VIF - New Hanover County Schools

APPENDIX
Item:
S
Visiting International Faculty Contract
Dept.: Instruction
Background/Historical Context: VIF (Visiting International Faculty)
has contracted with the district to recruit language immersion
teachers for the Forest Hills Global School. Splash provides a
comprehensive framework including curriculum for schools to develop
and deliver high quality language immersion services. The Global
Gateway system provides an integrated platform for teachers to
receive professional development, lesson plan support and
classroom resources.
Recommendation:
Approval
Rationale For Recommendation: VIF Services are needed to ensure
that highly trained and qualified teachers are staffed at Forest Hills
Global School and that teachers have access to high quality
professional development, curriculum support and consultation
services.
Short and Long Term Impact: Forest Hills Global School is provided
with program and services designed to increase student knowledge
and awareness of other languages and cultures.
Teachers Fee
Program Fee
TOTAL
BUDGET
$94,600.00
$44,950.00
$139,550.00
1.5110.020.311.328.926
Supporting Documentation: VIF International Education Master
Program Services Agreement, Pricing Guide
Board Action:
_____ Recommendation Accepted
_____ Recommendation Rejected
_____ Tabled for Further Study
_____ Other
VIF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
MASTER PROGRAM SERVICES AGREEMENT
The Center for International Education, Inc. dba VIF International Education (VIF) and New Hanover
County Schools (NHCS) agree to the following general terms and conditions:
1.
Background and Purpose. VIF provides schools international education programs and services
that increase student knowledge and awareness of other languages and cultures so that students
are able to compete communicate and collaborate in today's global environment. Designated by
the U.S. Department of State as an exchange visitor program in the teacher category, VIF offers
schools opportunities to host international teachers who provide students authentic international
learning experiences and foster improved relations with school communities abroad by returning
home at the conclusion of participation to share the U.S. experience.
2.
International Education Programs and Services. Schools may select from a variety of
international education programs or services offered by VIF depending on the level of services
desired by completing a Program Order Form specifying the number and type of programs
desired. Each VIF program or service selected by NHCS will be described in a Program Services
Addendum attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. All programs and services
provided by VIF to NHCS and the participation of all VIF teachers will be subject to the general
terms of this Agreement as well as the annual VIF Price List and any applicable program services
addendums attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. VIF will notify NHCS of any
changes to program fees and services prior to July 1st of each school year.
3.
Term of Agreement. This Agreement will be effective immediately upon execution by both
parties and shall terminate on June 30lh, 2016, or sooner as provided herein, unless renewed by
written agreement of both parties.
4.
Program Fees and VIF Educator Compensation. NHCS agrees to pay VIF the annual
administration fees for the programs and services selected as set forth in the VIF Price List on
or before September 30 of the school year for which the program or related services are to be
provided, subject to any deposits or other payment terms which may be agreed to by the parties
in writing. NHCS also agrees to pay the compensation requirements and an annual administration
fee for each VIF Educator hosted as set forth in the VIP Price List. VIF will communicate any
material changes to program fees or program services set forth in the Program Summary in a
revised price list or other written communication to be provided to NHCS prior to July 1 preceding
the school year in which such change will take effect. VIF reserves the right to charge interest at
the rate of .5% per month for payments made more than thirty (30) days after the due date.
VIF
INTERNATIONAL
EDUCATION
5.
International Education Program Coordinator. The parties recognize that this Agreement is
entered into with the goal of providing international education services that will be beneficial to
students and help prepare them to compete and be successful in an increasingly global society.
Each party will designate a coordinator to be responsible for exchanging information with the
other party, coordinating visits and otherwise arranging for delivery of services pursuant to this
Agreement in a manner that is mutually beneficial to the parties. Either party may change its
coordinator by giving written notice to the other party.
6.
General Terms.
a.
Independent Contractor Relationship. The parties are independent contractors entering
into a nonexclusive agreement with each other. Neither party is, nor will claim to be
a legal representative of the other, nor assume or create obligations for the other.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, each party will bear its own costs and expenses in
connection with this Agreement. As independent contractors, the parties may contract
with subcontractors to perform this Agreement.
b.
