Career Opportunities

Become a Part of our Dedicated Team!

At Rochambeau, The French International School, every employee plays a part in our mission, vision, and values. Our faculty and staff pride ourselves on being a diverse and inclusive group that brings different skills, perspectives and experiences to support the remarkable education we provide our students

We are currently seeking dedicated professionals for the 2024-2025 school year to add to our faculty. If you share our commitment to excellence in education and are interested in becoming a key contributor to our diverse, team-oriented culture, we encourage you to view our current openings.

To apply for faculty opportunities for the 2024-2025 school year, please access the following ADP link: Current Openings

Candidates will need to show flexibility, diplomacy, and a strong sense of personal responsibility and collaboration. Proficiency in French is preferred, as well as a mastery of new technologies.  Applications must contain the following documents:

• Current CV/Resume
• Cover Letter with a brief paragraph about the candidate’s educational philosophy
• Photocopies of main diplomas and credentials
• Photocopies of appropriate certificates and recommendation letters

Application for Employment

Equal Opportunity Employer: Rochambeau, the French International School, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all applicants, employees, volunteers and interns, and makes decisions based on the merits of each candidate. Rochambeau prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s race, color, religion (including all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy and breastfeeding), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality) national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status or registered domestic partner status, uniformed service member or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, or any other basis protected by law. Rochambeau will afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants, employees, volunteers, and interns as to all terms and conditions of employment, including, without limitation, compensation, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination.

COVID-19 Info: As a condition of employment, all employees and volunteers hired as of August 1, 2021 are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and able to provide proof of such vaccination.  To make an application for a medical or religious exemption, please contact the Human Resources Department at (301) 798-4802 or hr_office@rochambeau.org. 

House Bill 486 – Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct Prevention Statement: Pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland - House Bill 486 - Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct Prevention all applicants are required to report all former employers in which you may have had direct contact with minors. The applicant must submit the contact information of the current employer, all former school employers, and all former employers not school related. Applicants should also include contact information for organizations in which you have volunteered, coached, mentor, tutored or otherwise had direct contact with minors.

J1 Visa Exchange Program Information

Meeting people, participating in activities, and exploring the history and culture of your temporary United States home will enrich your stay and allow you to gain a deeper understanding of American culture. The people you come in contact with may also want to learn about your culture, as well as your country’s history, and maybe even your language. These conversations may lead to friendships, and friends will make your experience here more enjoyable, so don’t be shy.

The following web pages will help guide you on a discovery of the many opportunities for recreation, education, social and cultural activities, local excursions and entertainment offered by Rochambeau and outside organizations. The School’s orientation for new international employees and their families is offered annually at the Back-to-School program including cultural and diversity awareness programs. Perhaps you will choose one of the excursions or activities organized by the Advancement Department.  In springtime, be sure to coordinate with your family, and friends to participate in Spring Fair, Rochambeau’s international festival.

Whether you have a free hour or a whole afternoon, the opportunity to discover new things is just steps away. You are sure to find worthwhile activities based on your own interests: history, music, fine arts, movies, food, architecture, sports or something else.

 Useful Links

Whether you have a free hour or a whole afternoon, the opportunity to discover new things is just steps away. You are sure to find worthwhile activities based on your own interests: history, music, fine arts, movies, food, architecture, sports or something else.

The links also provide information about attractions and things to do in Washington, DC, the nation’s capital.  Find information on the Smithsonian, the National Mall, museums, monuments, government buildings, sightseeing tours, national landmarks, special events, and much more. Find information for things to do in the Washington, DC area including the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia.

Perhaps you have a little more time and can spend a weekend exploring the national parks, monuments and trails of the metropolitan Washington, DC area. Whatever your schedule or budget allows, you will find something on these pages that interests you.

If you would like to join the Rochambeau Community, we will be happy to welcome you. Come and be part of the adventure! 

USEFUL INFORMATION FOR EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS: TEACHERS (J1 VISA) 

 

Purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program 

The J-1 teacher program promotes the interchange of U.S. and foreign teachers and enhances mutual  understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Exchange teachers  sharpen their professional skills and participate in cross-cultural activities in schools and communities,  and they return home after the exchange to share their experiences and increased knowledge of the  United States and the U.S. educational system. This exchange enables foreign teachers to understand  better U.S. culture, society and teaching practices at the primary and secondary levels, and enhance  U.S. students' knowledge of foreign cultures, customs and teaching approaches. 

