International Teachers FAQ

1. What is Teachers Council?

TC is a non-profit educational organization that assists international teachers come to, or remain in, the US . We provide complete assistance to teachers and schools, including recruitment, immigration / visa processing, and relocation services. Both international teachers from outside the US and within have benefitted from TC's services.

2. How much money will I make?

Schools will always make the final determination in your salary. Salaries are based on your experience and education level, as well as the local cost of living. Teachers can also expect to receive the same benefits packages as US teachers, including medical, dental, and life insurance, as well as retirement benefits. You should consult with your school for more information about the benefits offered.

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

This varies from candidate to candidate based on individual performance at interviews. TC will maintain your application indefinitely and attempt to match your background to as many schools as possible.

4. What fees are involved?

TC offers the lowest cost of any teacher program available. For a more specific breakdown of the costs involved, please contact our staff at info@teacherscouncil.com.

5. Where will I work?

TC cooperates with all interested schools throughout the US . Although we are capable of working with any school district, many of our teachers have been placed in California, Arizona, the Mid-Atlantic (Pennsylvania, Maryland, DC, Virginia), and the South (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Florida).

TC will find the best opportunities for you and provide the greatest match between the school's needs and your qualifications.

6. How quickly will I begin teaching after being hired?

It depends on the type of visa you are applying for. Typically, teachers are able to relocate to the US within 4-6 weeks of the job offer. There are many factors involved that may allow you to arrive earlier or cause a delay. For best results, teachers should pay all the necessary legal and government fees as early as possible after the job offer. Also, after visa approval, you should immediately schedule an interview at the nearest US consulate in order to obtain a visa stamp in your passport.

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

Most job offers will be from public schools, but we will work with any school that has interest in hiring you.

8. Will I need to obtain a teaching certificate in the United States?

Yes. Public schools and most charter schools require teachers to obtain a teaching certificate within the first 1-2 years of teaching. You can learn more information about the teaching certificate requirements from your new school's Human Resources department. In addition, TC will provide general certification assistance during your relocation to the US .

9. Can I bring my family with me to the US?

Yes. You can bring some, none or all of your dependents, including a spouse and any number of your unmarried children under age 21.

10. Can my spouse work in the US?

It depends on your visa type. You should check carefully about the requirements and restrictions on your visa.

11. Can my children attend public schools in America?

Yes. All children in the US from grades Kindergarten through 12 (roughly ages 5 - 17) will receive the same quality of education at public schools regardless of their nation of origin.

12. How can I best prepare for interviews with schools?

After we arrange an interview, a TC staff member will provide you with materials to assist you with preparation. These materials include sample interview questions that you may expect to hear.

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

TC provides continuing support to teachers and works with school systems to develop transitional programs for new teachers. You will receive guidance and mentorship from staff in your new school.

14. 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?

Any interested teacher should complete our online application form.

15. Will I be able to visit my home country?

Yes. You will be able to depart and re-enter the US as long as you have a valid visa stamp in your passport and your employment is active. You should maintain a clear record of all dates of travel in and out of the US for any future visa applications.