Copyrights. Trademark or other Intellectual Property of VIF. Unless otherwise indicated
by VIF in writing, VIF retains on an exclusive basis all right, title and interest in and to any
ideas, concepts, documents or other intellectual property developed, delivered and/or
used by it in the performance of this Agreement. Neither this Agreement nor any
addendum changes ownership of any pre-existing materials. VIF may provide to NHCS
through VIF's websites, including its online social community, or through print, electronic
copy or other means certain materials such as documents, course guides, lesson plans,
instructional materials, text, images, photographs, audio, video, software and graphics
that are copyrighted by VIF or licensed from third parties and intended for use by
teachers, administrators or students for professional development, the delivery of
classroom instruction for international education programs, or other educational purposes
related to the services provided through this Agreement, Such materials may only be
used for their intended purposes in accordance with an limitations set for on the copyright
or other notices provided with them. All rights not expressly granted are reserved. VIF
owns trademarks, trade names and service marks including but not limited to the VIF
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION name and logo and the GLOBAL SCHOOLS NETWORK
logo. The absence of a trademark, trade name or service mark from the above list does
not constitute a waiver of VIF rights in any trademark, trade name or service mark. VIF
grants to NHCS and NHCS accepts, a non-exclusive, nonsublicensable, revocable,
worldwide, royalty-free license to use the Global Schools Network Logo and the Splash!
Language Immersion, Passport, Global Gateway or other VIF names or logos, during the
period of time that NHCS maintains its membership in the Network and remains an active
participant in the relevant program for the mark used, for the promotion of its
participation. Any such use is subject to the limitations set forth by VIF through its Brand
VIF
EDUCATION
Guide or other written policy in effect from time to time and these marks may not be
otherwise modified. NHCS acknowledges that nothing in this Agreement shall give it any
right, title or interest in the Global Schools Network logo or other marks owned by VIF
other than pursuant to a revocable license to use the logo as set forth herein. NHCS
agrees that it will not register or attempt to register or assist any third party in registering
any trade name or trademark which, in whole or in part, incorporates or is confusingly
similar to the Global Schools Network logo or other protected trademarks of VIF. Any
rights to use VIF marks not expressly granted by VIF in writing are reserved.
c.
Confidentiality. VIF may share with NHCS or provide NHCS access to confidential
information of VIF including but not limited to candidate information or records, electronic
databases, information about the VIF selection process, confidential information for
international education programs and services or other information identified by VIF as
proprietary or confidential. Such information and materials are made available to NHCS
only for its internal use and are to be accessed only by employees who reasonably
require access for the performance of their job duties. NHCS agrees to take all
reasonable steps to maintain the confidentiality of such records, material or information
and to prevent any unauthorized display, distribution or transfer. VIF acknowledges that
the NHCS is a public governmental entity and is subject to applicable public records laws
that may require the disclosure of its records and VIF consents to the disclosure of such
records that may be required by law to be disclosed.
d.
Force Maieure. VIF's performance under this Agreement, in whole or in part shall be
excused if prevented by natural disaster, war, labor strike, act of god, terrorism, political
instability, unsafe travel conditions, unavailability of qualified international educators,
change in applicable law, or any other cause beyond its reasonable control. In the
event of VIF's failure to perform under this section 6.d, the fees owed by NHCS shall be
adjusted accordingly in an equitable manner.
e.
Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of North Carolina in the United States with venue lying in the
appropriate Federal or State Court for New Hanover County, North Carolina.
f.
Severabiliiy. Each provision of this Agreement is severable. If any provision of this
Agreement is held illegal, invalid, or otherwise unenforceable under controlling law,
such provision shall be modified to the extent necessary to make it enforceable under
controlling law and the remaining provisions of this Agreement will continue in effect
without modification.
g.
Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including any program services descriptions,
program order forms, price lists, or other addenda incorporated herein by reference,
is the entire agreement between the parties with respect to its subject matter and
supersedes all prior oral and written understandings, communications or agreements. No
amendment shall be valid or binding unless it is in writing and executed by authorized
representatives of both parties.
VIF
INTERNATIONA I
EDUCATION
The parties have executed this Agreement through their duly authorized representatives below.
NHCS
VIF
Signature
Signature
Print Name
Print Name
David Young
Chief Executive Officer
Print Title
Print Title
Date
Date
Pre-Audit Certificate: This Agreement has been pre-audited in accordance with the School
Budget and. Fiscal Control Act.
/
/
Finance Officer, NHCS
Date
VIF
INTEHNATIONAl
EDUCATION
PROGRAM SERVICES DESCRIPTION FOR
SPLASH! LANGUAGE IMMERSION FOR THE 2014-15 SCHOOL YEAR
ADDENDUM A
Program Goal
VIF's Splash Language Immersion Program enables students from kindergarten through fifth grade and
beyond to become proficient in a second language while excelling in their core studies.