Home Country Physical Presence Requirement

In some cases, J-1 exchange visitors are subject to a "two-year home-country physical presence  requirement". Unless this requirement is waived by the US and Home country governments, a J-1  exchange visitor subject to this requirement would be required to complete the requirement by  returning to their home country and remaining for 2 years before they could obtain certain statuses in  the US. More information on this requirement can be found at:  

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html

Teacher Eligibility 

Foreign nationals are eligible to participate in exchange visitor programs as full-time teachers if, at the  time of initial application to the sponsor, an individual making such application demonstrates to the  satisfaction of Rochambeau that they:  

• Either: (a) Meets the qualifications for teaching at the primary, including primary or secondary levels in  schools in their home country; is working as a teacher in their home country at the time of application;  and has at least two years of full-time teaching experience,  
• OR, (b) Is not working as a teacher in their home country at the time of application, but otherwise  meets the qualifications for teaching at the primary or secondary levels in schools in the home country;  has had at least two years of full-time teaching experience within the past eight years; and, within 12  months of their application submission date for the program, has completed an advanced degree  (beyond a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree) in education or in an academic subject matter  that they intend to teach or that is directly related to their teaching subject field; 
• Possesses, at a minimum, a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree in either education or the  academic subject field in which they intend to teach;  
• Satisfies the teaching eligibility standards in Maryland;  
• Is of good reputation and character;  
• Agrees to come to the United States temporarily as a full-time teacher of record in an accredited  primary or secondary school; 
• Supply at least three (2) reference letters from colleagues, supervisors and/or principals attesting to  that teacher's good reputation, character and teaching skills. One of these letters MUST be from the  teacher’s current principal or head of school;  
• Demonstrate proficiency of the English language;
• Confirm financial ability and sufficient funds to cover relocation expenses to the United States and  living expenses for at least 2 months after arrival. 
• State Teaching License - A teaching license is not required to teach at private schools in Maryland, such as Rochambeau. However, to the extent that there are any costs related to state certifications, licenses, or exams, these will be covered by Rochambeau.
• Background Checks - Covered by Rochambeau

Teacher Responsibilities 

Exchange Visitor Teachers will be responsible for the following: 

• Teach as a full-time, paid faculty member at a primary or secondary school 
• Share language, culture, and knowledge with students, colleagues, and the surrounding  community 
• Assist students with additional academic needs (non-paid tutoring, discussion groups)
• Fulfill professional development requirements 
• Complete the annual cross-cultural requirement by March 1: A cross-cultural activity is defined as an activity designed to promote exposure and interchange between Exchange Visitors and  Americans so as to increase their mutual understanding of each other’s society, culture, and institutions.

During each academic year, the Exchange Visitor Teacher is required to complete  at least one cross-cultural activity from each of the following categories: 

1. In the community: An activity for a local classroom (outside of their host school) or in the community at large designed to give an overview of the history, traditions, heritage, culture,  economy, educational system and/or other attributes of their home country; 

AND 

2. Internationally: 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, in order to supplement the goals of the in-person exchange. 

Yearly Report 

Teachers are required to comply with this program component and submit a written report to the Lycée in a timely manner when requested. There is no specific format proposed, other  than:  

(i) The date(s) of each activity; 

(ii) The location of each activity; 

(iii) The audience for and participants in each activity; 

(iv) A general overview of each activity, including the topic; and, 

(v) The estimated impact of each activity.

Expenses/Fees/Insurance 

Applicants will be responsible for the following costs and expenses: 

• Sponsor fee: None 
• Third-party fees: Foreign Credentials Evaluation: Rochambeau will cover the costs of obtaining a  foreign credentials evaluation, if needed. 
• Visa fees: Rochambeau will reimburse the initial visa fees, including consulate appointments (currently $160), for J-1 participants up to 400EU upon submission of receipts or other  satisfactory documentation. If additional visa fees are required, those will be the responsibility  of the individual. Please see Visa Fees.  

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html

• Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee: $220 – Rochambeau will reimburse • Travel expenses to and from the United States: Up to $900 for hired teacher reimbursed by the  School 
• Insurance costs: All J-1 participates must meet the insurance requirements listed below from day one of the program. Rochambeau offers medical/dental/vision plans as well as short and  long-term care insurance, and a 403(b)-retirement plan (See Benefits Guide linked above). To the extent that the teacher wishes to use Rochambeau’s insurance and it does not go into effect as  of the start of the program, a teacher will be required to obtain supplementary insurance to meet the below qualifications and confirm the same prior to entering the U.S.  

