Military Spouse Appreciation Month

In honor of Military Spouse Appreciation Month, we invite you to join us in showing appreciation for our Department of Defense Education Activity military spouse employees, who fill integral roles across the agency.

Life as a military spouse brings many opportunities and challenges – with relocation comes exploration and excitement, but also extended time away from family and interruptions to employment.

“The sense of adventure that comes with frequent moves and new beginnings is something that sets our lives apart; however, sustaining long-term employment can be a challenge.” said Erica Porras-Henson, financial analyst at DoDEA Pacific West District (Korea) and military spouse of 10 years. “My hope is to find a way to stay with DoDEA for the long run.”

Porras-Henson, who joined DoDEA nine months ago, said she enjoys her work because of the impact it has on teachers, staff, and students.

“Being able to resolve concerns and make positive changes directly influences the future of our young people,” she said. “My husband is a DoDEA alumnus, having graduated from Kubasaki High, and our son will soon be joining the ranks of DoDEA students. So, for me, this work is personal and meaningful.”

Leia Gonzales, a fourth grade teacher at Andersen Elementary and military spouse of 18 years, began her career with DoDEA four ears ago in Aviano, Italy, before a Permanent Change of Station assignment brought her family to Guam two years ago.

“I love coming to work every day, and know this is my community,” Gonzales said. “This is the community I belong to and can relate to. I love that both my daughters are on the same campus with me. I enjoy all my colleagues and their perspectives with teaching military students. I love that we celebrate our military children, and that they have a safe and compassionate place to come to school… DoDEA fosters social and emotional learning for our military students, and I enjoy that I am able to be a part of that.”

Dr. Allison Schaffer, Elementary Instructional Systems Specialist for the Pacific South District, started her DoDEA career seven years ago in Germany before relocating to Okinawa with her husband of nearly 17 years, who serves in the military, and their three sons.

“When I was a classroom teacher both in Germany and here in Okinawa, I had the opportunity to teach, love, and guide our military-connected children,” Dr. Schaffer said. “I got to be the person who loved on these children all day while one of their parents were deployed or while they were going through some of life’s difficulties. What a joy and gift that has been! Shifting jobs has distanced me a little bit from the classroom, but it also afforded me the opportunity to work closely with the amazing teachers who are teaching, loving, and guiding our military connected children. How lucky I am to be surrounded by so many wonderful educators who devote their lives to serving our military-connected children and families!”

Soon, Dr. Schaffer will PCS once again.

“For so many years, I felt like my career took the backburner to my husband’s,” she said. I would get a job, fall in love with my job, and then have to resign because we had to PCS again. It’s awful! And unfortunately, our time here is up, and we are getting ready to PCS again… and I will have to resign from a job I absolutely love again. During each PCS, I experience feelings of desperation and angst. However, I try to remind myself of all the things I’ve done to make sure I am ready for that next opportunity… I am constantly updating my resume to be an accurate reflection of the work I’ve put into myself as an educator. So, if I could offer advice, it’s to believe in yourself and keep preparing for that next opportunity.”

Military spouses bring a special perspective to DoDEA, including a variety of experiences and expertise to the agency.

“I am sincerely appreciative for the opportunities that DoDEA has afforded me,” said Nailani Babauta, Administrative Support Specialist at the Pacific South District Office. “My experience working with so many different people has enabled me to continually expand my outlook on life, both professionally and personally.”

Babauta said the most rewarding part of her eight-year career with DoDEA has been the ability to assist others.

“Helping to problem solve and provide guidance to our new team members is very fulfilling,” she said. “Being a dependable source that helps my team members become more situated with their role makes me feel like I am positively contributing to the agency, in a way that lessens the stress on our educator personnel, which in turn allows them to do what they do best.”

If you are looking for a fulfilling career where you can make a difference, consider applying to join the DoDEA team. Current vacancies can be found by following the below links to EAS and USAJOBS.