Program Components
VIF services for each Splash! Language Immersion Program include:
Recruitment - Provide enhanced recruitment and selection to match VIF international teachers
and trainees who are native-speakers of the target language and qualified for immersion program
positions including replacing departures when possible
Training and Professional Development - Provide specialized training, consultations and
professional development sessions for VIF participants on best practices in immersion literacy
instruction, including literacy rotations, guided reading and writing, teaching strategies and
integration of cultural perspectives
Leadership Development - Consult with and advise participating school administrators on
staffing, curriculum, assessments, class scheduling, working with parents, and other areas
important to the success of the program
Online Professional Learning Community - Provide access to an online learning community
allowing participating principals, teachers and trainees to share resources, lesson plan ideas and
collaborate on best instructional practices
Resources -Consult and advise on selection of appropriate immersion instructional materials
including providing access to proprietary Splash! K-5 pacing guides aligned with the standard
course of study and other supplemental materials or resources
Program Implementation - Assist NHCS in initial program planning including establishing program
goals, model, admissions policies, and teaching schedules
Ongoing Monitoring and Support - Conduct periodic visits and observations to provide targeted
feedback to teachers and administrators, conduct an annual planning session, conduct onboarding sessions for new principals as required and advise on administering and analyzing
language assessments
Community Outreach - Assist NHCS in developing and delivering information sessions,
classroom tours or informational materials to educate parents and the school community about
the program and its benefits and student enrollment
NHCS Responsibilities
NHCS program responsibilities include:
Monitor and recruit classes of 24 students for Kindergarten and grade 1 including maintaining
waiting list
Schedule a Spanish literacy block for each school day of at least 90-120 minutes.
Assign only teachers who are native Spanish speakers to Splash! classes and fund at least one
full-time visiting Splash! teacher trainee for each Kindergarten class and one for at minimum
every two first grade classes
Provide classroom materials and resources aligned with VIF recommendations.
Coordinate with VIF on such matters as language immersion training session for English
language teachers and other school staff, an annual program evaluation and planning meeting
with VIF for administrators, and assignment of principals supportive of program
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IT VIF
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Coordinate with VIF to develop and implement additional program requirements as needed. For
example, full language immersion programs require the school to provide English Language
Arts instruction for grades 2-5 through a compressed English curriculum and do not allow new
students to be admitted after the first quarter of first grade absent an assessment. Two-way
immersion program requires special efforts by the host school to ensure balanced instruction in
both languages
Provide VIF written notice of new program adoption to be received on or before January 15 of
the preceding school year in which any Splash class or program is scheduled to be delivered, to
allow time for appropriate implementation
A-2
VIF
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PROGRAM SERVICES DESCRIPTION FOR
GLOBAL GATEWAY FOR THE 2014-15 SCHOOL YEAR
ADDENDUM B
Program Goal
VIF's Global Gateway program provides school leaders, teachers and students meaningful international
education experiences that will spark interest in life-long learning about other cultures, nations and global
society. By establishing internationally themed grade-level teams with a visiting international teacher on
each team, schools and districts provide opportunities for every student to gain authentic exposure to
the culture of the international teacher's region. Through ongoing professional development activities,
teachers learn to effectively integrate global content into their instruction.
Program Services
VIF services for each Global Gateway team will include:
International Staff - Provide enhanced recruitment and selection services to match VIF teachers
with Global Gateway teams and represent diverse regions and perspectives
Professional Development for Teaching Teams - Provide an on-site program orientation and online training modules and related professional development services to enable teaching teams
to develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge to teach about the world's regions and cultures,
explore diverse cultural perspectives with students, connect classrooms across borders and
infuse global content and perspectives into instruction. Modules address the global components
of the NC Teacher Evaluation and provide continuing education credit
Professional Development for Administrators - Provide three training modules for Global
Gateway administrators that address program implementation and evaluation requirements
Online Professional Learning Community - Provide participating teams and administrators access
to an online community to facilitate collaboration with other Global Gateway schools and share
best instructional practices
Resources - Provide recommendations for online and other age appropriate resources for
specific geographic focus regions to support teaching teams
Additional Program Support and Monitoring - Provide ongoing monitoring and support to Global
Gateway teachers and administrators through the professional learning community and assist
NHCS with community outreach including developing materials describing the program and its
objectives
Schools implementing a minimum of six Gateway teams, including at least three with VIF
teachers, will be eligible for Passport designation
NHCS Responsibilities
NHCS responsibilities for each VIF Global Gateway program include:
Coordinate with VIF on initial training session scheduling and implementation and arranging for
each participating teacher and administrator to attend required training sessions
Meet with VIF program representatives on no less than an annual basis to evaluate program and
plan for the upcoming school year addressing scheduling adjustment, coordination with other
NHCS initiatives and other matters relevant to program implementation
Provide VIF written notice of new program adoption to be received on or before May 1 of the
school year in which any class or program is scheduled to be delivered to allow for appropriate
program implementation, including VIF teacher arrival, on-boarding and grade-level team
orientation
VIF
INTERNATIONAL
EDUCATION
PROGRAM SERVICES DESCRIPTION FOR
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS FOR THE 2014-15 SCHOOL YEAR
ADDENDUMC
Program Goals
Global Connections is a professional development program that includes a flexible set of interdisciplinary
courses or modules designed to provide teachers and students with the essential attitudes, skills and
knowledge for global citizenship.
