Principal's Corner

Dr. TJ Klein, a native of Flint, Michigan, proudly grew up in an Air Force family. As a decorated Air Force veteran and former weather forecaster, he has lived across the United States—including Michigan, Arizona, and South Carolina—and in several overseas locations. These various experiences have shaped his deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by military-connected students and families. Serving military communities is not just a profession for Dr. Klein—it is a profound honor and privilege.

Dr. Klein and his wife are proud empty nesters, with their adult children now pursuing their own paths. Each of their children attended DoDEA schools either overseas or on military installations, further strengthening Dr. Klein’s connection to the DoDEA mission. As a family, they have lived in or visited more than 20 countries, embracing new cultures, building relationships, and serving others along the way.

Dr. Klein holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration (Ed.D), a Master of Arts in Elementary Education (MAED), a Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM), an Associate of Applied Science in Meteorology (AAS), an Associate of Arts (AA), and a Graduate Certificate in Gifted and Talented Education.

Now in his 24th year in education, Dr. Klein has served in a variety of roles across DoDEA and U.S. public schools—including teaching middle school science, physical education, and grades 3–8 in self-contained classrooms. His leadership journey includes positions as Principal, Interim Principal, Assistant Principal, MTSS Coordinator, CSI Chairperson, Grade Level Chair, head coach for basketball and soccer, and active collaboration with PTSA. His career has taken him to Michigan, Arizona, South Carolina (Ft. Jackson – DoDEA Americas), Korea (Daegu ES – DoDEA Pacific West), Germany (Netzaberg ES – DoDEA Europe East and Spangdahlem ES – DoDEA Europe West), and now Okinawa, Japan (Ralph Stearley Primary School – DoDEA Pacific South).

Outside of school, Dr. Klein enjoys mentoring others, traveling, reading, writing, and playing card games—though he admits he often loses to his wife. He is honored to serve the families of Stearley Primary School and the broader Kadena Air Base community as part of DoDEA Pacific South.

With Panda PRIDE,

 Dr. TJ Klein

Principal

Ralph F. Stearley Primary School

DoDEA – Pacific South

Email: theodore.klein@dodea.edu

CIV: 098-961-0093

DSN: 634-0093