the 3rd school year, then you cannot/willnot be Converted >>> to Permanent. Consider: *if* "Conversion to Permanent" >>> status is something you seek, *but* you learn that your >>> position is projected to *not* be this required kind: a >>> "Continuing Position" then explicily ask that you be >>> placed/appointed into any vacancy you are qualified for >>> that *is* projected to be a "Continuing Position". >>> >>> >>> On 7/24/16, JC wrote: >>>> As a local hire and NTE, I know >>>> basically what to expect but my >>>> question is this... I finished the >>>> first year of a 2 year NTE,but my >>>> principal hasn't told me if I'm not >>>> coming back next year (no talking to >>>> me or written word) but I am not on >>>> the schedule as of yet...am I required >>>> to get some sort of notice about not >>>> returning for my second year? Any >>>> notice at all? I just don't want to >>>> talk to my principal without knowing >>>> what I should expect. Any insight >>>> would be great...thanks! >>>> >>>>

Jul 24, 2016

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HelpOthers For everyone reading this thread who has not yet received an offer, Go ahead and get the employment verification form completed by your district now. You would would write "present" as the end date. Let your HR know that this is just part of an application for a district where you might not get hired for years and you are NOT giving notic...See MoreFor everyone reading this thread who has not yet received an offer, Go ahead and get the employment verification form completed by your district now. You would would write "present" as the end date. Let your HR know that this is just part of an application for a district where you might not get hired for years and you are NOT giving notice to leave- you are continuing (if you are).

When I received my offer, I had already scanned and uploaded my employment verification forms, so only needed to have my current district complete a new one with updated year.

If the forms you turn in show at least 10 years experience, you would not even need to get them updated, because only 10 years is accepted for DoDDS and 5 for DDESS anyway.

On 7/24/16, Nathan wrote: > Missed your last Q...immediately accept the offer even with Step > 1 indicated. Once your prior experience documentation supports > that you're warranted a higher Step, then that Step change will > become official, backdated to yoru start date, and your pay will > also be adjusted and, if needed, adjusted retroactively to your > start date - no worries, just submit your documentation asap. > > On 7/24/16, Nathan wrote: >> It's a permanent job offer, not an NTE offer. If overseas >> DoDDS, then it appears (per your "tour length of 1 year") you >> are headed to a one-year RAT area - reply with what base and >> someone here will quickly confirm for you. NTE apointments >> are clearly worded as such, plus NTE jobs don't come with >> hardly any benefits, especially not transportation nor shipping >> from the States. Btw, a "One year RAT" (Renewal Agreement >> Travel) area just means that when you agree to serve one >> more school year then the government will pay your >> summertime round trip home for you and dependents. The >> other kind of tour length/area for DoDDS is the "Two year RAT" >> area which just means you must agree to teach two more >> school years prior to gaining that paid round trip RAT. >> >> Your first 2 years in DoDDS will be a Trial Period, also known >> as Provisional Teacher status (aka "Probation"), during which >> time you can be terminated, no reasons necessary, so, "walk >> on eggshells" for this entire 2 year time. At the end of that >> successful 2 years, you will be a Permanent/Professional >> teacher in DoDDS. (Those with veteran hiring preference >> serve a one year Trial Period as a Provisional Teacher; not all >> veterans have veteran hiring preference as this depends on >> when the service was and the highest rank attained and >> whether retired, etc.) >> >> Submit asap the official documentation from your prior >> district(s) re your years of prior teaching in accredited P- K/12 >> schools. If you have any half-time years, be sure to submit >> proof for those as well because two half years will be counted >> as a whole year for salary setting purposes. In DoDDS, the >> max number of prior (non-federal) teaching years you can >> bring in is 10, so it sounds like you can expect to be placed at >> Step 11 assuming all your documentation is accepted. Submit >> sooner rather than later so that you're more accurately paid >> from the beginning, or as near as possible to that. >> >> (fyi, The DDESS schools are DoDEA>stateside< plus Guam & >> Puerto Rico, official territories. These DDESS jobs allow only 5 >> of your prior non-federal teaching years for salary setting.) >> >> On 7/24/16, SAE wrote: >>> Sorry to chime in on someone else's strand, but I have a >>> question on this topic. I was recently given a tentative offer, >>> and the email reads, "This is a full time, permanent position >>> with a tour length of 1 year." Is this the same as NTE, or if all >>> goes well, might I be elligible for permanent status after the >>> two years? >>> >>> Also, my offer places me on Step 1, though I have 12 years >>> experience. Can this be changed if I submit my proof of >>> employment form from my current district? I plan on emailing >>> it to the HR person Monday a.m. Should I be concerned >>> about signing the agreement with the wrong figure on it? >>> >>> >>> On 7/24/16, reality sheriff wrote: >>>> Meet with your Principal asap and explicitly ask him/her >>>> your question: whether or not you are expected to return >>>> this Fall. Heads up: s/he may not be able to give you an >>>> explicit answer pending knowing the enrollment numbers >>>> that support needing an NTE teacher in the first place. >>>> >>>> Not to Exceed, NTE, as it relates to the Term Appointment >>>> you have, technically does not guarantee that the job lasts >>>> *until* that expiration date, rather the stated end date is the >>>> maximum term of the appointment, i.e. not the minimum >>>> term of the appointment. Technically, NTE appointments >>>> can be ended at *any* point during the term although >>>> ~usually~ DoDDS NTE jobs do last the entire term. >>>> >>>> If you are seeking a career with DoDDS, or even if you >>>> want to position yourself to be able to make the choice to >>>> go for a DoDDS career, when you meet with your P, I >>>> recommend you also ask whether your position is >>>> considered a "Continuing Position". Only if it is a >>>> "Continuing Position *and* you are holding it during your >>>> 3rd year, can you be "Converted to Permanent" status at >>>> the end of your 3rd school year. Once Converted, you can >>>> then apply for an official Transfer to a new commuting area >>>> and gain the usual assortment of valuable recruitment >>>> incentives/benefits like LQA, Shipping, RAT, etc. >>>> Conversely, if you are not in a "Continuing Position" during >>>> the 3rd school year, then you cannot/willnot be Converted >>>> to Permanent. Consider: *if* "Conversion to Permanent" >>>> status is something you seek, *but* you learn that your >>>> position is projected to *not* be this required kind: a >>>> "Continuing Position" then explicily ask that you be >>>> placed/appointed into any vacancy you are qualified for >>>> that *is* projected to be a "Continuing Position". >>>> >>>> >>>> On 7/24/16, JC wrote: >>>>> As a local hire and NTE, I know >>>>> basically what to expect but my >>>>> question is this... I finished the >>>>> first year of a 2 year NTE,but my >>>>> principal hasn't told me if I'm not >>>>> coming back next year (no talking to >>>>> me or written word) but I am not on >>>>> the schedule as of yet...am I required >>>>> to get some sort of notice about not >>>>> returning for my second year? Any >>>>> notice at all? I just don't want to >>>>> talk to my principal without knowing >>>>> what I should expect. Any insight >>>>> would be great...thanks! >>>>> >>>>>

