Peoria Public Schools

International Teachers

PPS is a sponsor of an Exchange Visitor Program. The purpose of the Exchange Visitor program is to provide International Teachers with opportunities to participate in education and cultural programs in the United States. Participating teachers are placed in a K-12 host school for 1-3 years and teach a wide range of subjects with a possibility of a 2-year extension. (PPS) Peoria Public Schools is a public school district in central Illinois. Peoria is progressive and caring community with a revitalized urban riverfront. With nearly 109,000 residents, Peoria’s increasing cultural diversity makes it a prime location for an Exchange Visitor Program. Some highlights of Peoria include its Fine Arts Galleries, Museums, Festivals, Specialty Boutiques, Symphony, Ballet, and Theatre.

Our Goal: Our goal is to expose International Teachers to the Mid-Western United States and all that Peoria, Illinois has to offer. Our goal is also to expose the students of PPS to the unique cultural experiences of highly trained International Cultural Exchange Teachers.

Our International Teacher Program: Through partnerships with our recruiting consultants, PPS recruits, screens, sponsors, and employs teachers on a J-1 visa for 3 academic years. Exchange Teachers apply, take an English proficiency test if needed, and interview with district officials and principals to participate.

Benefits for Teachers

• Are full PPS employees, entitled to all salary schedule placement.

• Teaching positions, including duties, responsibilities, hours of employment, and compensation, are commensurate with those of similarly-situated U.S. teachers

• Host culture activities in their PPS schools and enable partnerships with schools in their home country
• Promote the interchange of U.S. and international teachers

Benefits for Foreign Governments

• Provide international professional development opportunities for educators
• Build relationships with American administrators and communities of expatriates
• Potential for post-to-post exchanges

Current Partner Countries:

• Philippines
• Dominican Republic
• Cameroon
• Jamaica
• Guyana
• Nigeria

We currently can sponsor teachers who are natives and current residents of one of our partner countries. Please contact the HR Recruitment Department (hr_recruiter@psd150.org) 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.

A completed application includes the following:

• Online Application
• Signed PPS Terms and Conditions.
• Payment of the Application Fee.
• Successful English proficiency interview.
• Submission of formal application and all required documents.

FEES -  US Mainland Districts

It is expected that no unreasonable hardship is to be placed on the Exchange Visitor and fees. There are several non-refundable fees associated with each step of the application process and other fees that are
specific to each applicant which WDTT and school districts cannot control. See below for the full list of program pricing and services provided.

PROGRAM FEES

• First-Year Program Payment after issued with a job offer letter – $3,000 (Includes a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 (Forfeited if candidate leaves program after documentation is issued to acquire Visa and/or if Visa is denied. This also includes an application fee of $500 non-refundable)
• Training/Placement/Mobilization/Monitoring/ Cultural Adaptation Cost - $1,500. To be paid prior to travel
• Housing, transportation, meals, and personal expenses to reside in the U.S. ((You must bring with you at least $2,000 to cover these expenses for the initial four to six weeks until your social security number is received and you begin receiving your regular salary payments.))
• Medical insurance coverage for the first 90 days until you get onto the District’s insurance plan – $100-$200 monthly (Free)
• Year 2-5 Extension Fee – $1,000 must be paid by June 30th each year
• J-2 Dependent Fee – $750 one-time family application, paid at the time that you decide to bring your family members.

Application Processing Fees (non-refundable)

• U.S. Government Fees – SEVIS fee ($220), Visa Interview Fee (Embassy - $160).
   Program Extension Application (U.S. Government Fee - $367). This fee is paid at end of your 3rd Year when you are applying for year 4 & 5.
• Foreign Credential Evaluation Fee – $320 with a 5 day rush service. ( Your credential evaluation must be done before getting your job offer letter.
• State Teaching License – $100-$200 (you must apply to the Illinois State Board of Education (www.isbe.net for a teacher license) 

 Additional Expenditures include the following:

• Airfare to and from the U.S.

Expected Work-Related Salary Deductions

Your salary is subject to Federal and State income taxes as well as Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) deductions.

Work-Related Bi-Weekly Deductions (Single Employee):

• Federal Income Tax and State Income Tax is approximately 15% of salary
• Union dues (optional): $29.61
• FICA Deductions (this is charged after two calendar years): 7.65% of salary
• District’s Insurance Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision after 90 days) through school district – $50.44 - $225.95 Bi-Weekly, dependent upon plan you choose and if family members are included). 

Other Estimated Expenses

These estimated expenses are an example of the costs that Exchange Visitors may incur. Note: Costs may vary.

• Estimate Food Costs – $250-$350
• Estimated Housing Costs – $750-$1,000 for 2-bedroom apartment rental + $150-$300 utilities
• Estimated Local Transportation Costs – $40 for monthly bus pass
• Phone & Internet – $75 - $110 

Additional information on available insurance plans can be found on PPS website:

https://www.peoriapublicschools.org/Page/28796

 Dental Insurance Plan – Delta Dental

Vision Insurance Plan – Delta Vision

Note: PPS medical insurance will include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation insurance, and exceeds the levels required of the Department of State for the full program length, after the first 90 days.   

CANCELLATION PERIOD                                                              

After Arrival in the United States: There are no refunds or credits of any fees made by partner or participant once the participant has arrived in the United States. Any exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Prior to Arrival in the United States: The Program Fee deposit of $1,000 will be forfeited if the candidate leaves the program after the DS-2019 is issued and/or if visa is denied.

Contact:

Chris Rohwedder

HR Recruiter Peoria Public Schools

309-672-6512

hr_recruiter@psd150.org 

Dr. Alexander Ikejiaku

Associate Superintendent for Human Resources

Department of Human Resources

Peoria Public Schools

309-672-6770

alexander.ikejiaku@psd150.org