Teacher Recruitment Information Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Overseas Schools September 2018
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National Defence Canadian Armed Forces
Children’s Education Management
Défense nationale
Teacher Recruitment Information
Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)
Overseas Schools
September 2018
Please read carefully
prior to completing application form.
Last updated 7 June 2018General Information
The Department of National Defence (DND) operates two schools overseas: AFNORTH1 International
School in Brunssum, The Netherlands and SHAPE2 International School – Canadian Section in Casteau,
Belgium. School operations of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Overseas Schools fall under Children’s
Education Management (CEM).
At both schools, we employ Canadian educators in the following positions: Principal/Vice-Principal and
Teacher. Educators are hired on a 2-year Loan of Service Agreement (LOSA) from their Canadian school
board. Each year, positions are available to replace staff members who are returning to their school
boards in Canada at the completion of their LOSA.
A Brief History of Canadian Armed Forces Schools Overseas
The two Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) schools in Europe provide children of military families with the
opportunity to receive elementary and secondary schooling at the same level they would receive in
Canada.
AFNORTH International School (AIS) http://afnorth-is.com/
AIS was founded in September 1967 and provides education for the children of JFC HQ Brunssum and
other NATO personnel serving at Headquarters and adjacent commands. Four nationalities sponsor the
school: Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America and Germany. A Director, appointed by
the Board of Governors, is responsible for the overall operation of the school.
Each of the national sections has its own principal or head teacher who bears responsibility for their
section, reporting to both the Director and to their education authority. The Director and the principals
are responsible for respecting the educational requirements of each nation. The mandate of the school
is to attempt to standardize instruction, develop common courses, promote language learning and
facilitate intercultural exchanges.
For Canadian students, AIS (Elementary and Middle-High School Section) offers programming from
kindergarten to grade 12 following the Ontario curriculum. Secondary students receive credits leading to
completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The AIS Canadian Section has 2 principals
(elementary and middle-high school levels).
SHAPE International School (SIS) http://www.shape-is.com/
SIS was founded in 1967 and provides education for the children of SHAPE and other NATO
personnel serving in adjacent areas.
SIS has eleven sections: Kindergarten (Belgian), seven elementary schools (American, Belgian,
Canadian, German, Italian, Norwegian and U.K.) and three high schools (American, Belgian, German).
Three additional sections, Greek, Polish and Turkish, offer a partial national course of study to their
students during or after school hours.
Each SIS section has its own Principal, Prefect or Head Teacher responsible for their section’s
operation. The school has a Director General and a Deputy-Director who oversee the operation of the
entire school campus in conjunction with the various national representatives.
SIS-Canadian Section offers first-language programs in both French and English for grades 1-8.
French immersion is not offered. Programs follow the Ontario curriculum. Canadian teachers at SIS
must be able to teach in both official languages. SIS-Canadian Section has a Canadian principal. The
Canadian and the UK sections share a school building on campus.
1. AFNORTH: Allied Forces Northern Europe Headquarters
2. SHAPE: Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe
CAF Overseas Schools – Recruitment Information 2018 1/8RECRUITMENT REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS
SECTION 1 ELIGIBILITY
SECTION 2 PROCESS AND TIMELINES
SECTION 3 TERMS OF LOAN OF SERVICE AGREEMENT (LOSA)
SECTION 4 SCREENING - MEDICAL, SECURITY AND EDUCATIONAL
SECTION 5 PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
SECTION 6 ALLOWANCES
SECTION 7 MOVING TO EUROPE
SECTION 1 - ELIGIBILITY
1.1 To be eligible for consideration as a teacher1, candidates must:
- be a Canadian citizen at time of application;
- possess a valid Canadian teaching certificate;
- hold a full-time permanent contract as a teacher or principal with a publicly funded Canadian
school authority;
- have a minimum of five (5) full-time years of teaching experience;
- be able to teach the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum2; and
- hold a current driver`s license.
Teachers who are currently at SIS or AIS may re-apply for one subsequent LOSA. When a teacher
returns to Canada, an interim period of four years must elapse prior to reapplication.
