Teaching in the United States as a BridgeUSA exchange teacher through Spirit Cultural Exchange is a rewarding and enriching experience. However, finding a teaching job in a new country can be a challenging task. Follow the key steps below on how to find a teaching placement in the USA and you will maximize your chances to receive a qualified offer for the upcoming school year!
Step 1: Obtain a Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE)
If you are serious about teaching abroad for the upcoming school year, consider obtaining a Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) before you begin your job search. Presenting an FCE with any initial job application will validate your qualifications and help the hiring manager ensure that you can meet state licensure requirements. Many hiring managers prefer candidates who provide an FCE at the time application. Each state’s Board of Education has different requirements for the FCE, so be sure you check to ensure the agency you use to evaluate your credentials is accepted by the Board of Education in the state where you plan to search. Spirit recommends SpanTran and WES, as they tend to be commonly accepted evaluation services. However, cost varies, so it is up to you to decide which foreign credential evaluation service is right for you. You can visit the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services (NACES) to learn more.
Step 2: Collect Written References
We suggest that you ask at least two current or former supervisors to write you a letter of reference detailing their experience working with you, your employment dates and why they think you are an excellent teacher. Having these documents ready when you are asked for them will show schools that you come prepared and will help schools make efficient hiring decisions.
Step 3: Search for a Host School
The next step is to find an appropriate Host School that is open to welcoming a cultural exchange teacher. What does that mean? Your teaching position must be at an accredited K-12 school in the US and match with your education and teaching background. Your temporary teaching status would be supported by a J-1 cultural exchange visa (up to three years + a possible 1-2 year extension in select cases with Department of State approval). Any school you consider needs to embrace the temporary and cross-cultural aspect of the program by supporting the sharing of your culture with the school and local community through presentations, culture nights and other cross cultural events that you will organize annually with help from the Host School.
How can you find a school that would like to participate in Spirit’s Teacher Program? Search online for teacher openings in states where Spirit already operates, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Some general job search resources are:
- School district websites
- Indeed.com
- Ziprecruiter.com
- Linkedin.com
- Networking through professional organizations in your home country
We encourage you to investigate the school and surrounding community of any location that interests you. Websites such as Niche (www.niche.com) and Homes.com (www.homes.com/neighborhood-search) can be helpful resources. Spirit reviews each placement for suitability for the program as part of the application process, but it will be up to you to decide if the school and community are a good fit for you.
Be sure to share with the hiring managers that you are applying as a BridgeUSA exchange teacher through Spirit Cultural Exchange. Refer them to our website for more information, or have interested schools complete our Host School Get Information form and someone from Spirit will contact them to explain the program and its unique requirements.
Step 4: Prepare for the Virtual Interviews
Once you receive an invitation to interview, remember to dress professionally even if the interview is a virtual one. Ensure that you interview at an indoor location with a strong internet connection and stable webcam. A plain background and quiet location will help to ensure that the focus stays on you throughout the conversation. Research the community and school before the interview and prepare one or two questions for the hiring manager about the school and their educational approach. Most importantly, speak slowly, look into the camera and SMILE!
Step 5: Send Unsigned Offer to Spirit for Review
Once you receive an initial offer, submit the unsigned offer or Letter of Intent (LOI) to Spirit, so we can ensure your background and the offer meet with all program rules and requirements. Once Spirit confirms that general requirements are met, we will send you a link to complete formal application paperwork and a virtual Spirit interview.
Consider Spirit’s Premium Placement Option
For those teachers with a Spanish language background, Spirit also offers a Premium Placement option. In order to qualify, teachers must be near fluent in Spanish and be able to either teach Spanish to non-native speakers, or conduct general curriculum classes in Spanish and English. Contact Spirit for more information on available opportunities.
Finding a teaching job in the United States as an international teacher requires proactive planning, networking and meeting the necessary requirements of the BridgeUSA Teacher Program. With dedication and perseverance, you too can embark on a fulfilling teaching experience in the United States with Spirit Cultural Exchange. Learn More