OFT criticizes DoDEA's decision on cutting key educational roles

The Overseas Federation of Teachers (OFT), representing educators in public schools on Department of Defense military bases across Italy, Spain, Bahrain, and Turkey, has expressed strong opposition to the Department of Defense Education Activity's (DoDEA) plan to cut crucial school personnel positions. These roles include all school-based educational technologists, speech-language assessors, and special education assessors—amounting to over 450 jobs.

The DoDEA intends to replace school-based educational technologists with district-level personnel, assigning only two individuals for the entire Europe South district. OFT President Linda Hogan criticized this move: “That’s just not enough. Nearly every curriculum series DoDEA uses has multilayered technology components, which have to be mastered by students and teachers alike. These cuts will hurt our students and tarnish the educational quality that DoDEA schools are known for.”

Hogan further remarked: “DoDEA is sending our students back to the Victorian age educationally by cutting these vital positions. ETs and assessors are not add-ons to a school staff; they are central to the education and services our students depend on. DoDEA made these cuts without talking to classroom educators or to parents—the people who know what kids need.”

While DoDEA is set to launch a new “Blueprint for Continuous Improvement” and has adopted ISTE Standards for Students and Teachers—a framework offering guidance in using technology—Hogan questioned how this could be achieved without essential educational technologists.

The removal of speech-language and special education assessors also raised concerns. Hogan highlighted their role in identifying and supporting students with learning needs: collaborating with educators and families, recommending special education services, and helping create individualized programs.

“We don’t know DoDEA’s plan for replacing these vital staffers,” Hogan stated. She added that if special education teachers or school psychologists were expected to fill these roles, it would detract from their primary responsibilities.

Concluding her remarks, Hogan emphasized the importance of critical support staff: “DoDEA is hands-down a top-notch school system... They aren’t expendable. They are crucial to students’ success in school and in life. We urge DoDEA to reverse this shortsighted decision.”