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DoDDS Transfer Program

May 1 Transfer Update

TRANSFER PROGRAM We know of a few cases of excessed educators who were placed locally, at no cost to DoDEA. As per our discussions with DoDEA, the funds freed up by these situations should be used to pay for additional transfer placements later this month, starting with individuals in Group D. We should emphasize, however, that we expect only a very small number of additional placements as a result of this situation; DoDEA and Pentagon remain inflexible on the issue of properly funding a full transfer round.

FEA is very unhappy with the way the transfer program was run this year, and we know many of our members are also very upset by the lack of a full and robust transfer program. FEA has proposed that funding of excess educators be considered outside of the transfer program and not counted against the transfer program budget. This is because placement of these excess educators is something that DoDEA would have to fund regardless of the transfer program, so it should not deplete the funding available for actual transfers. DoDEA Headquarters rejected this point and in doing so set the stage for the anemic transfer program we had this year.


ADDITIONAL INFO ABOUT EXCESS If you are an excess educator who applied for reconsideration and would like FEA to verify that your name is included on the reconsideration list, please contact Connie Shanaghan at feaadmin@nea.org.

All new vacancies should continue to be reported to DoDEA Headquarters for possible placements with unplaced excess educators and those excess educators requesting reconsideration. There are five remaining excess educators who have not yet received placements.

April 17 Transfer Update

from the April 17, 2012, FEA President's Report

The situation with the transfer program is essentially unchanged since before DoDDS went on spring break: FEA continues to push DoDDS to fund additional transfers, but so far there has been no movement from the Pentagon on funding requests.

At this point, we are not expecting any additional moves for applicants from Groups A+, A, or B. Whether any transfer placements can be made for applicants in Groups D or F will depend upon whether funds will become available. Our frank assessment at this time is that there will be few if any placements from Groups D or F, but we will continue pressing for more funding in hopes of improving that situation.

One point I do wish to make clear, since we have understandably received numerous complaints about it, is that the transfer program was already underway before FEA was notified that back-fill positions would not be used in Round 1. We are obviously not happy about this situation but DoDDS has not been moved by any of our arguments.

April 3 Update on Transfer Program

To: FEA Members Worldwide
From: Michael Priser, FEA President
Re: Follow Up on Transfer Program
Date: April 3, 2012

I want to update members on the DoDDS Transfer Program and clarify some specific questions that have arisen following the update I sent out this past weekend.

FEA was aware that DoDEA was operating under a tight budget this year. But, based upon past years' transfer numbers and information we had been given on the budget for this year's program, we were under the impression that a full transfer round covering all transfer groups would be conducted. Although we suspected the overall number of transfer placements funded this year would be lower than in past years, we were not led to expect the transfer round to be cut short as early as DoDDS planned.

Initially last week, we were told only enough funding was available to make placements for all Group C (Excess) employees, Group A+ and just two applicants from Group A. FEA was able to get DoDDS to commit to running the program through Group C at this time. It is our hope and expectation that, once notifications for these placements are sent out (and they are expected to be sent out beginning today), additional funds will be freed up by people taking a local transfer or deciding to retire instead of transfer. Those freed-up funds will then be used to fund additional transfers for Groups D and F. We do not, however, expect the number of transfer placements in those groups (or any of the transfer groups) to be anywhere near as high as they have been in recent years..

The expected placement of applicants from Groups D and F will begin after the DoDDS spring break and continue, as additional funds are freed up, through June 1. Placements for Groups D and F will be made from vacancies that could not be used to match applicants in higher transfer groups. Candidates placed in Group D and Group F will
 have the option to accept or decline the transfer without penalty. If
 they decline, they will remain in their current position and the vacancy will go to the next eligible match until the transfer budget is 
depleted.

Meanwhile, FEA will continue to press DoDEA Headquarters to allocate funds to fund a full transfer round this year. The value of the transfer program, both as a way for educators to share knowledge and perspectives across different parts of the world and as a tool for maintaining and boosting employee morale, cannot be overstated.

We will put out additional updates on the transfer issue as more information becomes available.

