News
Educators Help DoDEA Students Create National Christmas Tree Display Ornaments for First Time
The National Christmas Tree outside the White House has long been surrounded by smaller trees decorated with ornaments created by students from U.S. states and territories. Last December, DoDEA schools finally had their own tree, and its students, with the help of educators, were able to design ornaments celebrating the places around the world they… Read More
FEA PRESIDENT’S REPORT DECEMBER 7, 2021
TRANSFERS We have heard from the field that some DoDEA officials have discussed the possibility of a transfer program being held this year. At this time, DoDEA has not sent the Association any notice, official or otherwise, that it is intending to conduct a transfer program this year. Under terms of a past arbitrator’s ruling,… Read More
THANKSGIVING WITH THE BIDENS AT FORT BRAGG
On Monday, November 22nd, FEA leaders and members attended an early Thanksgiving meal at Fort Bragg hosted by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The First Lady, who specifically asked for DoDEA educators to be invited, noted that they are part of the military community and thanked DoDEA educators for all they do.… Read More
DoDEA Updates COVID Info Following Association Request
Association attorneys and leaders Thursday raised concerns with the vaccine exemption form issued by DoDEA earlier this week, leading to management’s release of updated guidance providing more flexibility in the timeline for employees to file medical documentation when seeking exemption from the November 22 deadline to be fully vaccinated. FEA and FEA-Stateside Region leaders and… Read More
OCTOBER 28, 2021 FEA PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Vaccine Mandate; Loan Forgiveness; FEHB; NEA Read Across America Grant DoDEA Vaccine Mandate and Reasonable Accommodation While FEA recommends all members, who can, become vaccinated to meet the fast-approaching November 22 deadline for federal employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, we recognize some members are unable to take the vaccine due to health… Read More
2022 Read Across America Grant Opportunity
Deadline to apply is Sunday, November 7, 2021 The application can be found at https://forms.gle/n1BX6jwnaDes5VEc8 FEA is applying to NEA for grant money to help fund Read Across America events for our members worldwide on or around NEA's Read Across America Day (Wednesday, March 2, 2022). To bolster our grant application, we need specific projects… Read More
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION GREATLY EXPANDS CREDIT FOR STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS
In great news for many educators with student loans, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) recently announced a change to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program rules for a limited time, allowing many borrowers to receive credit for past payments made on loans that would otherwise not qualify for PSLF. Some 550,000 public service… Read More
DoDEA FAILING TO PROVIDE VACCINE EXEMPTION INFORMATION
With barely a month left until the deadline for federal employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19, DoDEA has yet to issue any instructions about the Reasonable Accommodation process for employees seeking exemptions. DoDEA has yet to provide the Association with official notice of the vaccine mandate so the parties can negotiate over the procedures, despite… Read More
DOL Bulletin Covers Injuries to Feds from COVID Vaccine Mandate
The Department of Labor recently issued FECA bulletin 22-01 with a subject line of "Coverage for Injuries Resulting from the COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate for Federal Employees." FECA, the Federal Employees' Compensation Act, covers injuries that occur in the performance of duty. The full FECA bulletin can be read here.… Read More
OCTOBER 4, 2021 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Bargaining Update FEA and DoDEA, last month, engaged in bargaining for a new negotiated agreement covering the Overseas bargaining unit. The two sides remain at odds over a number of issues. FEA remains committed to negotiating a fair contract that protects employee rights and strengthens the learning environment for DoDEA students. We will continue… Read More