Teacher Shortage Requires Foreign National Workers
Posted Aug 22, 2003

It is "back-to-school" time, but many schools are starting the year short of the desired number of qualified teachers. Because the news media has focused on the decline in job availability in the information technology sector, some have argued that there is a dwindling need for professionals from other countries. As Congress considers limiting various work visa programs, and as the H1B quota reverts to 65,000 on October 1, 2003, it is important not to overlook other vital occupations which have increased the need for foreign workers in those areas.

As reported in THE TIMES OF INDIA on 12 August 2003, the U.S. continues to face a shortage of qualified teachers, especially in the areas of mathematics and science. The National Education Association WebSite reiterates this need and adds special education to the list of teachers needed. Foreign nationals who have training as teachers in these areas could help ease the burden of their American counterparts, who are already overworked. This is particularly so in urban and rural areas where it is difficult to recruit and retain qualified U.S. teachers. Many recruiters have turned to countries like India which offer a ready source of qualified, English-speaking teachers, often with excellent training in math and science. We need good teachers for our middle and high school-aged children who must have the appropriate skills to become professionals and leaders.

H1B is Appropriate Visa

A teacher generally qualifies for the H1B visa, as s/he needs to have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree in education or the field of instruction. The teacher needs to be licensed in the district where s/he will teach or be eligible for the license once the social security card is obtained. The problem of teachers not having the needed license without a social security card, and the solution to that problem, is reported in our December 14, 2001 MurthyBulletin article, H1B Petitions should be Approved for One Year without State License, available on MurthyDotCom.

Need to File Early

The number of H1B visas available in each fiscal year is set to decrease to 65,000 as of October 1, 2003. This could present a problem for teachers, as classes generally start in August or September. Since the BCIS fiscal year starts in October, the numbers are not likely to still be available by August or September, the end of the fiscal year. However, with a bit of planning, it should be possible to overcome this problem. Since H1B petitions can be filed up to six months in advance, and teachers generally have to start work at least a week before classes, the H1B petition could be filed in February with an August start-date. Historically, there have been H1B numbers available through February. Of course, each year is different. Good planning is important on the part of the teacher as well as those hiring foreign teachers and would include reviewing any information regarding projected H1B cut-off dates. Arrangements may need to be made to allow the teachers to start earlier in the summer with orientation programs, classroom preparation, or summer school positions. This would allow the H1B petitions to be filed earlier and reduce the risk of there being no more H-1 numbers. It would also allow for any delays in obtaining visas at the consulate with the mandatory personal interviews required for most nonimmigrant visa applicants. Ample time should be built in for this, given the current backlogs for interviews.

Benefit to U.S.

Having qualified teachers will help ensure that U.S. children obtain a quality education. The availability of qualified math and science teachers will unquestionably enhance our children's knowledge and interest in these areas, preparing future generations to compete in the job market and contribute to their communities. International teachers will enrich these children's educational lives and provide greater awareness of a global community and the world around them. We encourage Congress to create a work visa for teachers, or to increase the number of H1Bs available, so that administrators can fill the vacancies with this viable foreign option. We encourage foreign national teachers to consider teaching in the United States, to mold future minds with a better understanding of their specific subject areas and a greater sensitivity to the world beyond the classroom.