Jul 24, 2016

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Pets- Bahrain

by chem/bio/science guy

Jul 24, 2016

Can a dog go to Bahrain? Can service pets be declined entry?

I read the insightful post a few weeks ago about staying at a hotel. Any other useful tidbits or Intel available?

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chem/bio/science guy On 7/24/16, reality sheriff wrote: > > > Yes, but ensure you comply with EVERY requirement you > can see in the link below >

Thank you. This made me think of something else. If I ever get remarried how does that work? Would I have to pay to ship spouse and household goods?

Jul 25, 2016

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If/when you marry while you are assigned overseas, plan to ask a personnelist for the current situation at that time as the regs governing all entitlements & benefits do get updated/changed through time as the need to do so dictates.

In general however, a newly acquired dependent *spouse* (vs. newborn children who are added immediatel...See MoreIf/when you marry while you are assigned overseas, plan to ask a personnelist for the current situation at that time as the regs governing all entitlements & benefits do get updated/changed through time as the need to do so dictates.

In general however, a newly acquired dependent *spouse* (vs. newborn children who are added immediately at birth) will not acquire gov't paid personal travel and/or shipping until officially added to your next PCS orders or next RAT orders and assuming you've applied to add him/her and submitted the proof of the marriage. Btw, a PCS is Permanent Change of Station and is an official transfer to a new location), and RAT is Renewal Agreement Travel which is the gov't paid round trip home (only during summer for DoDDS teachers) when you've promised to teach another tour of one more or two more school years, which length of time depends on the given location's RAT tour status. So, if you marry when it's not your PCS or RAT time then *you* will pay out of pocket, i.e. not be reimbursed by the gov't, for your new spouse's travel and etc. costs *and* your new spouse must stay in compliance w/ the host country's entry permissions/restrictions (each country is different so you'd need to ask to that country's embassy or consulate for those particulars) *and* due to spouse not having official "command sponsorship" for the overseas military location you are assigned to during the interim time before spouse is officially added to your upcoming/next PCS/RAT orders, s/he will not have routine access to the base (temporary permit systems exist) nor any access to the base's official services, e.g. no on-base housing for spouse; if off- base, then your LQA amount won't take spouse into account; no exchange/commissary/etc. for your spouse; etc. As far as your new spouse's Household Goods are concerned, shipping date must wait until spouse is added to next orders and the weight of these things is counted against your authorized 18,000 pounds limit per assignment location, for all that you have shipped at gov't expense plus all that is in Non-Temp- Storage, NTS, at gov't expense. However, some federal benefits can be acquired by your new spouse *at* or very clsoe to the marriage date; health insurance coverage, FEHB, is an example but you'd still need to apply to add your spouse and submit the proof of marriage and do this within the allowed window, which is one month before marriage date to not later than two months after marriage date, else, you must wait to add new spouse to your federal insurances until the annual "Open Season" which usually is in the late Fall.

On 7/25/16, chem/bio/science guy wrote: > On 7/24/16, reality sheriff wrote: >> >> >> Yes, but ensure you comply with EVERY > requirement you >> can see in the link below >> > > Thank you. This made me think of something > else. If I ever get remarried how does that > work? Would I have to pay to ship spouse and > household goods?

Jul 25, 2016

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