Teachers Council
Teachers Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit designated by the US Department of State to sponsor J-1 exchange visitor visas, serving international teachers and US schools and districts through a portfolio of visa sponsorship and immigration services including J-1, H-1B, and EB-2/3 pathways.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersAnnapolis, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Teachers Council does
Teachers Council, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered at 95 Cathedral St, Suite 100, Annapolis, Maryland, founded in 1999 and holding a designation from the US Department of State to sponsor J-1 exchange visitor visas under the BridgeUSA program. The organization delivers a comprehensive portfolio of immigration and visa services for international educators and the US schools that hire them, anchored by two core programs: the J-1 Teacher Exchange Visitor Program (placing pre-school, primary, and secondary teachers from abroad in US schools) and the J-1 Trainee Exchange Program (sponsoring foreign professionals for structured US-based training up to 18 months). Complementary service lines extend the customer lifecycle across immigration stages and include H-1B teacher visa processing, EB-2/EB-3 employment-based permanent residence assistance, F-1 to H-1B transition services for international students, and naturalization/citizenship support.
Operationally the firm runs on a web-based program management platform with online eligibility applications and document-submission workflows (J-1 Initial Eligibility Form, J-1 Host School Open Positions Form, J-1 Trainee Form), supported by referral partnerships with NACES-member credential evaluation agencies and external immigration attorneys for specialized legal filings. Teachers Council recruits teachers from at least nine countries (including the Philippines, Jamaica, India, Mexico, South Korea, Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Ecuador) and matches them with more than 300 participating US schools and districts nationwide. Revenue is generated entirely through professional services fees across the visa sponsorship portfolio; pricing is contact-based and fee schedules are not publicly disclosed. Distribution relies on direct outreach, content marketing (an extensive blog and presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok), and inbound inquiry forms segmented by visa type. The team is small (1-10 employees) and includes a leadership group (Nick Spagnolo, President; Kenneth Suhr, VP and Senior Paralegal Specialist; Chrissie Friedrichsen, J-1 Program Director and Responsible Officer) drawn from multiple countries, supporting both the regulated casework and the cultural positioning of the organization.
Teachers Council firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Teachers Council
- Legal name
- Teachers Council, Inc.
- Website
- https://teacherscouncil.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Teachers Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit designated by the US Department of State to sponsor J-1 exchange visitor visas, serving international teachers and US schools and districts through a portfolio of visa sponsorship and immigration services including J-1, H-1B, and EB-2/3 pathways.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Teachers Council industry classification
Industry- Product category
- International Education Visa Sponsorship Services
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Faculty-Led & Custom Group Study Abroad Programs (EDAIAAAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- On-Ground Orientation, Travel, Transfers & Logistics Support (EDAIAHAL), Credentialing, Academic Credit, Assessment & Transcript Services (EDAIAFAO)
Keywords
Where Teachers Council is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Annapolis
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Teachers Council business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- J-1 Teacher Exchange Program Fees: Sponsorship fees for foreign teachers participating in the Teacher Exchange Visitor Program, a nonimmigrant cultural exchange program administered by the US Department of State's BridgeUSA program
- J-1 Trainee Exchange Program Fees: Sponsorship fees for foreign professionals participating in the Trainee Program, which allows training in US business practices for up to 18 months
- H-1B Visa Processing Services: Visa petition processing services for teachers seeking H-1B specialty occupation visas, including LCA certification and I-129 petition preparation
- EB-2/3 Employment-Based Permanent Residence Services: Assistance with employment-based permanent residence applications for teachers sponsored by schools, including labor certification and immigrant visa petitions
- Naturalization and Citizenship Services: Consultation and assistance services for lawful permanent residents seeking US citizenship through the naturalization process
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | H-1B Visa Processing Fees |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels9 records
Teachers Council product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Teachers Council is a US Department of State-designated BridgeUSA program sponsor that provides visa sponsorship and immigration services for international teachers and trainees. It sponsors J-1 Teacher Exchange and J-1 Trainee Exchange programs, processes H-1B specialty occupation visa petitions for teachers, assists with EB-2/EB-3 employment-based permanent residence applications, and provides naturalization and citizenship services. The organization partners with US schools, school districts, and host organizations nationwide to place qualified international educators in pre-school (language immersion), primary, and secondary school positions.
