Primary and Secondary Levels

Please review the information on working in the United States under Visiting the United States: Preliminary Information and Teaching in the United States: General Information.

Regulation of the Profession

Primary and secondary teaching is regulated by state governments in the United States (see State Level Organization). In order to teach you must hold a valid and current teaching certificate that, among other things, states the grade levels and subjects you are qualified to teach. Similarly, school administrative and support personal must have specialized certificates or other credentials that establish their qualifications.

Even though private schools are not controlled or closely regulated by the state, most of them require their teachers to be certified in order to meet accreditation requirements.

Each state and territory administers its own laws and regulations governing the certification of primary and secondary teachers. States vary as to whether they will accept non-U.S. degrees and qualifications and whether they will certify noncitizens.

National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) provides links to all state teacher certification agencies. You must inquire directly regarding your situation, and must apply directly to them if you wish to be considered for certification.

Teacher Exchange Programs

Participating in an exchange program may be a more satisfactory route than attempting to come to the United States on your own to teach. Exchange teachers are here for fixed periods of time, reciprocate with U.S. teachers going abroad, and have assistance in getting temporary approval for the professional activities that they pursue. Most exchange programs are competitive and there is often a large demand for the few available places.

U.S. Government Teacher Exchange Programs are operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Fulbright Program, to provide opportunities for teachers in agriculture and related fields.

English Teaching Exchanges and Overseas Resources provides information on sponsored exchange opportunities for teachers of English to come to the United States and for American teachers to teach English as a foreign language overseas.