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Frequently Asked Question
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.
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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.
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. 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.
14. 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.
16. Will I be able to attend college classes or pursue other academic coursework while teaching?
Yes. In many cases, coursework will be expected for professional development.
17) What visa should I obtain?
You might obtain either J-1 (Exchange Visitor) Visa or H-1B
(Specialty Occupation) visa.
You must comply with the requirement of US government regulations and
sponsoring organization.
Teachers in the US FAQ
1. I am in the US already and wish to change my visa status. Can Teachers Council provide assistance?
In many cases, Yes. TC can make arrangements for a qualified legal counsel to represent you for your immigration needs. You must have the appropriate qualifications and an appropriate job offer to qualify for most visa classes, such as H-1B or EB-3 (Green Card). If you have any pending employment, please contact TC at info@teacherscouncil.com to find out if you qualify and what services we can provide for you.
2. How much will it cost for me to change my visa status?
You will be required to pay for legal and government fees, as well as any required evaluation/certification costs. For a detailed breakdown of the fees, please e-mail us for an estimate.
3. Will my family be able to change status?
Yes. Please inquire about the visa status you wish to obtain to learn the specific requirements.
4. Can TC find a job offer for me?
TC does not provide direct placement services for teachers who are in the US . However, TC can provide you with information about upcoming job fairs and teaching vacancies to assist you with your search for employment.
5. I have a J visa. Do I need to return to my home country?
It depends on your agreement with your J-1 sponsor. You should comply with all the requirements of your J-1 sponsor based on any existing contract you may have with them.
US Schools FAQ
1. What fees will my school have to pay to TC?
None - at any time! All legal and government fees are paid for by the teachers.
2. What services can TC provide for my school?
TC can provide you with complete teacher recruitment services (J-1 visa), as well as a wide variety of immigration services for your international staff. TC can arrange for an immigration legal counsel to provide H-1B, H-1B Extension, or EB-2 / EB-3 (Green Card) services for your international teachers at any time.
3. How does TC select teachers for its program?
All teachers must meet minimum requirements, including a bachelor's degree and experience teaching in the subject area, English fluency, and eligibility for certification in the US . Teachers are pre-screened so that we can arrange the best matches between our candidates and your school.
4. What is the hiring process?
You can refer to the description in our Staffing Services page. In short, we will provide resumes and documentation for your review, arrange for a phone or webcam interview (or an in-person interview when available), and then process the teacher's visa once you agree to hire them.
5. Who is responsible for relocating and settling the teacher in America?
TC will provide relocation assistance with housing, social security applications, and more.
6. Are there any minimum hiring requirements?
No. TC will arrange as many or as little interviews as you prefer, with no obligation to hire at any time.
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