This case study will offer a deep dive into the logistical and programmatic considerations of managing the arrival, onboarding, and retention of a large group of J-1 exchange teachers in a uniquely complex geographic and regulatory environment.

Hawai‘i’s public schools face chronic teacher shortages, especially in rural and remote areas. In response, the Hawai‘i State Department of Education has partnered with J-1 visa Sponsors to recruit highly qualified international teachers—most recently welcoming a large cohort from the Philippines. Jimmy Brazelton of Teacher Lounge and James Urbaniak of the Hawaii Department of Education will present this case study.

They will offer insight into: 

• Coordinating arrivals and orientations across multiple locations across a geographic region, each location with a unique infrastructure and support system.
• Pre-departure preparation specific to their context as educators transitioning from one educational system to another
• Navigating US public education onboarding requirements, including fingerprinting, background checks, health screenings, and state certifications
• Coordination with multiple agencies, accommodation and transportation providers, and service providers
• Strategies for successful collaboration between school districts and visa Sponsors in ways that honour the spirit of cultural exchange

This session will offer listeners the chance to better understand the challenges and opportunities of placing large cohorts of international teachers in public school systems and gain actionable strategies and best practices for managing regulatory and onboarding processes specific to US public schools.