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Teach in a U.S. School

Calling all talented teachers! Sharpen your skills and gain valuable experience by teaching in the U.S.
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  • Overview

    Greenheart Exchange’s Teach USA program connects enthusiastic, highly-qualified international teachers with U.S. host schools to promote cultural understanding and public diplomacy.

    The purpose of the Teach USA program is to promote interaction and enhance mutual understanding between U.S. and international teachers. Participating teachers are placed in a K-12 host school for 1-3 years and teach a wide range of subjects. During this program, teachers can expect to sharpen their professional skills and take part in cross-cultural activities within their schools and local communities.

    Greenheart Exchange provides two (2) program options:

    • Self-Placed (SP): placements are arranged directly between the teacher and a Teach USA approved host school, supplemented by Greenheart Exchange’s sponsorship.

     

    • Best Practices for Host School Approval:
      •  If you are a self-placed teacher with an official offer and/or Letter of Intent, ensure your host school completes the host school application immediately; all new host schools must be approved by Greenheart Exchange prior to an official placement approval.
      • To assist in locating an accredited host school in the U.S., we recommend a registry such as Cognia.  There are several accreditation agencies available to host schools. Keep in mind accreditation will vary school to school. Recognized by state does not satisfy proof of accreditation. Confirm with your host school, prior to signing an employment offer letter or contract, that they are in fact accredited and are an approved host school per Greenheart’s guidelines.
      • See Greenheart Exchange’s MAP for U.S. states Greenheart is authorized to place in public schools for international teachers. Note that restrictions per state may apply and may be amended at any time.
      • If your host school is not approved, your school representative will need to submit a School Inquiry Form.

     

    • Full Program (FP): placements are facilitated by Greenheart Exchange Teach USA, matching accredited host schools with a qualified, experienced teacher.

    ****   PLEASE NOTE:  THE APPLICATION PERIOD IS CLOSED FOR THE 2022-23 ACADEMIC YEAR.  Please see our Program Deadline section for further information.   ****

  • Eligibility

    All Teach USA applicants must:

    • Meet the qualifications for teaching at the primary or secondary levels in schools in their country of nationality.
    • Have a degree equivalent to a 4-year U.S. bachelor’s degree in Education or the academic subject field in which they intend to teach.
    • Have a minimum of 2 years teaching or related professional experience.
    • Satisfy the teaching eligibility standards of the U.S. state in which he or she will teach, including any required criminal background checks.
    • Be of good reputation and character.
    • Agree to come to the U.S. as a full-time teacher of record in an accredited primary (including pre-kindergarten) or secondary school.
    • Be proficient in English. Teachers will be interviewed in English to assess verbal ability and comprehension.
    • Be working as a teacher at the time of application.

    Applicants NOT working as a teacher at the time of application must:

    • Meet the qualifications for teaching at the primary or secondary levels in schools in his or her home country (including pre-kindergarten).
    • Have at least two years of full-time teaching experience within the past eight years.
    • Have completed an advanced degree (in Education or in the academic area he or she intends to teach) within 12 months of his or her application submission date for the program
    • Have a completed Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) prior to interviewing with a Greenheart Exchange host school.

    Greenheart Exchange partners with a third-party entity, offering discounted rates to our applicants. For more information, please contact the Teach USA team.

  • BridgeUSA Program

    The Teach USA Program is part of the US Department of State’s BridgeUSA programming.

    • The US Department of State administers 15 categories of the BridgeUSA Program
    • The BridgeUSA Program provides international candidates an opportunity to gain valuable work and study experience in the U.S.
    • The J-1 Teacher visa is a 3-year exchange visa for international teachers coming to the U.S. to teach, which can be extended 2 years for 5 years total
    • Teachers are required to organize 2 cross-cultural activities (CCA) per year with their host school and local community

    Greenheart Exchange is a Department of State (DOS) designated Exchange Visitor Program J-1 visa sponsor for many BridgeUSA programs, such as:

    • Teacher
    • Secondary School (High School Programs Department)
    • Intern
    • Trainee
    • Summer Work Travel

  • The Department of State

    This program is formally administered through the US Department of State through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

    The US Department of State

    • Creates program regulations and ensures sponsors, participants, and schools are compliant with the program rules
    • Communicates with sponsors to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the participants
    • Approves program placements, extensions, and provides sponsors with DS-2019 forms for participants seeking J-1 visas

    Greenheart Exchange’s Role as Visa Sponsor:

    • Greenheart Exchange is your J-1 visa sponsor while you are in the U.S.
    • Greenheart Exchange approves, places, and monitors international teachers in U.S. schools with help from our overseas partners
    • We provide 24/7 program support to all teachers on our program in order to ensure health, safety, and well-being
    • We work with host schools to guide you through school interviews, visa interviews, and arrival logistics to the U.S.

