Salaries and Benefits

• 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.

HR Forms and Policies

pdf Apprenticeship Program Mentor Application (461 KB)

Who's your HR Representative?

Contact us

Outreach, Events and more

Updates and Information

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, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria and multiple Caribbean Islands. Through the VIDE Teacher Exchange Program you can 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 through a background check and official 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 (required)

· Dental Insurance (optional)

· Eyecare Insurance (optional)

· Life Insurance (optional)

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

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

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

Holiday Pay

Health Insurance is provided through CIGNA Healthcare and covers spouse and applicable dependents. Insurance is paid bi-weekly in the following amount:

Medical and Dental Insurance (Employee Only) .....................................$136.96

Family Medical and Dental Insurance......................................$242.14

Family Medical (only) Insurance......................................$236.97

Vision Insurance Rates paid bi-weekly in the following amount: 

Employee only..............$1.98

Employee and Family..............$5.22

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 emergency evacuation/repatriation insurance for yourself and your family members(s) prior to your start date and during your employment/participation duration in the program. 

How to obtain the J1 Visa

Qualified applicants who are interviewed and 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 a visa is issued. 

Fees

VIDE currently does not charge a sponsor/program fee.

VISA Fees and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fees: 

• Visa Application Fee: $185 paid to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you interview. 
• SEVIS Fee: $220 for the I-901 SEVIS fee, which is required for J-1 visa applicants. 

You will be responsible for the cost of the following:

• background check from your home country's police department/law enforcement agency (please contact for cost details)
•  foreign credential evaluation (we will accept this from the following companies: Josef Silny, World Education Services (WES) or Spantran
• airline ticket(s) to the US Virgin Islands 

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.

Work Related Deductions:

As a Teacher with VIDE, you will have the following deducted from your bi-weekly pay:

• US Virgin Islands Income Tax (varies based on exemptions claimed, however can average 5-8% of income)
• American Federation of Teachers Union Dues - $25.19
• Medicare (1.4% of income) 
• Social Security (6.2% of income)
• Required Health Insurance coverage (the amount will be according to your elections)
• Retirement Account (11.5% of income)
• Vision Insurance (optional)

Cost of Living in the USVI:

Living Costs for the USVI can vary based on the Island.

Please view average costs for housing and various utilities.

Source: The Settlers Handbook to the US Virgin Islands, 19th edition.

Please visit the Bridge USA Teacher Program website for further details on the program: BridgeUSAPrograms | BridgeUSA

Teacher Apprenticeship Application

pdf Application Teacher Apprenticeship Program (305 KB)

pdf Teacher Apprenticeship Essay Rubric (25 KB)

pdf Teacher Apprenticeship Essay Writing Rating Scale (29 KB)