Our World Language programming offers 10 languages of instruction, plus American Sign Language. Our World Language programs in over 200 schools reach nearly 100,000 students. Our ELL population represents 18% of students, over 65,000 children, speaking dozens of native languages.
Our Need: CPS faces World Language and bilingual teacher shortages (particularly around “hard-to-staff” languages).
Our Goal: We aim to enhance language acquisition and increase cultural understanding so our students can become competent global citizens.
Our International Teacher Program: Through partnerships with Education and Culture Ministries and Universities, CPS recruits, screens, sponsors, and employs teachers on a J-1 visa for 3 academic years. Exchange Teachers apply, take an English proficiency test, and interview with district officials and principals to participate.
Benefits for Teachers
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May travel freely to and from their home country during school holidays
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Are full CPS employees, compensated based on their educational profile
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Host culture activities in their CPS schools three times per year and facilitate partnerships with schools in their home country
Benefits for Foreign Governments
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Provide international professional development opportunities for educators
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Build relationships with American administrators and communities of expatriates
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Potential for post-to-post exchanges
Current Partner Countries:
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Spain
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China
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Japan
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Philippines
We currently can sponsor teachers who are natives and current residents of one of our partner countries. Please contact the Talent Office (talentoffice@cps.edu) with additional questions.
More information about the J-1 visa issued through the United States government, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the J-1 visa website maintained by the US Department of State.