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We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
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Issue Explainer

Department of Defense Schools

The Federal Education Association, an NEA affiliate, advocates for employee rights and quality learning environments in Department of Defense schools serving military-connected students with unique challenges such as parental deployments and frequent moves.
Family with parents in the military
Published: December 2, 2021

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) oversees 160 schools serving more than 66,000 students in 11 foreign countries, 7 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

Military-connected students are top performers despite the challenges of parental deployments and frequent moves.

On the 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress, the nation’s report card, fourth and eighth graders in DoDEA schools were either at the top of the charts or in second place.

Letters & Testimony

NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.

Bills in Congress

Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools

  • Support

    HR 6959 Fix FEDVIP Age Act www.congress.gov

    Introduced on January 11, 2024

    A bill that would amend title 5, United States Code, to provide that dependent children under the age of 26 are eligible for coverage under the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, and for other purposes.

  • Support

    HR 6287 Success for Military Connected Students Act of 2023 www.congress.gov

    Introduced on November 8, 2023

    A bill that would continue current student-to-teacher ratios in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Authority.

  • Support

    S 3194 Equal COLA Act www.congress.gov

    Introduced on November 1, 2023

    A bill that would amend title 5, United States Code, to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment with respect to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System, and for other purposes.

We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.

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Speak Up For Students and Public Schools

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National Education Association

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.