Teacher Tea
The Pentagon's Classroom: How the Military Shapes Education Policy
What does the Department of Defense have to do with public education?
In “A Hegseth DOD Comes with a Battle Against Public School Education,” Politico reporter Juan Perez Jr. examines the potential consequences of appointing Pete Hegseth as the head of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA). Hegseth, a vocal critic of public education, advocates for a patriotic education model that emphasizes classical education, Christian beliefs, and a rejection of "woke" ideologies. DODEA, a generally well-regarded school system serving military families, presents an opportunity for Hegseth to implement this education vision. Conservatives have long sought to restructure DODEA, viewing it as a potential model for education reform nationwide. Hegseth could therefore overhaul DODEA's curriculum with an emphasis on a patriotic approach aligned with the 1776 Commission, also known as the 1776 Project, which was an advisory committee created in September 2020 by President Trump. This could involve changes to teaching materials, teacher training, and even the structure of the school system. DODEA has previously faced criticism from conservatives for the alleged promotion of left-wing ideologies. The agency, however, has also been praised for its academic performance and its role in implementing programs like universal pre-kindergarten. Perez suggests that Hegseth's appointment could have significant implications for education policy, potentially influencing the direction of education in the United States beyond the military community.
Historically, DODEA has provided high-quality education to children of military families, setting a standard for academic excellence that can indeed inspire practices in other school systems. DODEA schools often lead in STEM education, and in addressing the unique social-emotional needs of its students. Teachers can gain insights into better supporting students from military families in civilian schools through an understanding of DODEA’s successes and challenges. DODEA’s policies could ultimately influence broader educational trends and serve as a model for addressing equity issues in public education.