Visiting International Teachers

Districts seeking to expand cultural opportunities within their communities may find assistance through the visiting international teacher program, which allows individuals to work without seeking permanent work status in the U.S.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) Visiting International Teacher Program promotes inter-culturalism between Texas and other countries. The program mission is to support foreign educators coming to Texas to teach, study, conduct research, demonstrate special skills, and share teaching practices and experiences.

Out-of-country certified educators who are actively enrolled in and in good standing with a TEA-approved J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program may be eligible to receive a temporary visiting international teacher (VIT) certificate. A certificate is valid for three years and may be extended two additional years, for a maximum total of five years.

The VIT certificate does not specify a subject or grade level and will only display the holder as a Visiting International Teacher. The program sponsor and the employer are responsible for determining the appropriate assignment for visiting teachers. The employing school district and teacher exchange program should work together, review the teacher’s qualifications, and ensure that the teacher has demonstrated appropriate knowledge and skills.

Additional information about the program, including a list of approved program sponsors is available on the TEA Visiting International Teacher webpage.