Here are the transfer totals thus far by group:
Group A+ - 70
Group A - 10
Group B - 12
Group C -- 47 (25 of these were the result of continuing consideration for excess, not the transfer round)
Group D - 0
Group F - 0
Total Placements - 139

DoDEA Authorizes Fewer Transfers This Year, Citing Tight Budget

April 1, 2012

The Pentagon has placed severe budget restrictions on DoDEA's budget when it comes to travel and reassignment funds, which have significantly reduced the number of transfers authorized this school year (DoD Efficiency Initiative). DoDEA HQ, working within those restraints, acknowledges that the number of transfers this year may be half the number that has been allowed in past years. As of Friday, March 30, FEA expects to have transfers within Groups A+, A, B, and C, through matched vacancies. Transfers in Groups D and F, will only be made after spring break through June 1, should additional funds become available.

The opportunity to transfer periodically to a new location within DoDDS is one of the most attractive aspects of working for the system. It also strengthens our school system by allowing educators to share expertise worldwide within our military community. FEA knows a diminished transfer program will seriously hurt employee morale, retention and professional development. We will continue to push for more transfer placements this year and keep our members updated on any progress we can make.

While DoDEA continues to work with the Pentagon to check and double check the numbers, the notifications to those who did receive transfer placements will be delayed. FEA will let members know as soon as possible as to when those notifications are sent out. Once all notifications have been sent out, FEA will be able to answer questions about individual transfer applications. Members can send their questions to the feaadmin@nea.org email address. Please be sure to include your transfer group and SCD with your question.

Revised Vacancy List Posted March 19

March 19, 2012

The corrected list of vacancies for the DoDDS transfer program has been posted today (March 19) at the DoDDS Human Resources page. You can also access the updated vacancy list directly using this link.

The start of the transfer round is still scheduled for this Wednesday, March 21. The deadline to amend your application, or to withdraw it, remains 5:00 p.m. EDT Tuesday, March 20.

The transfer round typically takes about two weeks to complete. Notices to those who receive transfers will be sent out once the round is completed. FEA does not release any information on individual transfer applications until ALL notices have been sent out.

A special notice to employees in Europe who've been declared excess: If you were placed locally in the excess district placement program, please be sure to withdraw your application from the transfer program and, if you had sent your application to FEA's Connie Shanaghan for verification be sure to inform Connie at feaadmin@nea.org that you are withdrawing.

Transfer Amendment Deadline Extended/New Vacancy List To Be Posted

March 16, 2012

Following up on a number of tips from our members in the field, FEA and DoDDS have found several discrepancies in the vacancy list for the transfer program. As a result, DoDDS will be posting a new vacancy list later today (March 16) and has agreed to extend the deadline for amending transfer applications to 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, March 20.

You can find the most current edition of the list by going to DoDEA's Human Resources Department site and clicking on the link for "Transfer Program Vacancies"

Please note: the "incorrect" version of the vacancy list has the date of March 15 on top of each page. The updated version, when posted, will have the date of March 16.

DoDDS will send the updated list to its superintendents with instructions for them to review and confirm by this Monday, March 19, that all vacancies on the list are correct. If necessary, another updated list, reflecting any corrections made by the superintendents, will be posted by DoDDS on Monday. FEA will inform our members if such an updated list is put out on Monday.

Because of this situation, DoDDS has agreed to move the deadline for amending transfer applications from today (March 16) to 5:00 p.m. EDT on March 20. FEA is grateful to DoDDS for their flexibility in this matter.

The transfer round remains scheduled to begin on Wednesday, March 21. The deadline to withdraw from the transfer program remains 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, March 20.

Transfer Vacancies Posted

March 14, 2012

The vacancies for this spring's DoDDS transfer program have been posted by DoDDS and can be found at this web site.


If you cannot access this website, please click on the website below and then click on the vacancy list link:
DoDEA HR Office.

Please be sure to read the notes of each vacancy carefully as they sometimes contain critical information. For example, categories 0100, 0433 are listed in the vacancy below but the notes indicate that the position is 0100 M (Multi-age). An applicant would need to have both 0433 and 0100 M listed on his/her transfer application to be matched to this vacancy. (Please note that any teacher who is qualified for 0101-0106 may add 0100 M to his/her application. It does not require special certification; only a willingness to teach a multi-age classroom).

2013 3 /8 /2012 12MAR7XHE54865326 No 0100, 0433
HQ Notes: (3/13/2012 5:45:39 PM - Nita.Coates) 0100M (Multi-Age);
Transfer Program 2012-13. <-->

The transfer database is now open for amendments. It will lock at 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, March 16. After that time no changes can be made.