In addition to the above, teacher selection will be based on candidates demonstration of the Ontario
Standards of Practice for teaching3 and knowledge of best practices4 :
- Commitment to Students and Student Learning
o ability to work in a team setting
o high level of communication and interpersonal skills in relation to students, parents and
other teachers
o ability to contribute to the identification of student learning needs
- Professional Knowledge
o Teaching qualifications;
qualifications in a wide range of grades and subjects
second language and ESL experience and qualifications are considered assets
o Teaching experience;
comprehensive knowledge of relevant curriculum areas
flexibility to teach in diverse grades and subjects
- Professional Practice
o Current teaching practices
high quality strategies (i.e., pedagogy, technology) for all students
contribution to development and implementation of curriculum programs
o Current assessment and evaluation practices
evidence of assessment as, of, and for learning
current strategies such as success criteria, descriptive feedback
- Leadership in Learning Communities
o Involvement in school and board-wide initiatives
extracurricular activities
contributions to school community
o Leadership experience
- Ongoing Professional Learning
o Current Professional Development
understanding of current issues in education
willingness to participate in professional development activities
CAF Overseas Schools – Recruitment Information 2018 2/8NOTES:
1) Candidates at SIS must be fully bilingual and able to teach in both official languages of Canada;
2) Teacher candidates for grades 9-12 must hold Ontario College of Teachers Certification or be
eligible to obtain Ontario College of Teachers Certification; and
3) The Ontario College of Teachers: Standards of Practice guide CAF Overseas Schools teachers.
4) The K-12 School Effectiveness Framework guides best practices for CAF Overseas Schools
teachers.
1.2 To be eligible for consideration as a vice-principal or principal, candidates must also:
- hold Ontario Principal’s Qualifications Parts I and II,
- be presently employed as a vice-principal / principal in an Ontario public school, and
- have a minimum of five years administrative experience in an Ontario public school.
In addition to the above requirements, Principal/Vice-Principal selection will be based on demonstration of
the Ontario Leadership Framework school-level leadership3 areas:
– setting direction,
– building relationships and developing people,
– improving instructional program,
– securing accountability, and
– personal leadership resources.
The ability to speak other languages (e.g., French) is also considered an asset 2.
NOTES:
1) AIS principal candidates require secondary school experience in Ontario.
2) SIS principal candidates must be bilingual in French and English.
3) The Ontario Leadership Framework guides CAF Overseas Schools administrators.
SECTION 2 – PROCESS AND TIMELINES
2.1 The deadline for the submission of a completed application package is November 1 at noon.
2.2 The application process is as follows:
Application package review
o Children’s Education Management (CEM) administrative staff confirm package is
complete.
o CEM Selection Committee reviews all complete packages.
Interview selection
o CEM Selection Committee develops a shortlist of candidates.
o Candidates selected for an interview receive confirmation via email by November 30.
o Candidates not selected for an interview informed via email by November 30.
Interviews
o CEM Selection Committee holds virtual interviews (i.e., WebEx) in early December.
o Both successful and unsuccessful candidates will be notified via email no later than
December 30.
o Successful candidates receive a confirmation letter, subject to meeting DND
screening clearances.
Screening
o Successful candidates receive screening instructions from CEM for medical, security
and education.
o Successful candidates receive Loan of Service Agreement (LOSA) document from
CEM for signature by the candidate’s employing school board and return to CEM.
CAF Overseas Schools – Recruitment Information 2018 3/8SECTION 3 - TERMS OF LOAN OF SERVICE AGREEMENT (LOSA)
3.1 Successful candidates (teachers, vice-principals or principals) are under a two-year agreement
called a Loan of Service Agreement (LOSA). The terms of the LOSA are established by the Department
of National Defence and the agreement is signed by DND, the sponsoring school board and the teacher.
3.2 Under a LOSA, the teacher’s salary and employee benefits continue to be paid by the sponsoring
school board and are reimbursed by DND to the school board. The LOSA has the advantage of protecting
the teacher’s salary, rights and benefits acquired under their school board's local collective agreement, as
this agreement remains in effect for the duration of the loan of service.
3.3 The CAF Overseas school year begins in mid-August and ends in June. CAF Overseas School
Year calendars are guided by the Education Act of Ontario and Regulation 304, School Year Calendar,
Professional Activity Days.
3.4 Terms of employment at CAF Overseas Schools may differ from the terms of employment of the
Board.
3.5 A LOSA teacher is considered a member of a civilian component of the Canadian Armed Forces
outside Canada with an assigned officer status (e.g., Captain for teachers, Major for principals). A
teacher serves with the CAF outside Canada in his or her professional capacity at the appointed school.
3.6 Pursuant to sub-section 60 (1) of the National Defence Act RSC.1985, Ch.N-5, a LOSA teacher is
subject to the Code of Service Discipline while at the CAF Overseas School.
3.7 Successful candidates will be required to obtain current Standard First Aid and CPR qualifications
prior to arriving at their posting location.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND PROTECTION OF PRIVACY & RECORD
DISCLOSURE PRIOR TO EMPLOYMENT
3.8 The CAF Overseas Schools reserve the right to make a thorough investigation regarding any
information relevant to offering a Loan of Service Agreement. CAF Overseas Schools will contact persons
or organizations provided by the applicant for the purpose of obtaining job-related information including
educational history, work performance and attendance records. Information gathered during a reference
check will be used solely to determine suitability, eligibility, or qualifications for an offer of a Loan of
Service Agreement with CAF Overseas Schools. Reference checks will be completed in confidence and
information gathered will be retained in confidence by CAF Overseas Schools.
