The ACE Teacher Program
Apply TodayGlobal Teaching Partners is an Official Authorized J-1 Exchange Visitor Sponsor designated by the U.S. Department of State and recognized and approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and the South Carolina Department of Education (DOE). Global provides the recruitment, placement and ongoing support of international Academic and Cultural Exchange (ACE) teachers principally in K – 12 Math, Science, Elementary Education, World Languages and subjects of high demand. The ACE program is designed for international teachers to gain experiential knowledge of the U.S., participate actively in cross-cultural activities with U.S. schools and communities, and at the conclusion of their exchange, return home to share their experiences and their increased knowledge of the United States. In turn, educators in the ACE teacher program will inspire U.S. students to respect, appreciate and admire other cultures and develop and prepare thoughtful global citizens.
International teachers will be classified as Academic and Cultural Exchange (ACE) teachers, offered K – 12 teaching positions primarily in North Carolina and South Carolina, and allowed to stay five years before their required return to their home country. Once hired in the school district, Global will aid in their cultural transition and provide support throughout their employment.
Minimum ACE Teacher Program Requirements
1. The applicant must have earned the equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in the USA (equivalent of four (4) yrs. of formal education at an accredited university)
2. The applicant must have had formal teacher training, including his/her pedagogical preparation/training as part of a four-year university program or as an additional year of formal, full-time university study.
3. The applicant may not be a U.S. resident, U.S. citizen or have ever applied for a green card.
4. The applicant must either be able to speak English as their native language or have fluency in the English language.
5. At the time of application, the applicant must have a minimum of two (2) years of full-time teaching experience after obtaining his/her Bachelor’s Degree
6. The applicant must have a valid driver’s license in their home country.
7. The applicant must have a valid E-mail address.
8. The applicant must have a valid Google Plus (Hangout) or Skype ID account.
The Teacher Selection Process
Step 1: Online Application
Your initial online application will demonstrate if you meet the initial eligibility requirements. Teachers must be able to show two years of post-graduate teaching experience with students at the elementary and secondary levels to qualify for a position with the program.
Step 2: Telephone Interview
Once the application is reviewed and accepted for initial candidacy, Global will invite you to participate in a 20 – minute telephone interview to discuss your compatibility with the ACE program and teaching in the U.S.
Step 3: Required Documents
Following a successful telephone interview, Global will need required documents to accompany your application and further determine eligibility for the ACE program. Required documents include official transcripts, reference forms, criminal background check, etc., depending on your country of residence.
Global travels the globe to conduct personal interviews with ACE teacher candidates. The in-person interview is an opportunity for teacher candidates to demonstrate their professionalism, competence, and reasons you would like to teach in the U.S.
Step 5: Notification of Acceptance
Following a successful personal interview and submission of all required documents, Global will conduct a final review to ensure eligibility for a U.S. teaching license and visa. If you meet all criteria, Global notifies you of acceptance into the ACE program and will present your portfolio to U.S. schools interested in hiring an international teacher.
Step 6: Consideration of U.S. Teaching Positions
Global will notify you when a school is interested in hiring you or speaking with you concerning a teaching position.
Step 7: Accept Teaching Position!
The hiring of new teachers in the U.S. may be as early as April annually, but between May and early August is when most are hired. In addition, while most schools begin the academic year late August, some schools continue to hire as late as September, based on student enrollment and school budgets.
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Summary of Fees & Expenses
Monthly Fixed Costs:
Monthly cost estimates are for a single J-1 Visa holder while living in the U.S. Costs will increase based on family size.
Although there are no sponsor fees involved in the application process with Global, teachers will incur expenses before and while they are an exchange visitor teacher. Global strives to make each teacher experience positive and rewarding and wants applicants to be aware of all costs associated with participation.
These costs vary but include fees required by the U.S. government for your J-1 Visa, fees paid to the state for a teaching license and expenses related to health insurance or other related benefits. Please see the tables below for required fees and estimated costs associated with your participation with Global Teaching Partners.
*Fee only required if dependent seeks employment while in the U.S.
Concerning Federal and State taxes, your school district will have these taxes withheld with each check. Federally, the first $9,876 earned will be taxed at 10% with your remaining salary up to $40,125 taxed at 12%. Additional salary above $40,125 will be taxed at 22%. North Carolina state taxes are a flat 5.25% of your income.
Variable costs may include clothing, entertainment, travel, gym memberships, and other expenses associated with living in the U.S.
Please understand that Global Teaching Partners recommends that all new teachers bring a minimum of $3,000 to the U.S. to aid in relocation expenses. Those expenses may include a car down payment, housing, and utility deposits, etc. For any further questions, please contact a Global Associate at resources@globalteachingpartners.com or utilize our Contact Us page.
| Fixed Cost: | U.S. Dollar Estimated Range: | Notes: |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance | $93 - $600 | Based on averages derived from the Affordable Care Act and J-1 Health Care Plans |
| Food | $200 - $316 | Based on USDA Food Plans Low Cost to Moderate Plans |
| Housing | $511 - $919 | Based on Dept of Housing and Urban Development's fair market rents (single occupancy) |
| Transportation | $536 - $858 | Includes car payment, insurance and fuel |
| Utilities | $220 - $458 | May include cell phone internet, power, etc. |
| Fees Prior to Arrival: | U.S. Dollar Amount: | Paid To: |
|---|---|---|
| J-1 Visa Application Fee | $190 | U.S. Embassy or Consulate |
| SEVIS Fee | $225 | U.S. Dept of Homeland Security Student and Exchange Visitor Program |
| Fees Following Arrival: | U.S. Dollar Amount: | Paid To: |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Background Check | Varies | Government Police Agency or Private Vendor (home country) |
| State Teachers Licensing Fee | $100 | Department of Public Instruction via Global |
| *J-2 Employment Authorization | $410 | U.S. Dept of Homeland Security and Immigration Services |