Insurance requirements:  

Lycée Rochambeau Inc. requires that all exchange visitors have insurance in effect that covers  the exchange visitors for sickness or accidents during the period of time that they participate in  the sponsor's exchange visitor program. In addition, Lycée Rochambeau Inc. requires that  accompanying spouses and dependents of exchange visitors have insurance for sickness and  accidents. All exchange visitors, and any accompanying spouse and dependent(s), also may be  subject to the requirements of the Affordable Care Act.  

The period of required coverage is the actual duration of the exchange visitor's participation in  the sponsor's exchange visitor program as recorded in SEVIS in the “Program Begin Date,” and as  applicable, the “Program End Date,” “Effective Program End Date,” or “Effective Date of  Termination” fields. Minimum coverage must provide:  

1. Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness;  
2. Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000;  
3. Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of exchange visitors to their home country  in the amount of $50,000; and  
4. Deductibles not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.  

Rochambeau maintains a separate insurance policy on behalf of the J-1 teachers and their dependents that covers the following: 1) Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000; and 2) Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of exchange visitors to their home country  in the amount of $50,000.

Insurance policies secured to fulfill these requirements:  

1. May require a waiting period for pre-existing conditions that is reasonable as determined by  current industry standards;  
2. May include provisions for co-insurance under the terms of which the exchange visitor may  be required to pay up to 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness; and  (3) Must not unreasonably exclude coverage for perils inherent to the activities of the exchange  program in which the exchange visitor participates. 

Any policy, plan, or contract secured to fill the above requirements must, at a minimum, be:  

1. Underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of “A−” or above; a  McGraw Hill Financial/Standard & Poor's Claims-paying Ability rating of “A−” or above; a Weiss  Research, Inc. rating of “B + ” or above; a Fitch Ratings, Inc. rating of “A−” or above; a Moody's  Investor Services rating of “A3” or above; or such other rating as the Department of State may  from time to time specify; or  
2. Backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor's home  country; or  
3. Part of a health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees or enrolled students  by a designated sponsor; or  
4. Offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization or  eligible Competitive Medical Plan as determined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid  Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  

Accompanying spouses and dependents are required to be covered by insurance in the amounts set forth above.  

Exchange visitors who willfully fail to maintain the insurance coverage set forth above while a  participant in an exchange visitor program or who make material misrepresentations to the  sponsor concerning such coverage will be deemed to be in violation of these regulations and will  be subject to termination as an exchange visitor.  

Lycée Rochambeau Inc. must terminate an exchange visitor's participation in their program if it determines that the exchange visitor or any accompanying spouse or dependent willfully fails to  remain in compliance with this section. 

Below, please find a monthly budget illustration of a single teacher living in the area: Cost of Living in  Bethesda, MD (NUMBEO):  

 

• Rent: $1,800 and up for a studio, cheaper housing can be found in Silver Spring, Rockville,  Gaithersburg 
• Transportation: At least $150 for a monthly Metro allowing travel on buses and subway
• Rental insurance: $50 and up, depending on coverage. Full replacement coverage is recommended 
• Utilities: $150 and up (heating, electricity, gas, air conditioning) 
• Internet: $50 and up depending on services requested 
• Cable: $50 and up. Bundling internet, phone and cable is cheaper.  
• Cellphone: $50 and up depending on services requested 
• Groceries: $250 and up.  
• Travel and Entertainment: Varies based on your needs and budget 
• Laundry: $10 and up per week 
• Clothing: About the same cost as in France, wait for discounts. Warm clothing needed for winter time in the DC, Maryland and Virginia region
• Rental Car: Rochambeau pays first 3 days then the employee pays up to $65 per day
• Getting a driver's license: $72 in April 2024 for anyone over 21 in MD
• Hotel: Rochambeau pays first 3 days then the employee pays up to $159 per day
• Housing: https://www.zipmoving.us/blog/real-estate-prices-in-the-dmv-area/
• Childcare: https://wtop.com/dc/2023/07/dc-is-the-most-expensive-place-in-the-country-for-childcare-a-new-survey-finds/
• For cost breakdown of Rochambeau provided insurance options, please see the “Rochambeau Benefits Guide” linked above. Health insurance rates through the Affordable Care Act can vary widely based on factors such as age, location, income, and family size. On average, individuals may pay anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per month for coverage.  For more accurate dollar figures tailored to your specific circumstances, we recommend visiting the official HealthCare.gov website or residential state's health insurance marketplace. There, you can input your information to see the available plans and corresponding costs.

