Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)

The Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) Pacific Region is proud to recognize its graduating Class of 2026. This year’s senior class achieved a 99% graduation rate, with 973 students graduating across 12 high schools in Guam, South Korea, mainland Japan and Okinawa. Among the graduates, 264 earned honors distinctions, while 741 students completed at least one Advanced Placement course.

With the close of the 2025-26 school year, the Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) Pacific, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan recognized the successful completion of the Japanese Language Supplement Program at four elementary schools.

Ms. Sasha Rodriguez-Espada, a kindergarten teacher at Lakenheath Elementary School, has been selected as the 2026 Dr. Linda L. Curtis Educator of Promise. This award recognizes early-career educators in their first three years of teaching who demonstrate exceptional dedication to student success and a strong, ongoing commitment to growth and improvement.

The Department of War Education Activity has fewer than 100 openings remaining for teachers and fewer than 150 openings remaining for aides in classrooms across the U.S. and around the globe for next school year. These openings are targeted toward applicants with expertise in special education, elementary and various and multiple secondary school subjects or who are willing to work in locations to include Fort Bragg, Fort Knox, Camp Lejeune, Fort Rucker, Turkey, Cuba, Korea, Japan and Germany.

Student and educator teams at nine Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) schools have been selected as state champions in the 2026 Presidential AI Challenge. President Trump issued an Executive Order in April 2025 establishing a national challenge to expand artificial intelligence education for America’s youth and foster early interest, confidence, and expertise in this critical field.

Department of War Education Activity Europe East District Superintendent Patrick Martin is pleased to announce the selection of Donna Aponte as principal of Hohenfels Elementary School. Aponte brings 30 years of experience in education and is deeply committed to supporting students, staff and the military-connected community. She believes strongly in the excellence of a DoWEA education and is honored to serve in this role.

The Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) Europe region is pleased to announce the 2027 District Teachers of the Year for the Europe Central, Europe East, Europe South and Europe West districts. The DoWEA Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors exemplary Prekindergarten through high school teachers. The process begins at the nomination level, where peers, administrators, parents, students or community members may nominate teachers.

Pacific — The Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) Pacific Region is pleased to announce its 2027 District Teachers of the Year. Pacific East District, Mrs. Michelle Morales, Yokosuka Middle School The DoWEA Pacific East District has selected Yokosuka Middle School educator Mrs. Michelle Morales as its 2027 District Teacher of the Year. “Being named Pacific East District Teacher of the Year is incredibly humbling,” Morales said.

The Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) Americas Region is pleased to announce its 2027 District Teachers of the Year. Nicole Grinsell, a STEM enrichment teacher at Fort Campbell Middle School, and Laura Hoover, an English teacher at Lejeune High School, have been named the 2027 District Teachers of the Year for the Americas Southeast and Mid-Atlantic districts, respectively, by the Department of War Education Activity.

The Department of War Education Activity celebrates Month of the Military Child (MOMC) throughout April 2026, honoring the resilience, achievements and unique experiences of military-connected students across its global school system. Observed annually in April, Month of the Military Child recognizes the more than 1.6 million children of service members who face frequent moves, family separations and the challenges of growing up in military communities.