Overview
The Teach USA program connects enthusiastic, highly qualified international teachers with U.S. elementary and high school schools to promote cultural understanding and public diplomacy.
Our primary goal is to facilitate an exceptional professional exchange program for teachers from all around the world to share their knowledge and experience in the U.S.
Through travel and cultural exchange, we help individuals reach their full potential, leading to a more tolerant, peaceful and environmentally sustainable world.
Schools must apply before August 1st, 2026, to host teachers for the 2026-27 academic year.
Our Program
The purpose of the Teach USA program is to promote interaction and enhance mutual understanding between U.S. and international teachers. Participating teachers are placed in an accredited K-12 school (that meets or exceeds state standards) for up to 3 years and teach a wide range of subjects. During this program teachers can expect to sharpen their professional skills and take part in cross-cultural activities within their schools and local communities.
Starlight provides two (2) program options:
- Self-placed (SP): placements are arranged directly between the teacher and the school, supplemented by Starlight support
- Full program (FP): placements are facilitated by Starlight, matching host schools with a qualified, experienced teacher
Eligibility
A host school is an accredited school (public or private), that meets or exceeds state standards, and that is committed to supporting international education and cultural exchange. Host schools do not pay a program fee but are expected to work with Starlight as partners with the shared goal of providing our international teachers adequate support before, during, and after the program.
Host schools must be willing to offer teachers full-time (at least 32 hours/week) teaching positions and a salary and benefits equal to that of their American counterparts. Some best practices for host schools include:
- Contacting teachers in advance of their arrival to coordinate arrival logistics and offer housing leads
- Providing an orientation to go over company policies and program expectations
- Involving teachers in any professional development opportunities offered at your school
- Assisting teacher in paying some or all their program fees
- Assisting teacher with state licensing and certification requirements
- Participating in a Going Starlight Tour as a means of giving back to your community
- Contact Starlight with any questions or concerns about the program
Our Teachers
Starlight recruits highly qualified teachers from all over the world who teach a variety of subjects, including elementary education, STEM, world languages, and special education.
Participants in the Teach USA program must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Meet the qualifications for teaching at the primary or secondary levels in schools in their country of nationality
- Have a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree in either Education or the subject area they intend to teach
- Have a minimum of 2 years teaching or related professional experience
- Satisfy the teaching eligibility standards of the U.S. state in which they will teach
- Be of good reputation and character
- Be proficient in English
Program Timeline
Please apply before August 1st, 2025, to host teachers in the 2025-26 academic year.
- New Host Schools notified of approval / submit list of positions needed: October – June
- Participant application period: November – June
- Host School renewal documentation due: February – March
- Hiring period*: January – June
- Participant arrival dates: July – September
*Starlight Exchange will match schools with qualified international teacher candidates who meet their hiring needs.
Prohibited Placements
In the effort to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Starlight program participants, we have made the difficult decision to limit geographical areas we are willing to support placements in. This policy is subject to change at Starlight’s discretion.
For more information on states where Starlight is able to support placement of a J-1 Teacher in, refer to this map (prohibited placements in purple.)
Fees
Host schools do not have to pay a fee on the Teach USA Program. The participant is responsible for paying their program and visa fees. However, as a best practice, we do encourage schools to pay for some or all of the participant’s fees if funding is available to do so Starlight’s Program fees on the Teach USA programs are variable and depend upon program type,The fees listed below are as of January 2025 – note that program fees change from year to year and are determined at the time the service is provided.
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