Sisters in leadership: Inspiring DoDEA educators across Europe

“If we went on a road trip, she would plan it, and I would decorate it,” Jessica Mitchell said, throwing her head back in laughter with her sister, Caletha Ellis. Mitchell, Alconbury Middle High School’s fine arts teacher and DoDEA Europe West District’s 2022 Teacher of the Year, reflected on the roles she and Ellis have played throughout their lives. “That’s the way it has always been,” Mitchell said, glancing at Ellis seated next to her. “She has always been such an inspiration to the whole family.”

Hailing from Arizona, Mitchell and Ellis’s journey has been filled with both adventures and creativity. In 2002 while Mitchell, the younger of the two, was finishing her studies in Arizona, Ellis was leaving her alma mater in Arizona to start an international chapter with the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS). “It was exciting to hear about this opportunity, and I always knew I wanted to teach abroad,” Ellis said.

Since 2007, Ellis has facilitated social studies instruction at Lakenheath High School. She also serves as a community resilience project manager, a role she took on after being named DoDEA Europe West District’s 2021 Teacher of the Year — one year before Mitchell earned the same honor. 

“Being honored was both amazing and humbling,” Ellis said. “Learning and serving with other passionate educators to empower educators and inspire change has been incredible — teachers are amazing!”

“The Teacher Leadership program is about mentorship,” Mitchell said. “But it’s about so much more. It’s about bringing people together. It’s about giving students the best version of myself and the content as possible.”

“And when I found out the next year was going to be my sister?” Ellis said with a wide smile. “It was a big ‘Oh my gosh’ moment!” 

“We may have screamed together,” Mitchell added, laughing.

Both Ellis and Mitchell still teach for DoDEA in Europe’s West District, just 50 miles apart, but far from their Arizona roots. Ellis continues to plan big things for her Lakenheath classrooms, while Mitchell nurtures creativity in Alconbury’s military-connected students. What hasn’t changed is the strength of their bond and the expansion of their shared network.

“What teacher leadership does is give you a voice in your community. Yes, we inspire and support each other, but it’s about being empowered. It’s about realizing that voice has been there all along,” Mitchell said.

“You don’t have to be a Teacher of the Year to be a teacher leader,” she added.

 Nominations for the 2026 DoDEA Teacher of the Year are open now through Feb. 14, 2025.