School Board looks at cultural exchange teacher program
District looking to fill about 370 openings in county
The Lee County School Board will take an official vote at its June 14 meeting to utilize TPG, a cultural exchange teacher program, to help fill the need of experienced certified teachers.
TPG is a designated company by the U.S. Department of State as a J-1 visa sponsor.
“TPG, the company we are working with is the sponsor,” School District Human Resources Executive Director Robert Dodig said. “They will be employed by us and sponsored by TPG.”
Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said J-1 visas are very common with a number of school districts utilizing the program. He said the most important critical measure is having additional certified educators in front of students.
The teachers will be brought on board for three years initially with the option of being renewed for an additional two years for a total of five years.
TPG has a 93 percent track record for a retention rate with teachers staying up to five years. There are more than 1,500 teachers in 100 districts across the country. There are 200 teachers in Florida in DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Gadsden, Hernando, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Pasco, Polk and Putman counties.
“Eighty-three percent of these teachers have been above average in their performance,” Dodig said.
There is a vetting process of the candidates, which is performed by TPG and the U.S. Department of State. Dodig said it includes background checks — including health and criminal records. These teachers are required to have a four-year U.S. bachelor in education equivalent degree, which is checked by an independent regulator.
These teachers also need a minimum of two years experience, as well as being fluent in English in writing and teaching. They also needs to have a pre-k through 12th grade exchange teacher certification.
Dodig said TPG has two interviews with individuals before they become a candidate.
TPG “provides training before they come to the United States and provide mentors from the same country and subject area before arrival to the United States. Once they become our teachers, they will go through our professional development series of training,” he said.
TPG also provides an interest-free loan of $1,500 to $2,500, which is typically used for first and last month’s rent, Dodig said. He said typically teachers from the same country will live together. There are further opportunities for loans for vehicle purchase, as well as assistance to help open bank accounts once they arrive.
“TPG does a financial screening of all applicants. (There is a) certain amount of money they have to have in their bank account to be part of the program,” Dodig said.
The district will pay the teacher’s salary, a fee to TPG — a health administration fee and TPG will pay for health insurance and all process/sponsor expenses. The fee to TPG is $11,450 per year and the health insurance administration fee, $1,000, is paid to TPG.
“We don’t pay FICA for the first 18 months,” Dodig said. “After the fifth year there is a significant savings of approximately $13,000 for a TPG teacher. After three years they would save us around $9,800.”
The visiting teachers would receive $47,500 for year one salary, $48,688 for year two, $49,905 for year three, $51,152 for the fourth year and $52,431 for year five in salary, the same as local experienced teachers.
The district and schools win, Dodig said, as it improves teacher retention by adding certified staff to schools; adds diversity, as teachers come from all over the country; and improves student achievement and cultural awareness.
If the board approves the agenda item in June, Dodig said they envision approximately 10 to 20 teachers to come onboard the first year, with the hope to expand the following year.
TPG and the district’s Human Resources will select the applicant teacher pool from June 15 through June 30, followed by recruitment and selection process of teachers at designated schools from July 1, through July 12. The hiring and on-boarding process would take place from July 13, through July 29, if the action item is approved.
There are approximately 370 teacher openings. Last year the district filled approximately 500 teacher openings before the start of the school year.
“Ten to 20 puts a little dent in our situation, but it certainly helps,” he said.
The board gave positive remarks on utilizing this type of program for the district.
“Why would we not do this,” Board Chair Debbie Jordan said. “This is a great opportunity. I really appreciate you all stepping outside the box to make this happen.”
Other board member comments included it would provide bilingual teachers for the schools, as well as provide enrichment and diversity.
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