Step by step guide on how to become a teacher in USA
Step 1: You need to meet the Qualifications and Basic Requirements
What are the qualifications and basic requirements to become a teacher in USA? If you want to become a teacher in USA, you need to meet the qualifications and basic requirements that are needed also in processing the Visa. Most of the States in the Unites States of America require the following:
1. A bachelor’s degree in education (or related field). Mostly, they need more teachers with major in Mathematics, Science, English and Special Education in both Elementary, Middle School and High school. This can be prove using the foreign credential evaluation of FCE.
2. Teaching experience (typically 2 years or more). Teachers with more experience will have a higher salary but they only need at least 2 years of teaching experience regardless of public or private. This can be prove using verification of experience or certificate of employment.
3. .Teaching license in the home country is also needed. English proficiency like TOEFL or IELTS may be required for some states but some states also accept the EF SET. The free English proficiency test. The PRC license in the Philippines can be used in applying reciprocity of license in the USA in some states. Their are also states that require licensure exams like Praxis or equivalent.
Step 2: Have your Transcript of Records / Credentials be evaluated.
To become a teacher in USA, you need your Transcript of Records or education credentials from Philippine (if your are from Philippines) accredited schools must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency in some Credential Evaluation Agencies like as follows:
WES (World Education Services)
ECE(Educational Credential Evaluators)
There are other options online but listed above is the most common that is used by some Filipino teachers who would like to become a teacher in USA. The agencies listed above provide a course-by-course evaluation to verify your degree here in the Philippines.
Step 3. Prepare Other Documents Needed to Apply
Prepare other important documents needed to apply (have a PDF copy in all documents). Some are as follows:
1. You must have and outstanding resume maximum of 2 pages. Do not include irrelevant details to the position you applied.
2. You must craft the best cover letter that describe yourself by highlighting your accomplishments that boost your applications.
3. Gather all evidences of employment or experience including certificates and other important documents. Make sure to have a copy of your PRC license.
Step 4: Apply for Job Vacancies Online
The 4th step to become a teacher in USA is to apply for job vacancies. Once you meet the qualifications and requirements in step 1, step 2 and step 3, you can apply now for jobs. Each teacher applicant has different ways of applying the job. Always remember that for every vacant position, there are hundreds or thousands of applicants. US citizen teachers applicant will be prioritized in hiring. In the absence of US citizen teacher applicants, then that is the time where they will get applicants from international teacher.
Here are some ways on how to apply. You can apply using visa sponsor agencies for J1 teachers and you can apply also directly to schools or school district for J1 teaches and H-1B for some schools or district that offers H-1B visa. Some teachers also apply for some Filipino agencies that offers placement for a certain amount.
To become a teacher in the USA, you can apply in any ways mentioned. You can search the school website or district website where you want to apply. Look for their career page and see the vacancies that fits to your qualification. You can check also some Charter or private schools or even recruitment agencies or visa sponsors that help place international teachers. You may visit also online platform or job boards like indeed, edjoin.org or SchoolSpring. Once you are chosen as a good fit applicant, you will be notified by the hiring team for an interview. Be prepared for the interview. After the interview you will be notified if you are accepted to continue the process or not. If you are chosen, you will receive a Job offer.
Step 5: Apply for State Certification or Licensure
Each state in the US has its own licensing board. As an applicant, it is advantage to apply state certification in the state you want to teach. You need to visit the Department of Education (DOE) website for that state and complete the application for teacher certification. You need to pass the requirements or exams. Most of the states honor out of state reciprocity like (PRC certification). Submit credential evaluation results. In some cases, getting a state certification will be done after you receive a job offer from the school or school district where you apply but getting one in advance is an advantage. Note: Every state has a different policy in the teacher certification process.
Step 6: Process your Visa
Once you have a Job Offer, you will start the process of applying VISA. J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor Program) or H1B Visa (A temporary Work Visa). The employer will now inform you on what Visa will offer. If you apply through J1 visa sponsorship, then the Visa they will provide is J1. Most of the schools or school districts will sponsor H1B visa if you apply directly. The school or school district will petition teachers for H1B visa.
Prepare the necessary documents for a VISA interview. Once complete, schedule the interview at the US embassy. Be prepared on the scheduled date of interview. Bring all necessary documents and arrive earlier than your scheduled time. Answer the questions of the consulate officer honestly. Once you approved, you will received your visa in one or two weeks.
Step 7: Prepare for Relocation
Once you’ve done with the visa process and done with the embassy interview, then you need to prepare yourself for relocation. If your visa is J1, the visa sponsor agency will guide you in relocation. If you apply directly and your visa is H1B, the school or school district who sponsor your visa will guide you on how you are going to relocate.
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