Naval Air Station Rota, Spain, (June 8, 2023): In this photo by Courtney Pollock, Marla Echols, a third-grade teacher at Rota Elementary School, was recently named Teacher of the Year. Here she poses with school mascot “Toro” the bull.

Ms. Echols is one of over 8,000 educators who serve nearly 900,000 military connected children of all ages worldwide. Teachers like these must adapt to many of the same challenges as the students and their families they serve.

And their results are impressive.

Last year, Department of Defense students' average test scores ranged from 15 to 23 percentage points higher than corresponding national average scores and held steady or increased while national average scores decreased. This is a remarkable record given the transitory nature of military life and the demands it places on her young charges. Not to brag, but Rota Elementary School was also awarded the National Blue-Ribbon Award for 2022.

The DoD currently operates 160 schools located in 11 foreign countries, 7 states, and 2 territories across 10 time zones and all its schools are fully accredited.

Hat’s off to educator Echols for a job well done for our military kids.