I'm interested in teaching and would love to work on military bases abroad. Does anyone know what qualifications or steps I should take after high school to pursue teaching jobs overseas?
Sure, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) employs a significant number of educators to teach military-affiliated children at schools on military bases overseas. Here's a general roadmap on how you can reach this goal:
1. Get a bachelor’s degree: You would need a bachelor's degree in education or in the field you wish to teach, such as math, science, or English. Be sure to maintain a high GPA as competition for these teaching positions can be strong. If you know the specific age group or subject you would like to teach, that can help guide your choice of degree.
2. Gain Teaching Certification: You will need to get your teaching certification in the state you reside in. Each state has different requirements, which might include taking pedagogical courses, student teaching, and passing specific exams.
3. Acquire Experience: DoDEA generally prefers hiring teachers with at least two years of full-time teaching experience. The more experience you have (especially with diverse student populations), the stronger your application will be. Consider finding teaching opportunities in your local area, internships, or summer placements to gain this experience.
4. International Experience: Any experience you can get teaching or being in an international environment can be beneficial and make you a more competitive candidate. This could include studying abroad, teaching English in a foreign country, or even being involved in multicultural organizations or clubs during your college years.
5. Apply: To explore overseas teaching opportunities, keep an eye on the DoDEA website for job postings. The hiring process usually involves several stages including initial application, phone interview, and final interview (could be in-person or virtual). Be prepared to speak about your experience with the American curriculum, and how you can support children who may be dealing with the unique challenges of military life.
Good luck on your journey to teaching abroad on military bases! Remember, this is a general guide and exact steps might vary depending on your individual situation and the specific requirements of the jobs you apply for.
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