Application Form

FAQ for International Teachers

1. What is Teachers Council?

Teachers Council (TC) has become a recognized contributor to education. TC is a non-profit educational organization with a commitment to excellence in education and international relations. Teachers Council has a mission to provide qualified degreed teachers to all schools throughout the U.S. Improving the quality of education for children, while changing the lives of teacher and student alike has been the focus and direction of Teachers Council.

TC searches the world for talented teachers dedicated to educational excellence. International teachers from countries around the world integrate culture and knowledge to create an educational environment for students of all ages. Our teachers are exceptional, highly motivated and experienced professionals who are eager to bring their instructional talents, skills and cultures into our U.S. classrooms. The international teachers will present a classroom environment for students to enable them to develop a better understanding of their world and themselves.

2. How much money will I make?

Your salary will be commensurate with your experience and area of specialty, and will be in line with the salaries offered to other teachers in a given school district or city. Teachers in "high-need areas" ( high-need varies but is often defined to include some or all of the following subjects: special education, Spanish bilingual, foreign language, math and science, and possibly others); teachers with many years of experience; and teachers with post-graduate degrees (master’s degrees and doctorates) can expect to receive higher starting compensation. It will be primarily the teachers’ responsibility to ensure that credit is given for their years of experience overseas once they arrive in America, but Teachers Council will provide some guidance and support. Salaries will vary in different parts of the country, given the differences in cost of living and other factors.

3. How many interviews and job offers can I expect?

The success of Teachers Council’s international teacher program has sparked interest from schools throughout the United States. School recruiters will be traveling all over the world throughout the year to conduct live interviews with teachers and make job offers. Some candidates receive job offers after only one or two interviews. Other candidates conduct 5 or more interviews before being hired. Teachers Council will go to great lengths to ensure that you have maximum exposure to American schools and every opportunity to interview for the job of your dreams!

4. What is my investment for this opportunity?

Very little financial investment is necessary for the chance to earn more money than you ever could as a teacher in your home country . Your local counselor will explain all costs in greater detail, but you will be responsible for all costs associated with interviewing for the job (interviewing in your home country with an American school recruiter); obtaining your visa; and relocating to America upon receiving your job offer. Teachers Council defers its nominal agency fee until the job offer.

5. For which American schools is Teachers Council recruiting teachers?

Teachers Council works with many schools of different shapes and sizes, all over America. It is difficult to predict which school(s) will offer you a job, because it is based on so many factors. Teachers Council ensures that all participating schools offer competitive salaries, a strong support structure and the opportunity for you to grow personally and professionally.

6. How soon after being hired, will I be asked to relocate to America and begin teaching?

This will vary, depending upon when you are hired and when the school district requires your presence. You may be asked to relocate immediately if you land a job during the school year, which is August to May. Often schools like to take teachers either at the beginning of the school year (August) or at the conclusion of Winter Break (early January). The expected relocation time will be made known to you prior to or during the interview, and it will be a minimum of 14 days.

7. Will I be teaching at a public school or private school?

The words "public" and "private" mean different things in different countries. In America, "public schools" are those funded by the government and tax-payers. They are free for children to attend, and the vast majority of students attend public schools. "Private schools" are those schools where tuition is paid by the parents of the attending student. Most job opportunities will be with public schools, but this detail will be made known to you before the interview.

8. My English communication skills are poor. Do I have any hope?

Effectively communicating with principals, administrators, students, parents, other faculty and the community will be very important to your success. Very few schools will risk hiring someone with whom they do not feel comfortable communicating. We strongly recommend that the teacher enrolls in English courses in their home country to improve their accent and fluency.

9. Are there any age restrictions for your program?

Teachers Council will accept the application of anyone interested in coming to America. However, the person (regardless of age) must prove to be well-qualified. They must have graduated from a university and had three years teaching experience.

10. Do teacher salaries vary by grade level or subject area?

No. In the vast majority of schools, the teacher’s salary is determined by years of experience. Some districts may offer annual "stipends" for such things as post-graduate degrees (master’s or doctorate) or certifications in certain high-need subject areas.

11. How quickly will I get certified in the United States?

That is mostly up to you! Your dedication, aptitude and commitment will often determine the speed with which you obtain full certification in America. Teachers Council and your school administrators will guide you completely on all tasks necessary to obtain certification. In most cases, you will be required to pass one or more state-mandated tests, for which ample study tools and tutoring sessions are available. Teachers Council and your nearest international office affiliate will guide you on all certification-related documents needed to be collected by you before you depart your home country for America, for the purpose of submitting to the necessary state board of education’s certification department to obtain full state certification.

