Teaching at San Diego French-American School
At San Diego French-American School, we recruit, hire and retain educators who view themselves as professionals and are committed to the art and craft of exceptional teaching. We also seek dynamic, growth-oriented individuals who value excellence and for whom educating children is a calling.
Teaching candidates who will thrive at San Diego French-American School are those who wish to engage fully, continually challenge themselves and their students, and embrace modern pedagogy within a multilingual school environment that prioritizes:
- Relationship building, human understanding and cultural competence
- Language, problem solving, critical thinking skills and growth mindset orientation
- Character development, personal growth and adherence to core values
- Developing skills necessary to work well autonomously as well as collaborate effectively in groups
Click here to view the San Diego French-American School Educator job description. If you are interested in joining a team of highly motivated educators who are passionate about their areas of expertise, consider social and emotional learning as equal in importance to academics, and share a common vision for how to develop global citizens, we invite you to present yourself as a candidate.
San Diego French-American School is committed to Equal Opportunity Employment and hires employees without regard to gender, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, color, creed, gender identification or sexual orientation. In its hiring practices, San Diego French-American School values diversity in all of its forms and seeks above all educators who are open-minded, self-aware, and committed to learning and growth.
Recruiting for 2024-2025
Preschool Associate Teacher
French strongly preferred though not required. Click here for position description.
Teachers
San Diego French-American School (SDFAS) is an independent, co-ed pre-elementary, elementary and middle school, serving students ages 2 to 13.
Founded in 1988, SDFAS offers a bilingual program in French and English, accredited by the French Ministry of Education and the State of California Board of Education.
A well-established curriculum promotes excellence in education with a global perspective. Through a richly harmonized curriculum developed for students in kindergarten through 8th grade serving 350 students, core subjects are taught in both French and English, offering a unique perspective in all areas. While the emphasis is on languages and communication skills, the school is committed to providing a well-rounded, balanced program that prepares students for excellence in math, science, humanities, art and sports.
The school is committed to small class sizes that allow for greater differentiation, building strong partnerships with parents, and employing passionate teachers who love what they do and bring rigor, creativity and innovation to their teaching practice.
SDFAS is a learning community whose mission is to develop plurilingual, multi-talented students who are ready to step and take action in the world.
Overview of Position:
The Social Studies teacher is responsible for teaching the curriculum developed by SDFAS in collaboration with the French History-Geography teacher. This curriculum adheres to California standards while considering the bilingual profile of the students from 6th to 8th grade. This position also includes a guided studies session and an Office Hour, totaling 12 hours per week.
Other responsibilities include: supporting the program and collaborating regularly with colleagues when designing the overall program and projects (school-wide, middle school, bilingual and/or outreach projects).
The individual in this position will closely collaborate with the French and English Department team, ensuring consistency across grade levels, but also with the Middle School French History and Geography teacher, in order to articulate and harmonize the French-American curricula.
SDFAS teachers provide a rigorous inquiry-based style of teaching, manage collaborative learning groups, differentiate in the classroom and comfortably integrate technology into the curriculum.
This position also includes providing ongoing communication with families, regular reporting on student progress and conducting Parent-Teacher conferences. As part of an emphasis on best practices and collaborative work, SDFAS teachers attend regular staff meetings, committee meetings and take part in ongoing professional development. This is a part time position with competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
Successful candidates will:
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in English or a relevant field (Master’s degree a plus)
• Have a minimum of 3 years of classroom experience with demonstrated success
• Be knowledgeable of implementing national Social Studies standards
• Have a working understanding of developmental, constructivist and constructionist teaching practices
• Have experience with inquiry-based teaching strategies and real-world applications
• Have an ability to provide a differentiated program addressing various skill levels and
learning styles
• Have a good understanding of social emotional needs of students in their teen years
• Have a demonstrated proficiency with the use of technology for teaching and learning
• Have an ability to actively work in a collegial, collaborative environment
• Have a demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development
• Have a growth mindset, warm personality, and excellent organizational and communication skills
• Act as a role model for middle school students in terms of ethics and values
• Be committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity
• Possess a strong commitment and drive
San Diego French-American School is looking for outstanding, experienced certified or qualified French Professeurs des Écoles, niveau maternelle.