Product overview
Teachers Council offers a comprehensive suite of visa sponsorship and immigration services for international educators and professionals. The core offerings include the J-1 Teacher Exchange Visitor Program (sponsoring foreign teachers for pre-school through secondary positions in U.S. schools) and the J-1 Trainee Exchange Program (sponsoring foreign professionals for training experiences up to 18 months). Additional services include H-1B visa sponsorship for teachers, EB-2/EB-3 employment-based permanent residence applications, naturalization and citizenship assistance, and F-1 to H-1B status transitions. The organization is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a BridgeUSA program sponsor and operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity based in Annapolis, Maryland.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Teacher Exchange Visitor Program (J-1) A nonimmigrant cultural exchange program giving foreign teachers the opportunity to teach in US pre-school (language immersion), primary, and secondary schools, sponsored through the US Department of State's BridgeUSA program. Designed for qualified international educators seeking cross-cultural professional development and an exchange experience in the US.
- Trainee Exchange Program (J-1) Program designed for foreign professionals with significant occupational experience to gain exposure to US culture and receive structured, field-specific training in US business practices, with programs ranging up to 18 months in duration. Sponsorship is delivered under the BridgeUSA J-1 Trainee designation.
- H-1B Teacher Visa Services Visa sponsorship services for international teachers seeking to work in US schools under the H-1B specialty occupation visa category, including cap-exempt employer sponsorship and preparation of LCA certification and I-129 petitions. For international teachers and US schools seeking to hire foreign-born teachers in qualified roles.
- EB-2/EB-3 Employment-Based Permanent Residence Employment-based permanent residence visa application assistance for international teachers, including labor certification, immigrant visa petitions, and adjustment of status filings. Supports a pathway from temporary work visas to permanent residency for teachers sponsored by participating US schools.
- Naturalization & Citizenship Services Assistance with the US naturalization process for lawful permanent residents seeking to become citizens, including application guidance and eligibility review. For international teachers and their family members progressing toward US citizenship.
- F-1 to H-1B Transition Services Visa status change assistance for F-1 international students and recent graduates who participate in Optional Practical Training and wish to enter the US education field under H-1B status. For F-1 students and OPT graduates pursuing US teaching careers.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 1,000 teachers successfully obtained EB2/3 Visas over 18+ years
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Teachers Council
Customer profileNamed customers16 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Teachers Council technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Teachers Council partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and support.
- United States Department of State - BridgeUSA ProgramcoreTeachers Council is officially designated by the US Department of State to sponsor visas through the BridgeUSA program. This designation authorizes the organization to issue DS-2019 Certificates of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status and administer J-1 visa sponsorship for teachers and trainees.
- US Schools and School Districts (Host Schools)coreOver 100 US schools and districts partner with Teachers Council to host international teachers. Schools submit hiring needs through the J-1 Host School Open Positions form and receive support for H-1B cap-exempt sponsorship for qualifying institutions.
- NACES Member Credential Evaluation AgenciessupportTeachers Council refers teachers to NACES member agencies for course-by-course credentials evaluation. Foundation for International Services is specifically recommended for credential evaluations required for teaching eligibility.
- Immigration AttorneyssupportImmigration attorneys are retained to prepare and file visa applications for EB-2/3 permanent residence and H-1B visa petitions, providing specialized legal expertise in the highly technical immigration filing process.
- Domestic Partner OrganizationscoreTeachers Council partners with domestic organizations to facilitate cultural exchange programs and provide hosting arrangements for international teachers and trainees in the US education system.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Teachers Council competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Alliance Abroad Group: Alliance Abroad is a designated J-1 visa sponsor providing teacher, au pair, intern, and trainee exchange programs. It directly competes with Teachers Council in J-1 teacher sponsorship for US K-12 schools under the same BridgeUSA regulatory framework.