3.9 Information Disclosure:
– The purpose of information collected is to determine suitability, eligibility, or qualifications for a
Loan of Service Agreement with CAF Overseas Schools. Performance evaluations will be
retained in a personnel file.
– All information collected and retained is in accordance with the Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act.
– Information related to staff will be retained in electronic and hard copy files and will be used to
research legal requirements for allowances, salary reimbursement and benefits, recruitment and
selection and information reporting.
– DND Human Resources staff, DND administrators (e.g. Principals, Vice-Principals, Directors,
Supervisors, teachers, administration staff, lawyers or interview committee) may review
information retained in electronic and hard copy files on a need-to-know basis.
– Personal information is retained and secured within CAF Overseas Schools offices unless
temporarily at an off-site location during the recruitment and selection process.
CAF Overseas Schools – Recruitment Information 2018 4/8SECTION 4 - SCREENING (MEDICAL, SECURITY AND EDUCATIONAL)
4.1 The selected teacher and their family must undergo the screening process and meet the same
requirements as military families post to Europe. The screening includes medical, educational, and
security. A green screen must be obtained in all areas for the teacher to receive a final LOSA offer. The
purpose of this section is to provide information on the screening process.
4.2 By early January, selected teachers will receive instructions and forms from CEM to outline
screening requirements.
MEDICAL
4.3 For medical screening, the selected teacher and their family members must undergo a thorough
medical screening through their family physician. The medical questionnaire is to be completed by their
physician.
4.4 The medical screening shall be made based upon the following considerations:
– medical facilities at the new overseas assignment may be limited;
– treatment may be conducted in a foreign language;
– minor medical problems may be aggravated by climatic or other conditions overseas;
– the emotional stability of the teacher and family;
– problems of emotional maladjustment and delinquency in dependent children;
Note:
1) Some medications are banned in other countries.
2) The stress associated with a new environment accentuated by problems with a foreign language,
isolation and poor or non-existent means of communication, may aggravate problems and result
in early termination of the assignment.
4.5 A number of medical conditions and psychosocial situations are not compatible with an
assignment overseas, including, but not limited to, the following:
– applicants who are experiencing marital or financial problems;
– applicants requiring medications banned in other countries, and
– applicants with medical and emotional stability and adjustment issues.
4.6 Teachers should not apply if they know in advance of any medical problems that would preclude
them or any of their dependents from meeting the medical requirements for an assignment overseas.
SECURITY
4.7 Teachers selected for an assignment overseas require a National Defence security clearance
(Enhanced Reliability Check).
4.8 Selected teachers must also obtain a recent Police Record Check.
EDUCATIONAL
4.9 Dependants of selected teachers are entitled to attend the school, SIS or AIS, where the teacher
is assigned without charge.
4.10 Each child under the age of 23 must screen green through the educational screening process.
CAF Overseas Schools do not offer special education programs and students with significant educational,
behavioural or emotional needs may be screened red.
CAF Overseas Schools – Recruitment Information 2018 5/8SECTION 5 - PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
5.1 LOSA teachers and principals are expected to meet the requirements of their position in an
independent and effective manner. There are no additional supports available at the CAF Overseas
Schools for those whose performance needs improvement. Professional learning and team work is
encouraged at all times.
5.2 CAF Overseas Schools do not complete Teacher / Principal evaluations. Teacher / Principal
evaluation is the responsibility of the employing school board in Canada. They do however complete a
performance assessment for all LOSA staff. These follow Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines.
CAF Overseas Schools is committed to the Annual Learning Plan process as an opportunity for teachers
to reflect on their performance and to decide on specific teaching and professional learning goals.
Teachers submit an Annual Learning Plan each school year. The Annual Learning Plan must reflect the
School Improvement Plan.
SECTION 6 - ALLOWANCES ASSOCIATED WITH A LOSA ASSIGNMENT
6.1 Once selected for an assignment, teachers are entitled to allowances to assist with relocation to
and from Europe, housing costs in Europe and the differences in the cost of living. Allowances are
approved by Treasury Board. This section will provide a brief overview of the allowances you may be
entitled to receive.
CAUTION: Dollar amounts associated with allowances are subject to change without notice, due to
market or exchange rate variations. Some change on a yearly basis while others may
change monthly. Teachers should always be cautious and prudent when making definite
financial plans based on foreign allowances.
6.2 Selected teachers will be briefed about their entitlements during their House-Hunting Trip (i.e.,
rent ceiling, rent share, utility allowance and utility charges applicable to their situation).
SALARIES
6.3 A teacher accepted for an assignment as a classroom teacher will receive their salary stipulated
in their Board collective agreement.
6.4 A Principal accepted for an assignment as a Principal will receive their salary based on the
position they held prior to selection for an assignment with CAF Overseas Schools.
