J-1 Visa Education Counselor Jobs
Education Counselor roles in the United States are typically sponsored under the J-1 visa Specialist or Trainee program category, connecting international professionals with host organizations in higher education, nonprofits, and student services. Securing sponsorship requires a designated sponsor organization to issue your DS-2019 before you can begin work.
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Anticipated SY26-27 Special Education Teacher
Job Number: 2600017W
Posting Date: Jun 18, 2026, 11:38:16 AM
Primary Location: North/Northwest Side-4201 West Henderson Street (Jonathan Y Scammon School)
Salary Range: $64,469.94 to $82,839.39
JOB DESCRIPTION - ABOUT CPS: We are an urban district on the rise. The support and resources we provide to our staff enables them to make the greatest difference where it’s needed most. Be a part of the change. Our mission is to provide a high quality public education for every child, in every neighborhood, that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life.
Position Title: Diverse Learners Teacher
Under the supervision of the school principal, teachers are responsible for the instruction, progress, tracking, and discipline of all students in assigned classes, and performs other duties as assigned and required.
Specialty Functions:
- A valid teaching license issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, endorsed in LBS1
- Set goals for the individualized education plan that are achievable and comparable to a student's peers in accordance with the State of Illinois IEP guidelines
- Work collaboratively with case managers, counselors, and general education teachers to determine instructional and social needs of students that ensure success while also participating on the multidisciplinary team to promote students' wellbeing
Essential Functions:
Within the context of the CPS Framework for Teaching, all teachers should utilize a continuous improvement process that refines his or her teaching practice. Each teacher should...
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of content, pedagogy, and student knowledge, in order to select learning objectives and design coherent instruction and assessments
- Create an environment for effective student learning and growth by establishing a respectful classroom culture with strong management of student behaviors and classroom procedures that promotes and appreciates the cultural, racial, and linguistic diversity of students
- Respond to the needs of all students by designing engaging classroom instruction with appropriately challenging questions, communication and discussion techniques, and instructionally aligned assessments
- Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and exercise sound, professional judgment especially in interactions with administration, colleagues, families, and students
- Prioritize student safety through consistent implementation of the Student Code of Conduct and school wide systems of management and discipline
- Personalize student learning through mastery and innovative use of curriculum supplements and technology resources, as available
- Advocate for the district’s vision and commit to our district’s common themes of equity, cultural competence, high expectations, developmental appropriateness, attention to individual students (including those with special needs), appropriate use of technology, and student assumption of responsibility
Minimum Qualifications & Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- Completion of the CPS online application and teaching profile at cps.edu/teach
- A valid teaching license issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, with the appropriate endorsement(s) for the role - information on obtaining a valid teacher license can be found at isbe.net/licensure
Physical Requirements:
- Light Work: Exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force occasionally, or up to ten (10) pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Employment Expectations:
- As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), an employee must be an actual resident of the City of Chicago or be willing to become a resident within six months of the date of his/her employment with Chicago Public Schools. For certain high-needs positions, exemptions to this policy may be available.
- All new hires must satisfactorily complete all CPS onboarding requirements which include, but are not limited to, passing a tuberculosis test, drug test and state and federal criminal background checks. CPS is a drug and alcohol free workplace.
It is the policy of the Board to prohibit unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation on the basis of any classifications protected by the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Illinois and applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances, including but not limited to discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy discrimination), gender identity/expression, age, religion, disability, national origin or sexual orientation. Concerns or Inquiries should be made to the Equal Opportunity Compliance Office Administrator at (773) 553-1013. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and related regulations concerning sex discrimination also should be referred to the CPS Equal Opportunity Compliance Office (773) 553-1195.
Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
- Medical Plan Options
- Pharmacy
- Dental
- Vision
- Behavioral Health & EAP
- Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
- Basic Life Insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Pension Plans
- Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
- Paid Leave
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Days
- Parental Leaves
- Short-Term Disability
- Religious Holidays
- Leaves
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as an Education Counselor
Document your counseling credentials before applying
Compile official transcripts, licensure records, and reference letters that demonstrate your education or student advising background. Designated sponsors evaluating Specialist or Trainee eligibility will scrutinize credential alignment with your proposed U.S. role before issuing a DS-2019.
Target host organizations with established J-1 programs
Universities, community colleges, and nonprofit student-services agencies regularly host J-1 exchange visitors in counseling roles. Prioritize institutions whose job postings mention J-1 hosting experience, since a host unfamiliar with the program adds significant onboarding time before a sponsor can engage.
Search Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned counseling roles
Use Migrate Mate to filter Education Counselor openings at U.S. organizations that have a documented track record of hosting international exchange visitors, so you spend less time approaching hosts who are unfamiliar with the J-1 process.
Clarify whether your role triggers the two-year rule
Specialist and some Trainee placements funded by your home government or involving skills in short supply at home carry a two-year home-residency requirement after the program ends. Confirm this with your designated sponsor before signing an offer, since it affects any future H-1B visa or green card plans.
Get the training plan signed before your start date
Designated sponsors require a formal training plan outlining your learning objectives, supervision schedule, and evaluation milestones. Your host employer must co-sign this document, and USCIS or the State Department may review it during entry. Gaps or vague objectives are common grounds for program delays.
Verify wage compliance through the OFLC Wage Search
Even though J-1 is not subject to DOL prevailing-wage certification the way H-1B is, your host must pay you the same wage as similarly situated U.S. workers. Cross-check the offered salary against the OFLC Wage Search for Education Counselor roles in your host's metro area before accepting.
Education Counselor J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits an Education Counselor role?
It depends on your career stage. Current students completing a practicum or internship typically qualify under the Intern category. Professionals with a degree and relevant work experience who want structured on-the-job training in U.S. student advising generally qualify under the Trainee category. Senior practitioners invited to share expertise at an institution may qualify as a Specialist.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for an Education Counselor position?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your hiring employer. Organizations such as Cultural Vistas or CIEE issue the DS-2019 form and monitor program compliance. Your hiring institution is the host organization. The host cannot sponsor you directly; they must work with an approved designated sponsor to bring you onboard.
How do I find U.S. employers willing to host a J-1 Education Counselor?
Use Migrate Mate to identify Education Counselor openings at colleges, nonprofits, and student-services agencies that have hosted J-1 exchange visitors before. Host familiarity with the program matters because they must co-sign your training plan and coordinate with the designated sponsor throughout your placement.
Does an Education Counselor J-1 placement come with a two-year home-residency requirement?
Potentially, yes. If your exchange program is funded by your home government, if your home country has identified education counseling as a skill in short supply, or if you receive graduate medical education, the two-year home-residency requirement may apply. This bars you from changing to most work visas or adjusting status until you return home or obtain a waiver.
Can I extend my J-1 status if my counseling placement runs longer than expected?
Extensions are possible within the maximum program duration set by your designated sponsor, provided your training objectives justify additional time and the host organization remains willing to continue the placement. Your designated sponsor submits an amended DS-2019 to the State Department. Requests should be initiated well before your current program end date to avoid any gap in authorized status.