Skip Navigation
Take Action

Search

Contact Us
Great Public Schools Engaged Families & Communities School Health & Safety Recruit & Retain Educators Teacher Quality Student Assessments
Fair Pay & Benefits Union & Educator Voice Student Debt Support Inclusive Workplaces Resource Library
Just & Equitable Schools Student Engagement Professional Learning Leadership Development Conferences & Events
Action Center Racial & Social Justice Funding for Students & Schools Educator Pay & Benefits Every Student Succeeds Act New From NEA
Become A Member Become a Community Ally Connect with Us Join a Campaign Donate
Our Mission, Vision, & Values Our Leaders Our Members Governance & Policies Partnerships Contact Us Grants & Funding
Press Releases
All News & Articles Topics NEA Today Magazines
Action Center Logo
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
Learn More
Issue Explainer

Department of Defense Schools

The Federal Education Association, an NEA affiliate, advocates for employee rights and quality learning environments in Department of Defense schools serving military-connected students with unique challenges such as parental deployments and frequent moves.
Family with parents in the military
By: National Education Association
Published: December 2, 2021

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) oversees 160 schools serving more than 66,000 students in 11 foreign countries, 7 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

Military-connected students are top performers despite the challenges of parental deployments and frequent moves.

On the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress, the nation’s report card, fourth and eighth graders in DoDEA schools were either at the top of the charts or in second place.

Act Now

schools of character

Do NOT divert taxpayer dollars to international schools in Bahrain

Using the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act to create a voucher-like program is bad policy, bad for students, and bad for educators.

Eliminate the Bahrain voucher program from the FY2025 NDAA

Letters & Testimony

NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.

See all Department of Defense Schools Letters & Testimony

Bills in Congress

Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools

  • Support

    HR 6959 Fix FEDVIP Age Act www.congress.gov

    Introduced on January 11, 2024

    A bill that would amend title 5, United States Code, to provide that dependent children under the age of 26 are eligible for coverage under the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, and for other purposes.

  • Support

    HR 6287 Success for Military Connected Students Act of 2023 www.congress.gov

    Introduced on November 8, 2023

    A bill that would continue current student-to-teacher ratios in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Authority.

  • Support

    S 3194 Equal COLA Act www.congress.gov

    Introduced on November 1, 2023

    A bill that would amend title 5, United States Code, to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment with respect to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System, and for other purposes.

See all Department of Defense Schools Bills in Congress
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.

Are you an affiliate?

Jump to updates, opportunities, and resources for NEA state and local affiliates.
Becky Pringle at an immigration rally with a bullhorn

Speak Up For Students and Public Schools

When we act together and lift our voices together in unison, we can improve the lives of children.
National Education Association logo

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.
About us
Partner with us
Advertise with us