URGENT UPDATE: Teachers and support staff on U.S. military bases overseas are facing a financial crisis as the government shutdown stretches on, with many struggling to make rent and pay bills. The shutdown, which is now approaching historic length, has left over 14,000 military support workers without pay, while soldiers continue to receive their salaries.
Cathy Indresano, president of the Overseas Federation of Teachers, expressed the severity of the situation, stating that teachers are still reporting to work daily despite the mounting financial pressures. “Our teachers are all still going to school every day,” Indresano said, emphasizing the dedication of educators who are often military spouses.
Teachers working for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) in Europe reported to Business Insider that they have been forced to explain their financial hardships to local landlords, who are often confused about why American tenants suddenly cannot pay rent. As the shutdown continues, these educators are scrambling to communicate their financial situation, fearing they will fall behind on essential payments.
Jessica Tackaberry, communications operations chief for DoDEA, acknowledged the challenges faced by the educators, stating, “We understand the difficulties this situation may create for our dedicated educators and staff who are working without pay.” Tackaberry confirmed that DoDEA schools remain operational, committed to providing education to military-connected students despite the fiscal uncertainty.
The ripple effects of the shutdown are particularly harsh for educators like Desiree, who has taught abroad for over a decade. She reported receiving a prorated paycheck that covered only a fraction of her rent, leaving her financial situation precarious. “Money is just — it’s not flowing, except for out,” she lamented, revealing that without her usual rent stipend, she is likely to be late on payments.
Many teachers are also dealing with the high costs of living in Europe, especially as the dollar weakens against the euro, further complicating their financial stability. “My bank account’s already in the negative,” one newer DoDEA employee stated, expressing concern about next month’s rent.
With limited options for additional income—many overseas DoDEA workers are prohibited from taking second jobs—stress levels are rising. Indresano described how living far from family adds to the difficulties, stating, “Not being in the U.S., we don’t have the luxury of being able to go to a food bank.”
As the shutdown continues, the impact on classrooms is becoming increasingly apparent. Teachers are often covering the costs of classroom supplies out of their own pockets, and some are unable to provide even basic snacks for students. “There are families that don’t have the food and things like that,” one teacher noted, highlighting the strain on both educators and students.
James, a veteran teacher overseas, shared his observations of local community reactions. “There’s a certain amount of surprise as well as sympathy for what we’re going through,” he said, noting that many locals struggle to comprehend how the U.S. government could allow such a situation to persist.
As the situation develops, the urgent need for resolution grows more critical. Educators are left in a precarious position, caught between their commitment to teaching and the harsh realities of financial instability.
For the thousands of dedicated teachers supporting military families abroad, the hope is for a swift resolution to the shutdown, allowing them to focus on what they do best—educating the next generation. The clock is ticking, and their futures hang in the balance.