To apply, please send (as a single PDF file) your resume/CV and cover letter/lettre de motivation, any other teaching credentials (e.g. rapports d’inspection) and letters of recommendation to Sophie Ricouard,
We are not recruiting at this time.
We are not recruiting at this time.
Preschool Associate Teachers
Click here to view the Preschool Associate Teacher job description. If interested, please send a resume, cover letter and short list of professional references (as a single PDF file please) to sricouard@sdfas.org and with CC to besterly@sdfas.org.
- Bilingual French-English strongly preferred
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Early Childhood Education (ECE) credits preferred (for ages 18 months – 5 years). Candidates should ideally have 12 units across three specific areas. The school is happy to provide transcript analysis for interested candidates.
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The school is also willing to sponsor the completion of ECE units for the right candidate.
- Demonstrated prior experience working with children strongly preferred
- Cross-cultural competency and experience living in different countries or within different cultural settings strongly preferred but not required
- Hourly salary commensurate with experience and benchmarks for similar positions at schools of our size and profile in southern California
- Authorized to work in the United States for any employer
San Diego French American School J-1 Visa Program
J-1 Visa Program Sponsorship Overview
San Diego French-American School (SDFAS) is approved by the U.S. Department of State as a direct sponsor and host school for the J-1 Visa Program in the Teacher Exchange Visitor category.
The program is open to applicants who meet the requirements for participation; however, we can only sponsor teachers who are applying for a teaching position at our school. To view the requirements from the US Department of State, please click here.
Teachers may be sponsored on a J-1 visa for three academic years with the possibility of an additional two years if the conditions for extension are met and approved.
Exchange teachers will participate in cross-cultural activities, and share their own culture in the classroom with students, other teachers, schools, and communities, so they can return to their home country and share their American experiences and increased knowledge of the United States and the U.S. education system.
For more information, please click here to view the Exchange Visitor Program Welcome Brochure from the US Department of State.
Cross-Cultural Activities
Teachers participating in a J-1 exchange teacher program will be required to complete at least one cross-cultural activity, within the United States, per academic year of participation, from each of the following two categories:
- An activity for the teacher’s classroom, host school or host school district population, or the community at large designed to give an overview of the history, traditions, heritage, culture, economy, educational system and/or other attributes of his or her home country. Exchange teachers must conduct at least one cross-cultural activity per academic year outside the host school in nearby schools or communities.
- An activity that involves U.S. student dialogue with schools or students in another country, preferably in the exchange teacher’s home school, through virtual exchange or other means.
Visa Fees & Other Fees Directly Related to the Program Participation
SDFAS provides comprehensive reimbursement for various visa-related fees associated with the J-1 visa program. Upon submission of receipts, SDFAS will reimburse participants for the following fees:
- I-901 SEVIS fee ($220) which is a one time fee that covers J-1 and all J-2 visa applicants.
- Visa application DS-160 fee ($185 per person) for J-1 visa applicants.
Please note that SDFAS does not reimburse the DS-160 fee for dependents.
In addition to fee reimbursements, SDFAS offers further assistance for
J-1 visa program participants:
- Relocation Allowance: SDFAS is committed to supporting exchange teachers during their transition by providing a relocation allowance, up to $2,500 for each exchange teacher, to assist with housing and initial expenses, ensuring a smooth and comfortable relocation process.
- Program Extension Fees: If a teacher requests a program extension after completing three academic years, SDFAS will cover the extension fees.
- Background Check Fee and Foreign Credentials Evaluation Fee: SDFAS takes care of the expenses associated with the background check fee and the foreign credentials evaluation fee.
J-2 spouses and dependents are not allowed to work until they have applied for and received an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The filing fee (Form I-765) is $470.
SDFAS does not engage with third-party agencies and does not impose a sponsor fee, emphasizing a direct and transparent process for all participants and their dependents.
