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• A U.S. Jurisdiction-The Territory adheres to U.S. Laws (i.e. Employment, Customs, Immigration);

• A school system ranging from K-12;

• A diverse student body profile. The territory could truly be considered the Caribbean's Melting Pot; Students and their parents represent a multitude of cultures (i.e. Caribbean, East Indian, Spanish, French, Dutch, Asian, American and many more);

• A Department of Education that has the education of the children as First, Second and Third Priority;

• A Department of Education that respects and recognizes its employees;

• A school system that offers a wide variety of academic, vocational and athletic programs;

• A harmonious multi-cultural society;

• Opportunities for advancement in the system;

• Professional development opportunities and more.

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VIDE J1 Exchange Visitor Teacher Program

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL TEACHER EXCHANGE/ J1 PROGRAM

Overview

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is a sponsor of the J1 Exchange Teacher Program. We have hired several teachers throughout the program from the Philippines, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Africa, and multiple Caribbean Islands. Become part of the VIDE Teacher Exchange Program and experience what it is to teach and live in the United States Virgin Islands. The program is for qualified teaching professionals looking for an exciting and adventurous way to advance their teaching career and expand their professional skills in a new environment. Participating teachers are placed in a K-12 grade host school for 1-3 years and teach a wide range of subjects with a possibility of a 1–2-year extension. VIDE J1 Exchange Teacher Program places qualified international teachers in our schools with open vacancies in different subject areas in ESL, Special Education, English, Math, History, Science, electives, and much more. If you become a part of VIDE’s Teacher Exchange Program, you will experience special activities that will submerge you in the lifestyle and culture of our three (3) tropical islands. A competitive salary and benefits will be offered for the duration of the program.

Program Requirements

To be a part of the VIDE J-1 Exchange Teacher Program, you must meet the following requirements:

· Be qualified to teach in a primary or secondary school in VIDE (including pre-kindergarten).

· Have a degree equivalent to a 4-year U.S. bachelor’s degree in education or the academic subject they are intending to teach;

· Have a minimum of two years of teaching experience;

· Fulfill the teaching requirements of the U.S Virgin Islands Board of Education VIDE;

· Be able to prove good reputation and character (background check/references);

· Be proficient in English (assessed through an interview);

· A completed Credential Evaluation done on all Foreign Credentials (FCE) prior to submission of your application with the Virgin Islands Department of Education.

Teacher’s Responsibility During Program Participation

· Teach as a full-time, paid faculty member at VIDE schools.

· Share language, culture, and knowledge with students, colleagues, and the school community.

· Complete one or more cross cultural activities with students based on traditions, heritage, culture, economy, educational system or more based on his/her home country.

· Fulfill professional development requirements.

· Fulfill all obligations as outlined in the Terms and Conditions of the teaching contract (provided when hired).

BENEFITS

The Virgin Islands Department of Education offers a generous benefit package to all education personnel, which includes:

· Health Insurance

· Dental Insurance

· Eyecare Insurance

· Life Insurance

· Union Membership in the Local American Federation of Teachers (AFT)

· Pension Plans with the Government Employees’ Retirement System (GERS)

Pre-Approved Leave Plan:

· Sick Leave

· Personal Leave (5 nonconsecutive days per school year)

· Administrative leave may also be granted for continuing education conferences or bereavement.

· Federal Family & Medical Leave

Health Insurance is provided through CIGNA Healthcare and covers dependents up to the age of Twenty-Six (26). Insurance is paid bi-weekly in the following amount:

Medical Insurance (Employee Only) .....................................$128.48

Dental Insurance (Employee Only).........................................$3.21

Family Medical Insurance..........................................................$220.80

Family Medical & Dental Insurance......................................$225.12

Life insurance policy of $10,000 is provided by the Government of the Virgin Islands at no cost. Additional life insurance can be purchased through our Supplement life insurance plan.

Additionally, you will be required to obtain and retain repatriation insurance for yourself and your family members(s) prior to your start date and during your employment/participation duration in the program. The minimum amount for repatriation is $25,000. Your insurance will also need to cover expenses associated with medical evacuation in the amount of $50,000.

How to obtain the J1 Visa

Qualified applicants who are recommended for hire will be issued Form DS-2019 from the VIDE J1 Visa Exchange Teacher Program. Once an applicant receives the form, the applicant should schedule and pay for an interview at the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy in his/ her home country. It is recommended to schedule an interview as soon as possible to ensure you receive your visa in a timely manner.

Visa issuance decisions are made by consular or immigration officers at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. There is no guarantee that a visa will be granted to an applicant who receives an offer for employment and DS-2019 form from VIDE. Please refrain from purchasing transportation tickets or making any relocation arrangements to the United States Virgin Islands until passing the visa interview and receiving a passport.

Annual Renewal

Visas are typically issued by the Embassy in the applicants’ home country for a period of three years. SEVIS records for each teacher are updated annually to ensure teachers are in good standing and have updated information on their record. Monthly wellness check-ins and annual reports, detailing how they have participated in cross-cultural activities, are a factor in the renewal process.