Recently, we received a specific request from a reader in India. The response following the question provides helpful information for all international job seekers.
Question from Reader:
“How much is an Indian applicant based in India with long teaching / administration experience likely to be accepted in the US system of education? I am 52 years of age with 28 years of teaching / admin experience. Would you recommend I spend time / money on exploring the possibility of getting a senior opening as school administration staff / School Head or something similar?”
I would recommend that any educator from outside of the U.S. who is looking to teach start some research in the following areas:
1. All candidates from non-American-based educational systems need to be aware of the similarities and differences between your “home” system and the U.S. approach. It may be difficult to make the transition directly, i.e. administration to administration, without first serving as a U.S. teacher and then moving into an administrative role.
2. Do you need the school district to sponsor a visa to work in the U.S.? For most public school districts, you will need to be eligible for employment without sponsorship of a visa. Every school district is different. There may be other ways to work in the U.S. that you might explore.
3. To work in public schools you will need a state license to teach or be an administrator. Every state has a different process and requirement for licensure. You will need to access the website of the Department of Education for the particular state for which you are interested. Most states will need you to have your transcripts reviewed by a service that specializes in international transcripts.
4. If you meet the first two requirements then you are eligible to apply for positions. Each school/school district has their own criteria of what they are looking for in a candidate. I would suggest that you do some research to see what skills and knowledge meet the requirements and what additional training you might need.
Across the U.S. right now there is a lot of competition for each position that is advertised. Finding a job will be about patience, persistence, and right place/right time.
Good luck!
Todd Fukai, Director of Human Resources
Cherry Creek, CO
Doug Peden, AAEE Executive Director