- AMIDEAST: AMIDEAST is a designated J-1 visa sponsor operating exchange programs across the Middle East and North Africa region, including teacher and trainee categories. Comparable to Teachers Council as a BridgeUSA sponsor serving the same exchange visitor categories and regulatory framework.
- Cultural Vistas: Cultural Vistas is a nonprofit Exchange Visitor Program sponsor designated by the US Department of State, operating J-1 programs for professionals, teachers, interns, and trainees. Comparable to Teachers Council as a nonprofit peer with the same federal designation and overlapping customer base of foreign professionals seeking US placement.
- CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange): CIEE is one of the largest US Department of State-designated BridgeUSA J-1 visa sponsors, operating exchange visitor programs across teachers, trainees, interns, and au pairs. It is the most direct competitor to Teachers Council given overlapping J-1 teacher placement services and shared regulatory designation framework.
- Participate Learning: Participate Learning (formerly Visiting International Faculty/VIF) specializes in placing international teachers in US K-12 schools. It directly competes with Teachers Council for the same school district customers and serves the same foreign teacher pipeline into American classrooms.
- World Learning: World Learning is a designated J-1 visa sponsor operating exchange programs for teachers, trainees, and students. It is comparable to Teachers Council as a nonprofit BridgeUSA sponsor with overlapping teacher exchange services for US K-12 institutions.
- InterExchange: InterExchange is a designated BridgeUSA sponsor offering J-1 teacher, au pair, intern, and trainee programs. It directly competes with Teachers Council in J-1 teacher placement and shares the same Department of State designation pathway, serving similar US schools and foreign educator candidates.
- Greenheart Exchange: Greenheart Exchange is a BridgeUSA-designated J-1 sponsor operating cultural exchange programs including teacher placement. Comparable to Teachers Council in nonprofit structure, federal designation, and direct competition for US school districts seeking international teachers.
- AFS Intercultural Programs: AFS-USA is a designated J-1 visa sponsor operating exchange programs including teacher placements. Comparable to Teachers Council in federal designation, nonprofit structure, and shared customer segment of foreign teachers seeking US teaching opportunities.
- Intrax (a CIEE company): Intrax is a J-1 visa sponsor offering exchange programs for teachers, interns, and trainees, now part of CIEE. It directly competes with Teachers Council in J-1 teacher sponsorship and shares the same regulatory pathway for placing foreign educators in US schools.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Teachers Council social profiles
Digital presenceTeachers Council compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Teachers Council financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Teachers Council leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Teachers Council funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Teachers Council M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Teachers Council
What does Teachers Council do?
Teachers Council is a US Department of State-designated BridgeUSA program sponsor that provides visa sponsorship and immigration services for international teachers and trainees. It sponsors J-1 Teacher Exchange and J-1 Trainee Exchange programs, processes H-1B specialty occupation visa petitions for teachers, assists with EB-2/EB-3 employment-based permanent residence applications, and provides naturalization and citizenship services. The organization partners with US schools, school districts, and host organizations nationwide to place qualified international educators in pre-school (language immersion), primary, and secondary school positions.
Is Teachers Council a public or private company?
Teachers Council is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Teachers Council founded?
Teachers Council was founded in 1999. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Teachers Council based?
Teachers Council is headquartered in Annapolis, United States, in the North America region.
How does Teachers Council make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. J-1 Teacher Exchange Program Fees are the primary driver. The others are J-1 Trainee Exchange Program Fees, H-1B Visa Processing Services, EB-2/3 Employment-Based Permanent Residence Services and naturalization and Citizenship Services.
Who are Teachers Council's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Alliance Abroad Group, AMIDEAST, Cultural Vistas, CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange), Participate Learning, World Learning, InterExchange, Greenheart Exchange, AFS Intercultural Programs and Intrax (a CIEE company).
Does Teachers Council have an API?
No public API is recorded for Teachers Council.
What industry is Teachers Council in?
Teachers Council's product category is International Education Visa Sponsorship Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAIAAAA, Faculty-Led & Custom Group Study Abroad Programs, with a secondary code of EDAIAHAL, On-Ground Orientation, Travel, Transfers & Logistics Support. Its NAICS code is 611710 and its SIC code is 8200.