DOWEA

At DoWEA, our educators do far more than teach lessons — they create stability, connection and support for military-connected students around the world. Dr. Thigpen recently shared how working with students from many different backgrounds and cultures continues to shape her experience as an educator. It’s a reminder that the strength of our schools comes from the relationships built in every classroom, every day. Across our schools worldwide, DoWEA teachers help students feel seen, supported and ready to succeed — no matter where military life takes them. #DoWEA #StudentExcellence #MilitaryConnectedStudents #Education #MilitaryFamilies #TeacherSpotlight

DoWEA Director Mr. Paul Craft recently visited schools across the Pacific Region, including Bob Hope Elementary School, Kadena High School and Kubasaki High School, where he spent time engaging with students, visiting classrooms and learning more about each school community. The visit highlighted the strong student engagement, positive school cultures and meaningful learning opportunities taking place across DoWEA’s Pacific schools serving military-connected students and families overseas. Throughout the visits, students and educators showcased the innovative instruction, collaboration and learning environments that continue to support student success across the region. Visits like these provide valuable opportunities for leadership to connect directly with schools, celebrate student achievement and support the continued growth of military-connected learners worldwide. #DoWEA #StudentExcellence #MilitaryConnectedStudents #Education

Students from Crossroads Elementary School and Quantico Middle High School recently showcased determination, teamwork and physical readiness during the Presidential Physical Fitness Test demonstration event at historic Butler Stadium aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. The event marked the continued rollout of the revived Presidential Physical Fitness Test across all 161 DoWEA schools worldwide following President Donald J. Trump’s executive order restoring the historic program. Students participated in pull-ups, push-ups, shuttle runs, curl-ups, flexibility testing and distance running while military families, educators and service members cheered them on throughout the day. The demonstration highlighted DoWEA’s commitment to developing resilient, healthy and well-rounded military-connected students prepared for success in school, service and life. #DoWEA #StudentExcellence #PresidentialFitnessTest #MilitaryConnectedStudents #PhysicalReadiness

Wiesbaden High School culinary arts students recently had the incredible opportunity to learn from world-renowned chef and television personality Chef Robert Irvine during his visit to the school. As part of his continued support for military communities across Europe, Chef Irvine spent time engaging directly with students through hands-on demonstrations, career discussions and a powerful Q&A session. Throughout the visit, Chef Irvine emphasized the importance of mastering foundational culinary skills, maintaining discipline and embracing #resilience both in and out of the kitchen. Students gained firsthand insight into the dedication, creativity and professionalism required in the culinary industry while hearing stories from his global career and work supporting service members and families. #DoWEA #StudentExcellence #CTE #CulinaryArts #WiesbadenHighSchool

Across the Department of War Education Activity, we are proud to celebrate the strong partnerships that create meaningful experiences for military-connected students around the world. 🌏 At Yokota Air Base, more than 400 students from Yokota West Elementary School, Joan K. Mendel Elementary School, home-school families and the local community participated in this year’s Touch-A-Truck event — an engaging day of hands-on learning, STEM exploration and mission connection. Students explored aircraft, emergency response vehicles, specialized equipment and interactive activities while connecting directly with Airmen and personnel across the installation. Events like this help students better understand the mission, build curiosity and create lasting memories within their military community. Thank you Yokota Air Base units, volunteers and the entire planning team for making this incredible experience possible for our students. #DoWEA #StudentSuccess #YokotaAirBase #STEM #PacificRegion

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms and military moms across the DoWEA community. You will always be your child's first and forever teacher.💐💙 Thank you for the love, strength, sacrifice and support you provide every day to your children, families and communities around the world. Your resilience and dedication help shape the success of our military-connected students both inside and outside the classroom. Today, we celebrate and honor everything you do. Wishing you a wonderful and well-deserved Mother’s Day. 🌷✨ #MothersDay #MilitaryMoms #DoWEA #StudentSuccess

