Government Shutdown Leaves Overseas Military Teachers Struggling

Teachers and support staff working for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) on overseas military bases are facing significant financial difficulties as the United States government shutdown continues. Approaching the longest shutdown in history, these educators, many of whom are military spouses, are left without paychecks while continuing to perform their duties.

In response to the shutdown, the Trump administration has prioritized payments to military personnel, but over 14,000 DoDEA employees are not receiving compensation. Educators stationed in Europe have expressed their concerns about not being able to pay rent and utility bills, leading to stressful conversations with local landlords. “Our teachers are all still going to school every day. The aides are still going, the substitutes are still going,” said Cathy Indresano, president of the Overseas Federation of Teachers. “And of course, we’re all working and nobody’s getting paid.”

The ramifications of the funding lapse underscore the far-reaching impact of the shutdown. Typically, Congress passes spending measures to keep military operations funded, but this time, base support staff find themselves without financial support. Jessica Tackaberry, communications operations chief at DoDEA, stated that the agency “remains committed” to providing education to military-connected students, despite the fiscal uncertainty. While DoDEA schools continue to operate, the financial strain on staff is evident.

The situation has left many educators in a precarious position. Teachers have reported that their finances are stretched thin, with some resorting to reduced classroom supplies and snacks that they typically provide out of pocket. One teacher noted, “There are families that don’t have the food and things like that. So teachers are providing snacks. We can’t go buy that for them because we’re not getting paid.”

Desiree, a teacher with over a decade of experience abroad, shared her frustration. She received a prorated paycheck for her work in September that barely covered a third of her rent. “Money is just — it’s not flowing, except for out,” she explained, emphasizing the difficulties of affording basic necessities. Many educators are also facing challenges due to the weak dollar compared to the euro, making it harder to manage expenses.

Compounding these financial woes is the restriction on some overseas DoDEA workers from taking second jobs, which could provide additional income during the shutdown. Indresano highlighted the unique challenges of living abroad, stating, “Not being in the US, we don’t have the luxury of being able to go to a food bank that they would have there.”

Parents and students on military bases have also been advocating to maintain extracurricular activities amid funding shortages. The dedicated education staff continues to deliver high-quality instruction, but the financial burden remains a pressing concern. “This shutdown has left a whole bunch of people by the wayside, including these folks,” noted Bobby Kogan, senior director of federal budget policy at the Center for American Progress.

Teachers like James, who has been instructing overseas for over twenty years, have faced shutdowns before but have never experienced a complete suspension of pay. He described the surprise and sympathy from locals who are baffled by the political stalemate in Washington. “It’s very difficult for them to conceptualize how that happens,” he remarked.

As the shutdown continues, the long-term effects on the educational environment and the well-being of overseas military teachers remain uncertain. The plight of these educators serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of government actions and the lives of individuals working to support military families around the world.