Are You NIW-Ready? The 7 Signs International Teachers Should Look For
Many teachers are NIW-ready without realizing it. Here are the 7 clearest signs that your impact, leadership, and service may already align with NIW criteria.
The Other Side of the American Dream: The Unspoken Challenges Filipino Teachers Face in the U.S.
Behind every success story of a Filipino teacher in the U.S. is a quieter reality—homesickness, visa anxiety, loneliness, classroom shock, and financial pressure. This honest piece explores the unspoken challenges many face—and the strength it takes to keep going.
Burned Out but Still Teaching? How to Survive Without Quitting Yet
Teaching while burned out can feel like silent survival. This guide helps you stabilize, set boundaries, and protect your health—without quitting in exhaustion.
Mental Health & Waivers: When Emotional Distress Becomes Legal Grounds
Mental and emotional distress only becomes legal grounds for a 212(e) hardship waiver when a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or child would suffer exceptional harm. This guide explains who qualifies—and who does not—so J-1 teachers don’t pursue the wrong waiver path.
Avoid Common Filipino Teacher Mistakes During U.S. Interviews: What Principals Really Notice
Many Filipino teachers lose U.S. job offers not because they lack skill, but because they unknowingly make interview mistakes that weaken their answers. Learn how to fix these mistakes and present yourself the U.S. way.
Can Financial Hardship Help You Stay in the US?
Financial hardship can qualify some J-1 teachers for a 212(e) hardship waiver, but only in specific, well-documented situations. This guide explains who may qualify, what USCIS considers “exceptional hardship,” and what options remain if the waiver is not the right path.
I Started Teaching SPED in the U.S.—and I Realized, Nobody Prepared Me for IEPs.
Are you a first-year SPED teacher in the U.S. feeling lost with IEPs? You’re not alone. This gentle starter bundle helps you finally understand IEPs with clarity, real examples, and guided support—so you don’t just comply, you truly understand.
Is NIW Even for Teachers Like Me?
NIW is not just for “extraordinary” teachers. It’s for teachers whose work truly makes a difference — especially those serving high-need, underserved, or specialized student populations. Most teachers are already doing NIW-worthy work, but they don’t realize it — and they aren’t documenting it. This post explains why NIW is possible for teachers like you and how to start preparing early.
Are You a J-1 Teacher with a U.S. Citizen Spouse or Child?
Having a U.S. spouse or child may open a more secure path for J-1 teachers — one that goes beyond school sponsorship and can lead to a waiver and green card. In uncertain times, it’s important to understand your options early and prepare, not just hope.
God’s Promise by Jesselle
July 30, 2022 3:08 am UTC+0 “Your promise still stands, Great is your faithfulness. I’m still in your hands. This is my confidence. You’ve never failed me yet!” -Lyrics from the song “Do It Again”; the song that changed my life in an instant. How? Here’s my story. Long before, it hadn’t crossed my mind to … Read more
Why Some Doors Stay Closed — Even When You Think You’re “Qualified”
Not every missed opportunity is rejection. Sometimes, it’s protection. God may close a door not because you’re unqualified, but because He is preparing your character first.
Called or Merely Curious? The Real Difference Between Wanting to Teach in the U.S. and Being Chosen for It
Many teachers want to teach in the U.S., but only a few are truly called. This post explores the waiting season, mindset, and tenacity needed to succeed.
Interested in SY 2026–2027? Send your résumé to apply@teach-usa.net
Humanitarian Relief for J-1 Teachers: Who Qualifies and What to Know
Many J-1 teachers fear returning home when conditions change—whether due to conflict, persecution, or personal threats. This guide explains what “humanitarian relief” really means, who may qualify, and the risks to your J-1 program so you can make informed decisions about safety, status, and next steps.
J-1 With U.S. Spouse/Child: Is WAIVER the Next Best Step?
If you have a U.S. citizen spouse or child, a J-1 waiver may help you stay in the United States and pursue long-term immigration options. But timing matters. Learn the pros of seeking a waiver, why working with an immigration lawyer helps, and when delaying the waiver might actually be the better choice.
From J-1 to Green Card: A Filipino Teacher’s Story of Faith, Timing, and God’s Favor
She started as one of our J-1 teachers, went home to complete her 212(e) two-year rule, and returned to the U.S. under an H-1B visa — before the new rules took effect. Today, she’s being processed for her green card. A powerful reminder that when we stay faithful, God moves in ways beyond what we can imagine.
NIW for J-1 Teachers: Myths vs. Truth
Confused about the NIW and how it affects your J-1 visa? Discover the myths and truths every international teacher needs to know before taking the next step.
NIW vs. 212(e) Waiver: What Every J-1 Teacher Needs to Know
The 212(e) waiver and the NIW are not the same. One removes the J-1 home residency rule, while the other opens a green card pathway. Here’s what every teacher should know—and why timing is critical.
212(e) Hardship Waiver or Persecution Waiver: Your Options
The 212(e) rule requires some J-1 teachers to return home for two years—but there are exceptions. The Hardship Waiver and the Persecution Waiver offer possible paths to stay, especially for those with U.S. family or facing conflict back home.
Why J-1 Teachers Should Stay on Top of Their Financial Obligations
As a J-1 teacher in the U.S., your financial obligations go beyond paying bills. Unpaid debts can affect your credit score, professional reputation, and even your visa pathway. Learn why it’s crucial to honor every commitment.
Her J-1 Was Approved Before—But Denied Now. Here’s Why.
She once held a J-1 visa and even worked in the U.S. on H-1B. But when she applied for another J-1, the consul said no. Here’s what happened—and the lesson for other teachers.