Expected work-related deductions, such as tax deductions: U.S. FICA (Social Security and Medicare): 

• Teachers with a J-1 VISA are exempt from FICA the first two calendar years in the US. All  subsequent calendar years are subject to tax. [Example – if you begin work in August 2019, you  are exempt for 4 months in 2019, which is the first calendar year and the year 2020, the second  calendar year. Taxes are withheld beginning January 1, 2021, the 3rd calendar year.] 
• Students with an F-1 VISA are exempt from FICA the first five calendar years in the US. All  subsequent calendar years in the US are subject to tax. 

• Retirement: We're committed to supporting our faculty members in planning for their future. As part of our retirement plan (TIAA), Rochambeau offers a generous contribution structure:
  • Initial Contribution: On a regular full-time or regular part-time faculty member's second anniversary of employment, Rochambeau will contribute an amount equivalent to 5% of their gross annual income, provided the staff member also contributes a minimum of 5% of their gross annual income.
  • Progressive Contribution: After completing seven years of service as outlined in the Plan, Rochambeau increases its contribution to 7% of the staff member's gross annual income, again contingent on the staff member contributing a minimum of 5% of their gross annual income.
  • Enrollment: Faculty members are eligible to enroll in the Plan during their first year of employment. However, the employer match will not apply until the second anniversary of their employment.

This retirement benefit is designed to provide our faculty members with a stable foundation for their future financial security.

• Faculty Association Dues: New faculty members are required to pay a fee of $40 for the year. For those faculty who have been with Rochambeau for more than one year, the annual fee is $80. 

• U.S. Federal Income tax: 
  • Teachers/students with a J-1 or F-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 20, 2019, you  are exempt from Federal Income tax from August 20, 2019 to August 19, 2021.] 
  • Teachers/students with a J-1 or F-1 VISA from the U.K. may be exempt from Federal Income  Tax the first two years (2X365 days) in the U.S, if they leave the U.S. before the 2-year  term. If they plan to stay longer than two years, then it is best to withhold the taxes. If they  stay even one day longer in the U.S., then the tax is due retroactive back to the first day of  work. [Example – if you begin work on August 20, 2019, you are exempt from Federal Income  tax from August 20, 2019 to August 18, 2021, if you stay until August 19th, 2021 or later, the full  amount of tax is due, beginning August 20, 2019. Include the number of days in a leap year.] 
• MD Tax rate: https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/individual/income/tax-info/tax-rates.php 
• DC Tax rate: https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/page/dc-individual-and-fiduciary-income-tax-rates
• VA Tax rate: https://www.individual.tax.virginia.gov/tools/#/calculators/individualIncome
• FICA: https://www.ssa.gov/people/materials/pdfs/EN-05-10297.pdf

Tax Treaty: 

Nonresident aliens (NRA) from a country with which the United States has an income tax treaty may  possibly claim a reduced or zero withholding rate. In order to claim treaty benefits, the NRA must  provide information that certifies their eligibility to do so. The required information is provided on  Form W-8BEN and Form 8233 (attached), to be completed and returned to Payroll. 

Estimates or ranges for all other fees charged for and significant general costs related to participation  in the teacher exchange program: 

• J-2 spouses and dependents are not authorized to work until they have applied for and received  an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Sydney Josephson (sjosephson@fragmen.com)  from Fragomen Immigration is able to assist you with this filing for the EAD application if you  would like. The legal fees are $500 and the incidental fees are $50. The filing fee is subject to  change but is currently $410. 
• Teachers should expect to need approximately $1,000 USD per family member after they arrive  in the U.S. for living expenses prior to receiving their first paycheck. 

 

J-1 APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 

 

Obtaining A Visa 

Qualified applicants that are recommended for hire will be issued a Form DS-2019. The form will be  mailed via FedEx to the address provided on the application. Once an applicant receives the form, an  interview at the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy should be scheduled. Applicants must pay the SEVIS  fee prior to their visa interview. It is preferred an applicant makes an appointment in their country.  Please schedule an interview as soon as possible to ensure you receive your visa in a timely manner and  can plan for the temporary move to America. 