Vacancies to Be Posted March 13

March 13, 2012

Vacancies from Europe were still coming in to DoDEA Headquarters yesterday (Monday, March 12) so the vacancy list was not posted as planned Monday afternoon. The list will be posted by 5:00 p.m. EST today (Tuesday, March 13).

Applicants will have three days from the time the list is posted to amend their applications, so the deadline for amendments is now March 16 at 5:00 p.m. (instead of March 15).

There is no change to the start of Round 1, which is scheduled to begin on March 21.

Applicants who wish to withdraw their application should do so no later than March 20 (the day prior to Round 1).

Applicants, who applied to the world-wide transfer program, but have been placed locally, should withdraw their application from the transfer program database.

Start of Transfer Round to Be Delayed

March 6, 2012

We expect DoDEA management to notify DoDDS employees today that the start of the transfer round will be delayed by one week.

FEA continues to meet with DoDEA management on the military drawdown that will take place in Europe and its effects on this year's transfer program. While superintendents are working to identify and notify those employees who will need to be declared excess due to the drawdown, we realize that a modification to the transfer program time line will be necessary. DoDEA Headquarters is expected to send out further guidance later today about the changes to the time line.

What FEA and management agreed to during our meeting is that every attempt will be made to post vacancies for the transfer program by Monday, March 12. Applicants to the transfer program will then be given three days from the time the vacancies are posted to amend their applications. We expect this will mean that the transfer round will now begin on Wednesday, March 21 -- one week later than it was originally scheduled to begin.

As a reminder, if you are declared excess you will still have the right to apply to the transfer program even if you missed the original application deadline. Guidance on how to do so will be provided by DoDEA.

Read About Planned Military Changes in Europe Before Finalizing Your Application

Applicants to the transfer program are urged to read this story in the Stars and Stripes to learn about planned changes to troop deployments and base closures in Europe.

Pentagon announces Europe force cuts, relocations (published in February 16, 2012 Stars & Stripes)

Tips for Transfers Now Available

FEA transfer guru Connie Shanaghan has posted her Tips for Transfers exclusively for FEA members. This information (available in PDF format) can help you maximize your chances of getting the assignment you want in this year's transfer program. Click here to access the Tips for Transfers (member login is required).

Transfer FAQs

Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the DoDDS Transfer Program, provided by FEA Transfer Guru Connie Shanaghan. Available exclusively to FEA Members. (login required)
Visit the FAQs page

Recent Transfer Updates

Transfer Application Deadline Extended

February 24, 2012

The application deadline for the DoDDS transfer program has been extended to 5:00 pm (Eastern Time) on Monday, February 27.

The extension was necessitated by a technical problem with DoDEA's computer servers that caused the transfer database to essentially freeze up Friday afternoon, thus making it impossible for people to complete their applications before the original deadline of 5pm Friday, February 24.

FEA is grateful to the DoDEA staff for quickly detecting this problem and suggesting the deadline extension.

No other transfer deadlines are affected by this change, meaning the deadline for applicants to amend their applications remains 5:00 pm on March 12 and the transfer round will still begin on March 14.

January 19, 2012

Details of the SY 12-13 DoDDS Transfer Program have been finalized by FEA and DoDEA. The full transfer agreement can be viewed at the FEA Transfer Information page. Details of the program are basically the same as last year's transfer program. Here are a few notable changes:
* Yokota and Zama are now in Group B
* Language has been added to the transfer agreement, clarifying the duties assigned to high school counselors
* The following language has been added to the transfer agreement, requiring additional oversight for the submission of categories for vacancies: "When submitting vacancies to the Transfer Program, if the categories requested match what the vacated person taught, no justification is required. If there is a difference between what the vacated person taught and the categories requested, the school/district will provide the justification for those category(ies). The school will prioritize the categories. Should a match not be found, HQ will contact the principal/district to determine if other possible 2- or 3- category combinations could be used. "

Other important information regarding this year's transfer program:
* The deadline for DoDDS teachers to submit transfer applications to their building principals is February 24, 2012
* Those who meet the application deadline will then have until March 12, 2012, to amend their applications
* The first transfer round will begin on March 14, 2012

Additional information from FEA about this year's transfer program, including FEA's Tips for Transfers will be sent out and posted online in the weeks ahead. You can check anytime for the latest information by visiting this page.



Transfer Program Resources