Certification and licensure exams cost do not apply to SDFAS.
Salary and Taxes
All employees, including J-1 visa holders, are responsible for certain deductions, including Federal and State Income Taxes, Social Security & Medicare (FICA), and State Disability Insurance (SDI). These deductions are mandatory and applicable to all employees to ensure compliance with tax regulations.
It is important to understand the impact of these deductions on your income.
Income tax deductions vary based on various factors, such as family composition. On average, the income tax deductions, which include Federal and State Income Taxes, Social Security & Medicare (FICA), and State Disability Insurance (SDI), range between $12,000 to $16,000 per year.
For example, if your annual salary is equal to $60,000, your estimated deductions would be as follow:
Tax Type | Marginal Tax Rate | Effective Tax Rate | 2023 Taxes* |
Federal | 22.00% | 9.10% | $5,461 |
FICA | 7.65% | 7.65% | $4,590 |
State | 8.80% | 3.64% | $2,186 |
Local | 0.00% | 0.00% | $0 |
Total Income Taxes | 20.39% | $12,237 | |
Income After Taxes | $47,763 | ||
Retirement Contributions | $0 | ||
Take-Home Pay | $47,763 |
For an estimated tax amount deduction, please visit the Federal Income Tax Calculator.
Teachers are paid twice each month: on the 20th of the month for work performed between the 1st and 15th of that month and on the 5th day of the month for work performed between the 16th and the last day of the prior month.
SDFAS does not work with trade unions, labor unions, or any other workers organization.
Tax Treaty:
Teachers with a J-1 visa from France are exempt from Federal Income Tax the first two years (2X365 days) in the U.S. Example: if you begin work on August 21, 2023, you are exempt from Federal Income tax from August 21, 2023 to August 20, 2024.
Insurance & Insurance Requirements
The US Department of State requires that each holder of a J visa (J-1 and J-2) has an insurance in effect that covers the exchange visitor and their dependent(s) for sickness and accidents during the entire time of participation in the program.
SDFAS covers the following insurances:
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurances for J-1 visa holders
- Evacuation/Repatriation insurance for J-1 and J-2 visa holders
SDFAS does not cover health insurance for dependents. Exchange visitor teachers may enroll their dependents in the school’s medical, dental and vision insurance plans by paying the additional premium through payroll deduction. Medical insurance costs vary according to who is covered; it ranges between $535 to $600 per dependent per month.
Retirement Plan 403(b) (optional)
SDFAS offers participation in a 403(b) retirement plan to employees who regularly work 30 hours or more per week. Eligible employees may contribute any amount of their salary to the plan immediately after hire by notifying the Director of Finance and completing the enrollment forms. SDFAS will match employee contributions up to 5% of gross salary if employees who have been employed by the School for a minimum of two (2) years and who regularly work 30 hours or more per week. Employee contributions will be deducted through payroll deductions as permitted by law.
Tuition Remission
Children of SDFAS employees are eligible for a 30% tuition remission per student.
Estimated Cost of Living in San Diego (may vary based on lifestyle choices).
All costs are listed in $USD.
Housing Monthly Rental:
- Studio: $1,700
- One bedroom: $2,000
- Two bedroom: $3,500
- Three bedroom: $4,500
- Shared rental: $1,300 to $1,500
Transportation:
San Diego does not have a great public transportation system; having a car for transportation is essential.
- Car purchase upon arrival $10,000–$15,000
- Car insurance: $80 / per month
- Gas: $150 / per month
Other Monthly Living Expenses:
- Groceries / food: $300 for a single person
- Cell phone: $80
- Internet: $100
- Utilities (gas, electricity, water): $150
- Childcare for infants 0 to 24 months: on average $1,300
Entertainment:
- According to lifestyle
The website Numbeo can provide a useful and pretty accurate summary of the cost of living in San Diego.
Exchange Visitor Hotline
Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) Emergency Hotline – 1-866-283-9090 is a 24/7 toll-free telephone number that allows exchange visitors to directly contact the Department of State in emergency and urgent situations.