Visa issuance decisions are made by consular or immigration officers at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy.  An applicant who receives an offer for employment and Form DS-2019 cannot be guaranteed that a visa  will be granted. Applicants should not book flights nor make plans to move to the United States until  passing a visa interview and receiving a J-1 visa in their passport.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO OBTAIN A J-1 VISA? 

Wait times for visa interviews and processing varies depending on the country of application and upon  the circumstances of the applicant. Please visit www.travel.state.gov to find out about visa wait times  in your country. Please apply as soon as possible. It is important to remember that Exchange Visitor  Teachers beginning a new program may not enter the United States more than 30 days before the  program start date found on form DS-2019. 

J-2 Dependents (Spouse/Children) 

A dependent must be a spouse or child of the Exchange Visitor Teacher. The age limit for children  dependents is 21. Applicants wishing to bring a dependent will be required to submit an English  translation of a marriage license or birth certificate. 

Exchange Visitor Teachers can come to the United States to begin their program without dependents.  Dependents are able to arrive in the United States at a later date. 

 

FAQ's 

 

How long will I be eligible to teach on a J-1 visa? 

The School issues form DS-2019 for up to three years. Exchange teachers will be issued a contract for  the dates of their exchange program. Exchange Visitor Teachers are typically approved for a three-year exchange program, and J-1 regulations allow the school to employ the teachers for up to three years initially. Extensions of one or two additional years may be available. 

Can I extend my program? 

Exchange Visitor Teachers are eligible to apply for an extension of one or two years, but not by a  semester or by other fractions of academic years. A teacher should inform the School of the desire for  an extension, and Fragomen Worldwide will apply for an extension on behalf of the School.  Applications for extensions should be made no later than four months prior to the beginning of the  desired extension period. Extensions must be approved by the Department of State. 

I received my visa. When can I arrive in the United States? 

Exchange Visitors are permitted entry into the United States no more than 30 days before the start  date on form DS-2019. 

What do I need to do after I enter the US? 

The J-1 Sponsor and host school will be in contact with you regularly around your arrival date to  coordinate your first few days in the US and your J-1 teacher program orientation. Upon entry into the  United States, please provide copies of each visitor’s visa, DS 2019, admission stamp, and printed I 94  record. In order to activate your status in the government database, SEVIS, we will also need your U.S.  residential address and phone number. You will only be able to apply for benefits such as a social  security card and driver’s license after your status has been activated in SEVIS. 

Does the School offer J-1 visa sponsorship for categories other than teacher? 

Rochambeau has been designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor teachers. We are not  authorized to sponsor any other J-1 visa category. 

Can Rochambeau sponsor me to work at any other school in the United States? 

Lycée Rochambeau Inc. can only sponsor Exchange Visitor Teachers to work at Rochambeau, The  French International School of Washington, DC. We are unable to sponsor teachers to work at any other  schools in the United States.

Will Rochambeau help me change my status in the United States? 

Rochambeau cannot help applicants change their status. The J-1 program is a temporary exchange and  exchange visitors should intent to leave the US at the completion of their exchange program. If  circumstances change and an exchange visitor in the US wishes to change status, it is recommended that applicants who are in the United States and are eligible to change their status contact an  immigration attorney to inquire about a change of status. 

Can an Exchange Visitor Teacher work a second job? 

Exchange Visitor Teachers are only authorized to perform the work described on their Form DS-2019.  Teachers are ineligible to perform any other work for pay and cannot legally earn a wage at any other  organization. 

How long can I stay in the United States once my program has finished? 

After you have successfully completed your program, you are permitted by the United States  Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to remain in the U.S. for up to 30 days. During this 30-day  period, which is often referred to as the "Grace Period," you are under the jurisdiction of the USCIS and  are no longer entitled to teach at Lycée Rochambeau. USCIS grants this period to allow time to prepare  for your return to your home country. You may travel inside the United States during this time, but you  may not travel abroad and then re-enter in J-1 status during your grace period.  

Exchange Visitor Program Hotline 

To help safeguard the health, safety and welfare of all exchange visitors, there is an Exchange Visitor  Program (EVP) Emergency Hotline – 1-866-283-9090 – a 24/7 toll-free telephone number that allows  exchange visitors to directly contact the Department of State in emergency and urgent situations. A  Department representative is available 24 hours a day. 

Please see the Welcome Guide for additional information.