Please join us in congratulating Michelle Ewing on being named the 2026 OSHNA School Nurse Administrator of the Year. 🎉 Through compassionate leadership, authentic engagement, and unwavering support for school nurses across the Pacific Region, Ms. Ewing has helped foster a culture where nurses feel valued, empowered, and inspired to grow professionally. Her dedication to strengthening school health services directly supports the well-being and success of military-connected students around the world. Ms. Ewing’s leadership reflects the very best of DoWEA — building strong relationships, advocating for her teams, and ensuring school nurses have the tools and support needed to thrive. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your continued commitment to student health and excellence in school nursing. 💙 #DoWEA #SchoolNurse #DoWEAProud

Talk about our students making core memories. 💪🏼 DoWEA's Quantico Middle High School and Crossroads Elementary students took part in Presidential Fitness Test activities at the White House, met the President, and represented military-connected youth during the national relaunch of the program focused on fitness, resilience, and healthy lifestyles. Yesterday, President Trump signed the proclamation officially revitalizing the Presidential Fitness Test, helping reestablish a nationwide focus on physical activity and wellness for America’s youth. DoWEA students proudly participated in fitness events and activities — creating unforgettable memories and once-in-a-lifetime experiences they will carry with them for years to come. The Department of War Education Activity is proud to support this effort and celebrate the leadership, determination, and resilience demonstrated by our military-connected students. Way to exercise, Warriors & Eagles! 🏃‍♂️🏋️‍♀️⚽ #PresidentialFitnessTest #QuanticoWarriors #CrossroadsEagles #MilitaryConnected #DoWEA

During Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re proud to recognize just a few of the incredible educators across our schools who are making a lasting difference every day. The following messages were shared directly by parents and students, highlighting the real impact our teachers have in their communities: 🍎 Mr. Thomas | Sullivans Elementary School “Thank you for your patience and kindness toward students and their families. Our daughter has overcome so many fears about school due to your guidance! We appreciate you more than words can say!” 🍎 Ms. Lami | Livorno Elementary Middle School “Thank you for always engaging with the kids. We appreciate your teaching style of genuinely connecting with the students. You have more of an impact than you know!” 🍎 Ms. Charles | Wiesbaden Elementary School “Your support and encouragement have made a significant impact on my child’s self-esteem. We are forever grateful for your patience, kindness, and dedication to all your students. You’re a rockstar!” 🍎 Ms. Vicki | Yokosuka Primary School “Thank you, Ms. Vicki, for all the help and guidance you give to the kids. We appreciate you so much!” We will be highlighting more outstanding educators and sharing additional stories of impact throughout the week—stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the incredible work happening across our schools. To our educators across the globe—thank you for shaping futures, inspiring confidence, and making a difference that lasts a lifetime. #TeacherAppreciationWeek #DoWEA #ThankATeacher #MilitaryConnectedStudents

Today, we honor the dedicated school nurses serving students and communities across all 161 DoWEA schools worldwide. In this special National School Nurse Day message, DoWEA Director Mr. Paul Craft recognizes the professionalism, expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication our nurses bring to their schools every day. Whether supporting student wellness, responding during emergencies, promoting healthy learning environments, or simply being a trusted source of care and comfort, our school nurses make a lasting impact across the globe. Thank you for all you do to support student success and readiness throughout DoWEA. Happy National School Nurse Day! 🩺🌎 #NationalSchoolNurseDay #SchoolNurses #DoWEA

In a special message for Teacher Appreciation Week, our Director Paul Craft recognizes the dedication and impact of DoWEA educators across the globe. Thank you for your commitment to our students, our schools, and our mission. #TeacherAppreciationWeek #DoWEA #GlobalEducation #MilitaryConnectedStudents

🍎✨ Teacher Appreciation Week starts now! Join us as we celebrate the incredible educators who inspire, support, and shape the future every single day. Hear from 2026 #DoWEA Teacher of the Year, Brent Cook, as we kick off a week dedicated to honoring the heart of our schools—our teachers. 💙 #TeacherAppreciationWeek #ThankATeacher #DoWEA #InspiringEducators #EducationMatters #MilitaryCommunity #Grateful