12. Will my school-aged children receive free education in America?

YES! All children between the grades of kindergarten through high school (12th grade) will receive the same quality of education offered to American children. Your children will be enrolled into the school system according to your residence location. Teachers Council will guide you on getting your children enrolled into the school system immediately upon their arrival to the United States. In regards to college enrollment, the high school counselors will guide your college-aged children on how to enroll, receive financial aid, etc.

13. Can I speak with a teacher from Teachers Council’s program who is already working in America?

Certainly! We have many teachers available by phone or email that would be glad to speak with you and share their experiences. Who knows … maybe you will make a new friend who can become your mentor when you get hired and relocated to America! Please contact your local office for information.

14. How can I best prepare for the upcoming interviews with schools?

Teachers Council and your nearest international affiliate office has many resources for you to utilize as you prepare – including books, materials, Web sites, suggestions and other invaluable resources that have helped get many other teachers hired. The choice of whether or not to take advantage of these materials is yours.

15. Will I have a mentor to guide me when I join my new school in America?

Hopefully you will have more than just a mentor – Teachers Council and your employer will work hard to surround you with the necessary infrastructure to succeed. All school districts have extensive training, orientation and mentor programs that will help acclimate you into the system. Furthermore, you will have access to many Teachers Council teachers already working in America, who can give you tips, suggestions and invaluable advice! Finally, you have Teachers Council, which is available for you to answer your questions and field your comments. It is our hope that someday you will become a mentor to another teacher who is coming to America for the first time, and that you can extend the same welcome to them as was extended to you when you initially arrived!

16. I have relatives or friends living in America who wish to help me pay my initial registration and/or other fees associated with this program. Can that be arranged?

Certainly! Simply email us at request@tc-ja.com with the details of your situation and payment can be made to our headquarters from anywhere in America – or around the world!

17. How much does it cost to live in the USA?

Cost of living is different in every city and state, and it is based on many factors. Many Web sites are also available to discuss and compare different costs of living for different cities, states and regions throughout America. As part of its relocation assistance, Teachers Council can assist you and your family in preparing a budget, based on cost of living, your salary and your personal financial needs. Teachers Council will also provide lots of tips, suggestions and best practices for living cost-efficiently in America.

18. If I live far away from one of your international affiliate offices, will I be able to conduct interviews from nearby to my hometown?

Certainly. Many teachers conduct interviews from the comfort of their own home. Some teachers have purchased a PC Web-cam that allows hiring administrators and principals to see them live anywhere in the world while they are speaking on the phone. Teachers Council will work hard to minimize your expenses during the interview process, making it as mutually convenient as possible for both the candidates and the schools.

19. I have friends or relatives living in America, or another country, who wish to take advantage of this program. How can they start the process?

Simply apply online at our website www.tc-ja.com and a representative will be in contact with them. Much of the information regarding our program is available online.

20. Once hired, do I have the option of bringing my dependents?

Yes, you can bring some, none or all of your dependents, including a spouse and any number of your unmarried children under age 21. They will come on a H-4 visa. The spouse may travel to the US after 180 days of arrival of the teacher and can accept employment only with the authorization of the INS (Immigration & Naturalization Services).

21. What benefits packages are offered to teachers?

Benefits packages vary by school district, but most include some, most or all of the following: Medical, vision and dental insurance for the employee (family is extra); paid vacation days; teacher retirement savings program; various signing bonuses or stipends; and other benefits that will be made known to the candidate at the time of the job offer or earlier. J-1 teachers have special requirements in terms of medical insurance, TC will inform the teachers of these matters.

22. What happens if I lose my job in America?

Teachers Council will work hard to make sure you have long-lasting employment in America, but Teachers Council obviously cannot guarantee this. If termination of employment is due to your actions, behavior or performance, Teachers Council will work hard to remediate you and get you back on the path of success. If your loss of employment is due to circumstances beyond your control, Teachers Council will do everything possible to find you new employment (though this may require your flexibility in relocating geographically). Teachers Council does not anticipate this problem for many, if any, of its excellent teachers working hard in America.

23. What guarantee do I have that I will be hired?

Teachers Council cannot guarantee that you will receive a job. Our track record of performance and excellence speaks for itself, and we have structured our organization in such a way that it will inevitably fail if we do not successfully place our teachers in America. Preparing for, and performing well during the interviews, is the responsibility of the candidate – though Teachers Council will furnish ample preparation materials. Teachers Council will only accept those candidates into its program who meet the strict requirements and display the professionalism, personality and dynamic qualities desired by American schools today.

