Q:What is Leave Without Pay (LWOP)
A: Leave Without Pay is an approved absence without pay requested in advance for use by an employee. In most cases, the approval of LWOP is at the agency’s discretion.

Q: Why would I want to request LWOP when I am leaving my educator position to accompany my spouse to the next duty station?
A: Employees on LWOP are still active Federal employees. If you plan to apply for Federal positions at your new duty station, it is beneficial to maintain your active status and possibly avoid a break in service. While you are on LWOP, up to six months of service in a calendar year may be credited to your service computation date. Also, being on LWOP allows you to simplify your application process if you are relocating to another overseas area and wish to continue working as a DoDDS teacher.

Q: How much LWOP can I request and how do I do it?
A: Normally, employees may be granted up to one year of LWOP when accompanying the sponsor to a new duty station. You request LWOP by submitting a Standard Form (SF) 52 to your immediate supervisor along with a copy of your sponsor’s orders. You will also need to complete a SF 52 for resignation to be effective at the end of the LWOP period; this will be processed only if you are not hired to another position before the LWOP expires. Your school secretary or district personnel specialist can advise you on these procedures.

Q: When I arrive at my new overseas location, what do I need to submit so that I can be considered for locally available educator positions?
A: You will need to submit the following documents:

• An updated application form or resume. This must include your most recent experience with DoDDS and accurate contact information for you in the new area. It should also state the types of educator positions for which you would like to be considered.
• A copy of the LWOP approval letter.
• A copy of your sponsor’s orders.
• A geographic availability statement. This can be a copy of the form used in your new district, or a written statement which clearly lists all of the schools for which you would like employment consideration.

Q: Where do I send the application packet?
A: The completed packet should be sent to the following address:

    DoDEA Personnel Center
    ATTN: PERCU
    4040 North Fairfax Drive
    Arlington, VA 22203-1634

Q: How can I verify that my packet was received and that I am being actively considered for employment?
A: Immediately upon receipt, you will be entered into the Teacher Recruitment System (TRS) as an active applicant. This database is available for review by the district personnel specialist and the school principal. Either of these offices may assist you in determining that your application has been received and evaluated.

Q: Do I have priority for selection to available positions?
A: No. You will be referred along with other locally available candidates who have applied for consideration for the same types of positions and the same locations. You will be an internal candidate, but this does not require the school principal to select you. However, we have found that most principals are pleased to hire educators who already have DoDDS experience.

Q: I was initially hired from the United States and have transportation and housing entitlements. If I go on LWOP to accompany my spouse to the new duty station, will I lose these?
A: You will lose these entitlements only if you have a break in service. If selected and hired before the expiration of your LWOP, you will retain all entitlements for which you were previously eligible. However, please note that eligibility for Renewal Agreement Travel and Living Quarters Allowance is affected by being on LWOP. Contact your district personnel specialist for specific guidance in your individual situation.

Q: This simplified application procedure is great! Can I use it to apply for other types of positions in my new location, such as substitute teacher and educational aide?
A: No. The recruitment procedures for school support positions vary by district and you will need to contact your district personnel specialist for the steps to follow.

Q: How can I maximize my opportunity to be hired in the new area?
A: We recommend that you provide a copy of your updated application or resume to the schools where you wish to be considered. This allows the school principal to review your qualifications in advance of recruitment for new vacancies. You may also wish to volunteer or be hired as a substitute in the local schools.

Q: Who may I contact for additional information?
A: Your first point of contact for all personnel issues is your district personnel representative, who is able to advise on a wide range of topics. You may also contact the certification or staffing specialist who is responsible for servicing your district. Your school secretary should be able to provide you with the proper point of contact.