HispanicBusiness

When people imagine a military career, they usually don't see images of a teacher surrounded by children in a classroom. But that's exactly what the Department of Defense Educational Activity office (DODEA) needs.

The DODEA runs schools for children on military bases. Its main overseas divisions are in Europe (including Spain, Italy, and Turkey), the Middle East, and the Pacific Rim. The agency also has schools on or near domestic military bases, as well as at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

As a basic requirement, DODEA teachers should have 24 semester hours of educational training, although full-time teaching experience or teacher certification may replace some hours. Specialized positions range from "language immersion" teachers who speak foreign languages (including Spanish) to science and technology instructors. The agency offers an array of programs for career advancement training.

DODEA teachers are civilian employees of the Defense Department and receive federal benefits. Besides teachers, the schools need principals, administrators, guidance counselors, and psychologists. For information about a DODEA career, visit the site at www.odedodea.edu.