  • Fees

    Teach USA’s Program fees are variable and depend upon program type, program length, and whether you are a direct applicant to Greenheart or an applicant through one of Greenheart’s partners. Additionally, there are several non-refundable fees associated with each step of the application process and other fees that are specific to each applicant. See below for the full list of program pricing and services provided.

    Program Fees

    • 1-Year Program Fee – $1,655-$2,790
    • 1-Year Extension Fee – $1,050
    • Years 4-5 Extension Fee – $500
    • J2 Dependent Fee – $450 per year

    Application Processing Fees (non-refundable)

    • Application Fee – $200
    • U.S. Government Fees – SEVIS fee ($220) and Visa Interview Fee ($160)
    • Foreign Credential Evaluation Fee – $150-$220
    • Flat Rate Courier Fee – $60 per overseas shipment

    Program Fees include the following:

    • J-1 Visa Sponsorship (DS-2019 form)
    • Pre-Departure Virtual Orientation
    • Discounted Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) services
    • 24/7 in-country support from Greenheart Exchange
    • 90-day medical insurance coverage upon arrival
    • Emergency medical evacuation insurance provided for the full program length
    • Placement with an approved and accredited U.S. Host School (Full Program)

    Program Fees do not include the following:

    • Partner recruitment fees
    • Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) Course Analysis
    • Airfare to and from the U.S.
    • Housing, transportation, meals, and personal expenses
    • Subsidized medical insurance premiums (for insurance plans offered through school employers)

    Additional Expenses

    • State Teaching License $100-$200
    • Lost/destroyed DS-2019 Replacement $50 + shipping
    • Foreign Credential Evaluation (with Spantran) $150-$220
    • Change of Host School Fee – $300
    • 7-Month Insurance Plan $500
    • 12-Month Insurance Plan $720
    *Note: All participants are subject to fees associated with the Greenheart Exchange Program Cancellation Policy.

    Cancellation Period

    Cancellation Fee

    Visa Denial Fee

    Cancellation request received at least 28 days before DS 2019 start date

    $500

    $250

    Cancellation request received 27-1 day(s) before DS 2019 start date

    $1,000

    $500

    Cancellation request received on or after DS 2019 start date

    Entire program fee

    Entire program fee

  • Regulations

    The BridgeUSA Program fosters global understanding through educational and cultural exchanges. All exchange visitors are expected to return to their home country upon completion of their program in order to share their exchange experiences.

    Greenheart Exchange is committed to making sure that our teachers are safe during their time in the U.S. The information on this page will provide you with up-to-date program regulations and expectations. Please contact us directly with any questions.

    Department of State Resources
    Greenheart Exchange Notification Requirements

    Teachers and host schools are required to notify Greenheart Exchange of the following situations:

    • Teachers must check-in with Greenheart Exchange and provide their housing address within 72 hours of their arrival to the U.S.
    • Teachers must check-in with Greenheart Exchange every 30 days throughout the duration of their program.
    • Teachers must notify Greenheart Exchange of any changes in their housing address within 48 hours of the change.
    • There is a concern for the teacher’s health, safety and well-being.
    • The teacher’s DS-2019 Form is lost, stolen, or damaged.
    • The teacher leaves, quits, or is fired from the host school for any reason.
    • The teacher intends to travel internationally.
    • The teacher has issues processing a Social Security card application.
    • The teacher has issues with wages or taxes.
    • The teacher has issues with their job duties.
    • The teacher is not abiding by the rules and regulations set forth by their sponsor, the U.S. Department of State and by their host school, in the form of contracts, employee handbooks, etc.
    Exchange Visitor Rights

    All Exchange Visitors are entitled to the same legal protections as U.S. residents and citizens. Please review the following resources regarding rights and protections of participants on the Teacher Exchange Program:

