Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)

Nicole Grinsell, a STEM enrichment teacher at Fort Campbell Middle School, has been named the 2027 Department of War Education Activity Teacher of the Year. Grinsell, the 2027 Americas Southeast District Teacher of the Year, received the agency honor Monday, Sept. 14. She teaches research, environmental studies and computer applications to students in grades 5 through 7 at Fort Campbell Middle School.

The Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) has launched its “From Feedback to Action” campaign with the release of its 2026 Stakeholder Feedback Survey results, highlighting what parents and students across DoWEA schools worldwide say is working well and where continued improvement is needed. The survey provides insight into key areas of the educational experience, including school safety, trust, communication, engagement, and overall satisfaction.

Department of War Education Activity educators earned two spots on the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History's 2026 History Teacher of the Year roster, highlighting excellence in American history instruction. Joshua Simmons, social studies and English teacher at Yokota High School in Japan, was named the 2026 Gilder Lehrman Department of War Education Activity History Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Jason Ter Horst, Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) Europe West District Superintendent, is pleased to announce the selection of Mrs. Angelia Hadley as the Principal of Brussels Unit School. Brussels Unit School is part of the Brussels Community Schools in the DoWEA-Europe West District and serves students in PK to grade 12. “Mrs.

Dr. Michelle Howard-Brahaney, Director for Student Excellence at DoWEA-Europe, is pleased to announce the selection of Stephanie El Sayed as Chief of Staff for DoWEA Europe South District effective Oct. 4, 2026. El Sayed has dedicated more than 35 years to serving military-connected students, staff, and families.

Americas Director for Student Achievement Matthew Kirby has announced the appointment of Dr. Andrea Marr as Family and Stakeholder Engagement Officer for the Americas Mid-Atlantic District and Hugh McKinnon as Family and Stakeholder Engagement Officer for the Americas Southeast District. “Dr. Marr and Hugh McKinnon bring deep experience leading DoWEA schools and a strong understanding of the unique needs of military-connected families,” Kirby said.

As part of its commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement, the Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) is introducing Family and Stakeholder Engagement Officers (FSEOs) across the agency. The FSEO role is aligned with the July 2026 DoWEA Blueprint for Continuous Improvement and represents a strategic investment in strengthening communication, collaboration, and partnerships.

The Department of War Education Activity officially kicked off the 2026–27 school year today, welcoming more than 66,000 military-connected children to classrooms around the globe for a new year of learning, academic excellence, and growth. Under the leadership of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony J. Tata, DoWEA remains focused on instructional excellence and student outcomes.

The Department of War Education Activity is expanding middle school sports globally, ensuring that every DoWEA middle school student will have access to athletic opportunities beginning this winter. Currently being offered throughout the Americas region, DoWEA is preparing to launch middle school sports programs across the Europe and Pacific regions, too. To support this effort, overseas schools will receive dedicated funding to successfully build and sustain these programs.

Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) Pacific East District Superintendent Dr. Jacqueline Ferguson is pleased to announce Mr. Josh Adams as principal of Ikego Elementary School, located at Commander Fleet Activities – Yokosuka. Mr. Adams began his educational career in Idaho and then Oregon as a school administrator. During his tenure in Oregon, he served as a middle school assistant principal and elementary principal, as well as serving as the district human resources director.