Visiting International Teachers

 
 
 
 
 
VIT 1.jpg

 Join Us as a Visiting International Teacher

Thank you for your interest in joining our team! Our district supports students from all over the world and we believe it’s important to provide exposure to new cultures so our students can be prepared as global citizens.

CPS is seeking outstanding teachers from around the globe to provide high-quality teacher services across the following content areas: Special Education, Bilingual, World Language, Math, and Science. Teachers of other content areas who can bring unique perspectives and cross-cultural programming are also welcome to apply. Through partnerships with government agencies, Education and Culture Ministries and universities, our team recruits, screens, sponsors, and employs teachers on a J-1 visa for 3 academic years.

How to Become a Visiting International Teacher

Step 1: Connect With Partners

⬇†

Step 2: Collect Necessary Documents

⬇†

Step 3: Interview For J-1 Program

⬇†

Step 4: Receive J-1 Offer

⬇†

 

CPS is a designated visa sponsor and also partners with additional agencies to recruit high need content area teachers. We recommend interested teachers become familiar with the agency and any requirements/fees they may require. While we would love to have teachers from every part of the world, we are unable to connect with all countries and candidates. If you do not see your home country listed below, here is a list of all designated sponsors who you may be interested in reaching out to.

Listed here are organizations you should connect with for the following countries:

We recommend that you get in contact with the above organizations between August and October the year before you intend to begin the program. We complete all interviews early in the calendar year.

 

The following documents are required in order to qualify as a Visiting International Teacher at Chicago Public Schools.

Interested teachers should plan to gather all of these documents before December in order to qualify for interviews.

PLACEHOLDER

PLACEHOLDER

 

CPS conducts intensive interviews to ensure that interested teachers will be successful in our school district. The interview process may require the following: in person interview, demonstration lesson, and/or written interview component. The partner agency designated to your home country would have more information of what the interview process will look like.

Interviews for our program take place between January - March of each year.

If you have questions about the interview process or your scheduled interview, please contact internationalteacher@cps.edu.

Mr. Golabek teaches science at Bowen High School.

PLACEHOLDER

 

If you are offered a position in CPS’s J-1 program, congratulations! Our team will provide virtual support prior to your arrival in Chicago. Some of our meetings and professional development areas include:

  • Applying for IL teaching licensure

  • Resume support

  • Interview coaching

  • Foundations of American Education System and Teaching at CPS

  • Content Specific Professional Development Sessions

  • Guidance for Living in Chicago

  • Equity and Inclusion

  • Social and Emotional Learning

  • Supporting Diverse Learners (IEPs, Classroom Management)

  • CPS Teacher Evaluations

Accepted J-1 Teachers will be required to attend virtual professional development sessions from May to June, prior to their arrival in Chicago. The program team will communicate the required ‘arrive by’ date to accepted J-1 Teachers, which is typically mid-July.

J-1 Visa Program Fees & Expenses

Learn more about program related fees and expenses that will help you prepare for the J-1 visa experience abroad. Provided here are anticipated program costs, estimated monthly expenses for living in Chicago, and other financial related information. Consider this information when making your decision to apply to the CPS VIT program.

 

Our Staff is Inspired By Educators from Around the World

Our team has global experience and are ready to support you! Begin your journey to CPS by submitting your information through the 'Get Started' button below or reach out to our partner organizations.

 
VIT album
vit1.jpg
vit2.jpg
vit3.JPG
vit4.jpg
CMJ2.1.jpg

Frequently Asked Questions for International Teachers

 

Have a specific question?

Send it over.

 

  • What are the required qualifications to be a teacher at CPS?

    • Interested teachers must hold a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Education in order to receive a teaching license in the state of Illinois. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is the state entity that isues teaching licenses in Illinois and our program staff can provide guidance on this process. If you would like to apply for a teaching license in advance of the interview process, you can find more information on ISBE's website here.

  • What health benefits are offered to Visiting International Teachers?

    • CPS International Teachers (J1 Visa) are eligible to enroll in the BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois BlueAdvantage Health Maintenance Organization (HMO ) Plan. There is no annual deductible on the HMO plan. The costs for full-time union employees is as follows:

    • - Employee Only: 2.75% of annual salary

    • - Employee +1: 2.95% of annual salary

    • - Family: 3.25% of annual salary

  • What are the costs of living in Chicago?

    • We have highlighted important information on various costs and estimates for teachers that are looking to join CPS and move to Chicago. A cost of living calculator can be used as an additional resource.

  • What is the expected pay for International Teachers and are there any paycheck deductions?

    • Teacher pay is determined based on the level of education (lane) and years of teaching experience (step). CPS provides a salary calculator that shares an estimated salary and will honor up to 7 years of teaching experience for new teachers joining the district. There are some taxes and deductions for international teachers. There will be Illinois and federal taxes deducted from each paycheck and international teachers are exempt from Medicare and Social Security taxes.

  • Does CPS sponsor teachers in other visa categories?

    • The district may choose to sponsor exceptional teachers on other visas, such as H-1B. International Teachers would need to:

      1. Obtain their Illinois teaching license

      2. Apply for positions at CPS schools

      3. Secure a school in our district that is willing to financially support the sponsorship process

      4. The school's leadership team would then contact internationalteacher@cps.edu to initiate the process

  • ~accord