J1 Teacher Program
Overview
Highly qualified professional teachers are continuously seeking for new experiences to grow their careers and expand their horizons. At Stratmore, we find your perfect match by creating bridges between your skills and the needs of our partner schools in the United States. Explore all possibilities and see your matches through our experienced exchange program experts. You may be the next one packing your bags on your way to reaching your dream job!
A. J-1 Visa Program for Exchange Teachers
The BridgeUSA Program is an Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa category program granted to qualified individuals subject to the rules and regulations of the US Department of State, visa sponsor and the host school. Through this program, qualified foreign national teachers can teach full time in accredited public and private primary and secondary schools.
B. Duration of the Program
J-1 teachers in the United States are eligible to teach for three (3) years, and may be eligible to extend their teaching contracts for an additional two (2) years contingent to performance and compliance with program rules. Teachers return to their home countries after the program to share their experiences and knowledge (refer to Rule 212E).
C. Program Benefits
All J-1 teachers are afforded the highest opportunities including professional development, cultural exchanges, and financial rewards. Throughout the program, teachers are exposed to the United States education system that enables them to increase their capacity and leverage their skill set. Their immersion in a school setting with various customs and traditions allows them to gain more insights about being culturally responsive in their professional practice.
Eligibility
The J1 Teacher Program is intended for licensed professional teachers in their home countries. To be eligible for this program, the following minimum requirements must be met:
• At the time of application, you should be actively teaching as an elementary (generalist) or secondary teacher in either private or public school in your home country. High needs content areas for high school teachers include Mathematics, Science, Special Education. Other content areas include English, Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Social Studies;
• Have a Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) report from SpanTran or WES to show that your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree in education and academic subject field in which you intend to teach;
• Have two years of teaching experience as a full time elementary or high school teacher in either public or private school in your home country;
• Have very good English communication skills both written and oral.
Application Process
• Revise your cover letter and resume using the Stratmore templates. Click HERE to access the templates.
• Send your cover letter and resume in word document, editable format (.pdf format is not acceptable) to jay@stratmoreconsultancy.com.
• Receive a pre-qualification email from Stratmore with instructions on paying a non-refundable registration fee of $200 (Php11,200) to begin your application process.
• Secure all documents and agreements with Stratmore.
Compliance
• The J1 visa cannot be converted into another type of visa.
• The J1 teacher must comply with the terms and conditions stated in the program. No one is allowed to do other activities other than what is stated in their visa.
• If the Rule 212E applies to a participant, the two-year home residency requirement must be fulfilled.