The U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program provides countless opportunities for international candidates looking to travel and gain experience in the United States. The multifaceted program enables foreign nationals to come to the U.S. to teach, study, conduct research, demonstrate special skills or receive on the job training for a period ranging from a few weeks to several years. –
U.S. Department of State.
The Illinois State Board of Education’s involvement in this program, as a sponsor of J-1 teachers, has over the years given hundreds of foreign teachers the opportunity to share their talents with Illinois students and families. ISBE offers Illinois school districts the opportunity to recruit highly qualified international teachers to teach in areas that fit their professional background, which are often areas that have teacher shortages in Illinois.
Visiting teachers have at least two years of experience. They make an initial one- to three-year commitment to teach in Illinois, if the school district agrees to rehire them, and can teach up to 5 years under the J-1 visa if they obtain a program extension approval from the U.S. Department of State. Participating districts employ these teachers in accordance with local regulations and policies.