6.5 Teachers will not continue to receive any allowances they may have been receiving for special
duties, responsibilities, location, or other circumstances related to duties with their school system in
Canada (i.e., Department Head). Allowances paid for university degrees under the Board salary
agreement are accepted as part of the teacher's reimbursable salary.
POST-LIVING ALLOWANCE (PLA)
6.6 The cost of living in Europe is higher than in Ottawa, therefore DND provides a non-taxable
allowance to compensate for the higher costs of purchasing goods and services at post.
CAF Overseas Schools – Recruitment Information 2018 6/8FOREIGN SERVICE ALLOWANCES
6.7 The Foreign Service Allowances consist of the following two allowances:
– the Foreign Service Premium (FSP) is paid at a monthly rate to cover expenses not specifically
covered by other allowances and benefits; and
– The Post Specific Allowance (PSA) is paid at a monthly rate and is specific to the costs
associated with a geographical location.
VACATION TRAVEL ALLOWANCE (VTA)
6.8 If a teacher is authorized for a second LOSA and upon commencement of their third year, a
teacher and any dependents residing with the teacher shall be entitled to a VTA to assist them with travel
to Canada or another location. This is a one time, non-taxable allowance. It must be reconciled with
supporting documents and receipts before the end of LOSA assignment and the teacher returns to
Canada.
COMPASSIONATE TRAVEL
6.9 Teachers might be entitled to a Compassionate Travel Allowance for transportation and
travelling expenses arising from compassionate leave in the event of:
– a serious illness (including serious injury) of a dependant child being educated away from the
post; or
– the critical illness or death of a parent, a brother or a sister of the teacher or spouse, a member of
the family unit, or a non-dependent child.
HEALTH INSURANCE
6.10 Teachers, as well as their accompanying dependents, are covered for the duration of their
assignment by a DND medical plan. This plan is intended to replace provincial health care coverage (i.e.,
OHIP). DND assumes the full cost of this medical plan.
6.11 A teacher’s board medical plan should be retained for supplemental insurance items such as
medication or dental, as the DND medical plan does not cover these items.
ACCOMMODATIONS OVERSEAS
6.12 A teacher can acquire suitable living accommodations in Brunssum, NL or Casteau, BE that are
generally comparable to, but not necessarily equal to, the size and nature of the accommodation
available in Canada. Overseas accommodations are usually unfurnished.
6.13 Military quarters are not available for teachers. Accommodations are usually located within 25
km of the school.
6.14 Rental costs for accommodations are shared between the teacher and DND. The teacher pays
a monthly rent share and DND pays a portion of the rental costs. The size of the accommodations are
based on the family size and the rent share is calculated based on annual income.
CAF Overseas Schools – Recruitment Information 2018 7/8SECTION 7: MOVING TO EUROPE
HOUSE HUNTING TRIP (HHT)
7.1 To secure living accommodations, DND will pay for travel overseas during a period of school
closure (usually during March /April Break) for a House hunting Trip (HHT) for the selected teacher and
their spouse.
7.2 During the HHT, teachers will be briefed overseas allowances and receive assistance locating
accommodations suited to the needs of the teacher / family.
MOVING AND TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS
7.3 DND will arrange for the relocation of the teacher and their accompanying dependents (i.e., air
travel and household goods).
7.4 DND will pay to move furniture and effects to Europe. Any furniture and effects remaining in
Canada will be stored and insured by DND. Teachers are subject to the same furniture and effects weight
restrictions as regular members of the Canadian Armed Forces moving overseas.
7.5 DND does not pay for costs associated with the sale, nor rental of a teacher’s principal
residence.
PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLES (PMV)
7.6 Teachers are entitled to ship one vehicle overseas. Teachers may be authorized to store one
vehicle in Canada.
PETS
7.7 All reasonable travelling expenses incurred in moving pets to/from Europe will be reimbursed up
to a maximum of $650 Canadian, regardless of the number of pets moved. The teacher is responsible for
all arrangements associated with the relocation of pets.
FAMILY CONSIDERATIONS
7.8 For a selected teacher in Belgium (SHAPE), it is important to note that international agreements
do not allow for common-law partners to accompany the teacher. In such a case, the teacher would need
to have a notarized agreement.
TIMELINES – MOVE TO EUROPE
7.9 The following information provides a general timeline for the move process:
House Hunting Trip (HHT)
March / April
HHT must coincide with spring break at teacher’s current school
Ship Private Motor Vehicle (PMV)
Late June
Pack and Move Household Goods & Effects (HG&E)
July 1 Accommodation available in Europe
Mid-July Flight to Europe
Late-July Move into accommodation in Europe
August Submit claim for moving expenses
CAF Overseas Schools – Recruitment Information 2018 8/8You can also read