    I-9 Form: Employment Eligibility Verification
    • All host schools are required to ensure proper completion and retention of the I-9 Form on the teacher’s first day. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides a variety of resources for host schools on their website.
    • Social Security Number: Teachers will need to apply for a Social Security card (if they have never been issued one). Host schools should be aware that the Social Security card application can take up to 6 weeks, and teachers can begin their program during this time. Please see the additional resources below:
    U.S. Tax Withholdings

    Teachers are required to be on regular payroll and must complete Form W-4 at the start of their program. Teachers are required to pay federal, state, and local (if applicable) income taxes and are exempt from paying FICA and FUTA taxes. Please review additional resources below:

    Annual U.S. Tax Returns

    Host schools must provide W-2 forms to teachers in-line with Social Security Administration requirements. Teachers are required to file an individual tax return in-line with Internal Revenue Service requirements. Please review the additional resources below:

  • Program Timeline

    ****   PLEASE NOTE:  THE APPLICATION PERIOD IS CLOSED FOR THE 2022-23 ACADEMIC YEAR.  Please see our Program Deadline section for further information.   ****

    Application Reviews for 2022-23:  February 14, 2022

    Application Deadline for 2022-23 Full Placement:  Closed June 1, 2022

    Application Deadline for 2022-23 Self Placement:  Closed June 10, 2022

    U.S. Arrival Dates:        July – September

    U.S. School Year:            August – May

    Applications Open for 2023-24:  January 2023

    Note:  You may want to Check your eligibility now  —but please know, we will not begin to review or start scheduling interviews for qualified candidates for 2023-24 until February 2023. Thank you for your patience.

     

  • FAQs

    How do I apply for the Teach USA program?

    It’s simple! Begin by clicking the “Get Started” button. Greenheart Exchange will review your submission and contact you shortly.

    Who pays the Teach USA program fees?

    Participants are responsible for paying all fees associated with the Teach USA program. However, Greenheart does encourage schools to help pay for program fees if funding is available.

    What type of salary will I earn as a teacher?

    Teach USA teachers earn the same salary and benefits as their American counterparts. This is a requirement for all host schools in the Teach USA program.

    How do I become certified to teach in my U.S. host state and school?

    Teacher certification for international teachers is different state-by-state. The first step for all teachers is to undergo a Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE). Greenheart Exchange offers a unique discount for our teachers to expedite their FCE and save money in the process!

    What types of host schools am I eligible to teach at (public, charter, private, international)?

    Greenheart Exchange works with all types of accredited K-12 schools, provided they are supportive of international teachers and cultural exchange.

    What is the timeline of the Teach USA program?

    The U.S. school year typically runs from August to the following June.

    Can my spouse or children (dependents) accompany me to the U.S.?

    Yes! Spouses and children under 21 are eligible for sponsorship on a J-2 visa. Greenheart recommends that your family join you in the U.S. only after you have arrived at your placement, began teaching, and secured housing. Additionally, J-2 children can attend school in the U.S.

    Can my spouse work on a J-2 visa?

    Dependents may apply for an I-765 from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work throughout the duration of their stay.

    How long can I stay in the U.S.?

    Teachers can stay up to 3 years and may apply for an extension of 2 years for a possible total of 5 years.

  • Why Greenheart Exchange?

    Greenheart Exchange has been a J-1 visa sponsor for many years, and there are advantages to Greenheart being your visa sponsor:

    • 35 years of experience with cultural exchange programs
    • Hands-on support every step of the way
    • 24/7 emergency phone number to reach a staff member at any time
    • Pre-departure Webinar before you leave
    • We are a non-profit, mission-based organization
    • Continued support throughout your time in the USA

    We also have some unique offerings to our Greenheart Exchange teachers and alumni!

    Greenheart Grants

    Greenheart Grants are funds awarded to Greenheart teachers to use for community development projects in their host or home country. A Greenheart Grant is the opportunity to create, improve, or maintain an impactful, community-focused project abroad or at home. Grant funds could be applied to supporting women’s cooperatives, schools, community centers, or health clinics, for example. Grant winners will be featured on our website, social media, and blog. You can see a past Teach USA grant recipient project here.

    Greenheart Global Leaders Conference

    Each August Greenheart offers full-ride scholarships to over 40 alumni to attend our annual conference in Washington, DC. Participants even get a chance to advocate for cultural exchange in a presentation to the US Department of State. You can see more about what GGLC is and what you could do at the conference here.

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