J-1 Visa Elementary School Teacher Jobs

Elementary School Teacher positions in the United States are available to international educators through the J-1 Teacher program category, administered by State Department-designated sponsors who issue your DS-2019. Securing a host school district is your first step toward sponsorship, and placements typically run one to three years.

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Overview

Open Jobs293+
Top Visa TypeJ-1
Work Type99% On-site
Median Salary$64K
Top LocationAustin, TX
Most JobsJefferson Parish Schools

Showing 5 of 293+ Elementary School Teacher jobs

South San Antonio Independent School District
Elementary School Bilingual Teacher
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South San Antonio Independent School District
Added 3mo ago
Elementary School Bilingual Teacher
South San Antonio Independent School District
San Antonio, Texas
Teaching & Instruction
K-12 Teaching
$60,000/yr - $77,463/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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San Francisco Unified School District
Elementary School Special Education Teacher
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San Francisco Unified School District
Added 2w ago
Elementary School Special Education Teacher
San Francisco Unified School District
San Francisco, California
Teaching & Instruction
K-12 Teaching
$72,943/yr - $137,945/yr
On-Site
Other
5,001-10,000

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Fort Worth Independent School District
Elementary and Middle School Teacher
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Fort Worth Independent School District
Added 2w ago
Elementary and Middle School Teacher
Fort Worth Independent School District
Fort Worth, Texas
Teaching & Instruction
K-12 Teaching
$88,000/yr - $100,000/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Friendship Public Charter School
Elementary/Middle School Science Teacher
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Friendship Public Charter School
Added 2mo ago
Elementary/Middle School Science Teacher
Friendship Public Charter School
Washington, Washington DC
Teaching & Instruction
K-12 Teaching
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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ADAMS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 14
Campus Summer School Elementary Teacher
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ADAMS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 14
Added 2mo ago
Campus Summer School Elementary Teacher
ADAMS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 14
Colorado
Teaching & Instruction
K-12 Teaching
$39.07/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
501-1,000

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Tips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as an Elementary School Teacher

Align your credentials to state requirements

U.S. states control teacher certification independently. Research the licensure requirements for the state where your host school is located before applying, since some states accept foreign credentials directly while others require additional coursework or exams.

Target districts with international recruitment programs

Large urban districts and those facing teacher shortages actively recruit internationally through J-1 Teacher program pipelines. Focus your search on districts in states like California, Maryland, and Texas, which have established records of hosting J-1 teachers.

Search for J-1-ready roles on Migrate Mate

Use Migrate Mate to filter U.S. school employer listings for roles aligned with the J-1 Teacher category. Identifying host schools open to exchange educators saves time before you approach a designated sponsor for DS-2019 issuance.

Clarify home residency requirement before accepting

The J-1 Teacher category typically carries a two-year home residency requirement after your exchange program ends. Confirm this with your designated sponsor before signing any offer, since it affects future U.S. visa or green card eligibility.

Prepare your DS-2019 documents with your sponsor

Your designated sponsor, not your host school, issues the DS-2019 form that authorizes your J-1 status. Gather proof of teaching qualifications, English proficiency, and a signed host school agreement, as sponsors require all three before processing your paperwork.

Verify subject-area and grade-level match in your offer

J-1 Teacher sponsorship is tied to a specific subject area and school level listed on the DS-2019. If your host school later reassigns you to a different grade or subject without sponsor approval, your J-1 status could be jeopardized.

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Elementary School Teacher J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions

Which J-1 program category applies to elementary school teachers?

The J-1 Teacher category is designed specifically for primary and secondary educators. To qualify, you must have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree in education or a subject you will teach, at least three years of teaching experience, and proficiency in English. Your designated sponsor issues the DS-2019 that places you in this category, not your host school district.

How do I find a host school that supports J-1 teacher placements?

Host schools recruit J-1 teachers independently, so you need to identify and approach districts directly rather than relying on your designated sponsor for job leads. Migrate Mate lets you search U.S. school employer listings filtered for roles aligned with J-1 exchange categories, helping you find host schools before contacting a sponsor to begin DS-2019 processing.

What is the difference between my host school and my J-1 sponsor?

Your host school is the employer where you teach daily and who pays your salary. Your J-1 sponsor is a separate State Department-designated organization, such as an established cultural exchange program administrator, that issues your DS-2019, monitors your program compliance, and maintains legal responsibility for your exchange status. The two roles are legally distinct, and your sponsor must approve any significant changes to your placement.

Does the J-1 Teacher visa have an annual cap or lottery?

No. The J-1 visa has no annual numerical cap and no lottery, unlike the H-1B. Availability depends on your qualifying credentials, finding a willing host school district, and your designated sponsor's capacity to issue a DS-2019 for the Teacher category. Processing timelines vary by sponsor organization, so starting the process several months before your intended start date is advisable.

Can I extend my J-1 teacher placement beyond the initial period?

Yes. The J-1 Teacher program generally allows placements of up to three years, with extensions possible subject to sponsor approval and continued qualifying employment at your host school. Extensions require your designated sponsor to issue an updated DS-2019 before your current one expires. Any gap in valid J-1 status, even brief, can complicate your standing, so coordinate extension paperwork well in advance with both your school and sponsor.

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