Is it possible for me to become an elementary teacher on base?

Question

My husband is joining the Air Force and I am getting my teaching degree. Do they hire civilians to teach on base schools? If so how would I go about applying when the time comes. If not what are my other options?

Answer 1

All schools on post are run through DoDDs. Not the local school district. Different rules and different guidelines sometimes. I should know, one of my daughters goes to school offpost and 2 of them go on post. They started different times and have different days off, which can really suck sometimes. Last year they had different weeks off for Easter Break.

But you will be able to work as a teacher on post. The only teachers we have are civilians, no soldiers are teachers at least not while on active duty.

They do have a program that you can look up called Spouses to Teachers that might be of interest to you:
http://www.spousestoteachers.com/overview.html

Good luck..

Answer 2

First off, there are only a handful of DoDDs schools in the US anymore. Most of the schools run for and on military bases are overseas. You would need to meet the current DoDDs qualifications, which I believe require a Master's like most stateside districts. Spouses can get hired but there are not many openings. DoDDs hires teachers from the states and bring them overseas. These teachers are well paid, get paid travel and access to all base facilities. They have to live off base for the most part. Many of the teachers in DoDDs have been teaching in the system for years...you can apply to move to other bases when the lists come out each spring..and there can be a lot of competition for choice assignments. The majority of the spouses I knew who did get hired to teach while overseas started by working as classroom aides or substitutes. Trust me when I say subbing is not a bad way to work...they get paid well and it still allows you the flexability to be with your own family. If you get overseas assignments you can look on the DoDDs site to see if there are any openings for that base.

In the states, you can apply to work for your local school district. Again, you will need to meet thier requirments..generally a master's and a passing grade on the Praxis. You will need to be certified and liscensed in each state to teach, but many districts will help you with that if you are hired. Most districts are in need of teachers, but can be leary of military spouses as we tend to move every 3-4 years. Start looking over the internet as soon as you know where you will be stationed.

If you don't find a position in the schools, check into private schools or contact any of the national tutorial chains...they prefer to hire degreed teachers. You can also work from home as a tutor.

Answer 3

I believe the schools on base in the States are operated by the local school districts. Those overseas come under the DOD school system. One of my children went to a school on Camp Pendleton and I distinctly remember at least one teacher there whose spouse was a Marine officer.
So, when your husband gets his final assignment after initial training, you want to contact the school district in the city nearest to the base. If he gets posted overseas, you'll need to contact the headquarters of the DOD schools in D.C. But, the Family Services Center at your husband's stateside base should be able to get you the address, etc. to contact.

Answer 4

Yes the DOD does hire certified civilian teachers. I attached the site.

Answer 5

If you are in the states you mostly likely can teach off base. Overseas if they have openings I see no reason why you couldn't teach on base.

Answer 6

Yes, they should be able to hire you. Ask about it through your husband's recruiter.