24. Can I request a specific city, state or region for placement?

Teachers Council welcomes these requests and will do everything possible to grant those requests. However, the Company strongly suggests that candidates accept the first attractive offer that is made to them. Teachers Council cannot predict which schools will need any given teachers at any given time, so by making specific requests and not interviewing or applying with other districts, could significantly reduce a candidate’s opportunity for timely and efficient hiring and relocation to America.

25. Will I be able to visit my home country while on H-1B visa?

Yes! You will have the freedom to visit your home country during any of the holiday or summer breaks. Any travel costs will be the expense of the teacher. Teachers Council asks that all teachers contact Teachers Council to inform them of any out-of-country travel to make sure there are no expected problems or difficulties returning, given the ever-changing visa laws and regulations.

26. Will I be able to attend college classes or pursue other academic coursework while teaching?

Yes, you will have every opportunity to participate in any coursework offered by a local college or university, or any other you wish to explore. Often schools encourage their teachers to take workshops, classes or attend conferences to learn more about their students. Teachers Council recommends that all teachers spend at least their first full year focusing on the task of performing well in the classroom and becoming an effective American teacher , before pursuing other time-intensive academic challenges.

27. Will I have opportunities to grow professionally?

Yes! In fact, you will likely be required to complete a certain amount of "professional development" hours or courses. Tremendous funds are put toward training teachers and equipping you with new materials, skills, practices and tools to make you more effective!

28. How do we get started?

Contact your local agent or Teachers Council immediately via email at info@teacherscouncil.com to begin.

29. Is there an annual limit on the number of H-1B aliens?

Yes. The current law limits to 65,000 the number of aliens who may be issued a visa or otherwise provided H-1B status in FY2005.

30. How long can an alien be in H-1B status?

Under current law, an alien can be in H-1B status for a maximum period of six years (3 years + extension of another 3 years) at a time.

31. Who can an H-1B alien work for?

H-1B aliens may only work for the petitioning U.S. employer and only in the H-1B activities described in the petition. The petitioning U.S. employer may place the H-1B worker on the worksite of another employer if all applicable rules (e.g., Department of Labor rules) are followed. H-1B aliens may work for more than one U.S. employer, but must have a Form I-129 petition approved by each employer.

32. What if the alien’s circumstances change?

As long as the alien continues to provide H-1B services for a U.S. employer, most changes will not mean that an alien is out of status. An alien may change H-1B employers without affecting status, but the new H-1B employer must file a new Form I-129 petition for the alien before he or she begins working for the new employer. The merger or sale of an H-1B employer’s business will not affect the alien’s status in many instances. However, if the change means that the alien is working in a capacity other than the specialty occupation for which they petitioned, it is a status violation.

33. Must an H-1B alien be working at all times?

As long as the employer/employee relationship exists, an H-1B alien is still in status. An H-1B alien may work in full or part-time employment and remain in status. An H-1B alien may also be on vacation, sick/maternity/paternity leave, on strike, or otherwise inactive without affecting his or her status.

34. Can an H-1B alien travel outside the U.S.?

Yes. An H-1B visa allows an alien holding that status to reenter the U.S. during the validity period of the visa and approved petition.

35. Can an H-1B alien intend to immigrate permanently to the U.S.?

Yes. An H-1B alien can be the beneficiary of an immigrant visa petition, apply for adjustment of status, or take other steps toward Lawful Permanent Resident status without affecting H-1B status. This is known as "dual intent" and has been recognized in the immigration law since passage of the Immigration Act of 1990. During the time that the application for LPR status is pending, an alien may travel on his or her H-1B visa rather than obtaining advance parole or requesting other advance permission from the USCIS to return to the U.S.

36. How long does it take to complete a H-1B application?

US Government Processing time approximately 1-3 months, subject to available allocations. There is a great demand for H-1B visas and the allocation is used almost as soon as it becomes available. Applications can be made as early as April 1 for the allocation of the following fiscal year. The allocations become available when the fiscal year begins, October 1 st of each year. Thus, shortly after October 1 the full allocation is used. Therefore, it is extremely important that applications are filed with USCIS during the late spring and summer.

37. Can H-1B Beneficiary bring his/her family members to the US?

Yes. H-1B Beneficiary can bring his/her family members (spouse and children under age of 18/21) to the US under H-4 visa.