Program Services
VIF services for each Global Connections course include:
Provide standards-based curriculum consisting of 6 units of content per grade-level course,
grades 6, 7 and 8. Each unit is structured with three sub-units called "Connections" with essential
questions, lesson plans, resource lists, literacy activities, and technology applications. One
course culminates with a "Service to Society" project. The courses focus on current events and
may be adapted depending on student needs and available resources. Areas addressed include
cultural perspectives, global environmental issues, the world's societies, global technologies, and
culture and the arts
Each unit of study will include pre/post assessments, essential questions, resource lists (print,
web, & video), journal/perspective-taking activities, technology links and sample lessons
Provide professional development for participating teachers including one initial training session,
one additional face-to-face workshop and classroom observations and feedback as needed
Provide ongoing access to an online professional learning community for Global Connections
teachers to allow collaboration and sharing of best practices and resources
NHCS Responsibilities
NHCS program responsibilities include coordinating with VIF on the scheduling and delivery of program
services.
IT* VIF
SMTEHNATIONAI
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PROGRAM SERVICES DESCRIPTION FOR
GLOBAL PATHWAYS FOR THE 2014-15 SCHOOL YEAR
ADDENDUM D
Program Goals
Global Pathways is a professional and curriculum development service that blends teacher education
expertise, innovative instructional design, and global content. In order to build career and college ready
students in a global economy, VIF enables districts to build a specific global education pathway for high
school students using existing and emerging courses.
Program Services
In collaboration with district personnel and teachers, VIF engages in the development of global content
and curriculum for existing and emerging courses. VIF's instructional design approach asks teachers and
students to engage in simulations around global challenges and work toward solutions in collaborative
groups.
VIF services for each Global Pathways course include:
Provide curriculum and global content for existing courses or for selected elective courses. The
Cultural Studies curriculum focuses on the increasing interconnectedness of cultures across
the world and covers topics in geopolitics, religion, language and dynamic history. The Social
Foundations curriculum examines subjects such as human rights, peacekeeping, and diversity
in a global context. The Economic issues curriculum covers economic and political systems,
taxation, global finance and trade, investment, competition, labor and migration. The Science
Issues curriculum examines topics such as climate change, global diseases and resource
depletion
Provide professional development for participating teachers including an initial training workshop
and online professional development modules
Provide ongoing access to an online professional learning community for Global Pathways
teachers to allow collaboration and sharing of best practices and resources
NHCS Responsibilities
NHCS program responsibilities include coordinating with VIF on the scheduling and delivery of program
services.
0-1
VIF
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TERMS OF PARTICIPATION FOR INDIVIDUAL EDUCATORS
FOR THE 2014-15 SCHOOL YEAR
ADDENDUM E
Program Goals
VIF Educators offer a native-speaker component or increased international perspective to second
language programs, international education programs and other classroom settings where students will
benefit by authentic cultural learning experiences. As exchange visitor (J-1 visa) program participants,
all VIF Educators are required to teach at a host school on a full-time basis in a temporary capacity
and to return home at the conclusion of participation in order to share increased knowledge of the U.S.
and its culture and improve international relations. (Note: The standard maximum period of program
participation for each teacher is three years. The Department of State, however, under its current
guidance will authorize a two-year extension beyond maximum duration at the request of NHCS for
eligible teachers in eligible host states thus allowing for the possibility of five school years of participation.
All teachers who receive an extension, however, must return home at the conclusion of participation).
Program Services
VIF Services for each VIF Teacher include:
Serve as the visa sponsor of each Educator and has arranged or will arrange for the details
involved in each Educator's recruitment, pre-arrival preparation, initial term international travel,
arrival orientation and ongoing professional development and program support and benefits
services
Provide an international recruitment and selection process, including an online-application and
evaluation process, in-person teaching assessment or personal interview, background checks,
visa requirements and reference checks
Provide J-1 visa sponsorship and exchange program administration including assisting new
Educators in obtaining a J-1 visa authorizing entry into the U.S to participate in the program.
(Note: Educator's J-1 visa status and work authorization will be valid only while Educator remains
an active program participant under VIF sponsorship.)
Assist with securing state licensure for Educators
Arrange for initial term travel or other travel assistance from Educator's country of residence to
teaching location
Support Educators in adjusting to living and working in a new community including but not limited
to pre-arrival and arrival information on housing and local transportation, local advisor and
ongoing support
Provide additional consultation and staff development as necessary
Assist in arranging health and other insurance required by the J-1 visa. The particular terms or
conditions of VIF Educator sponsorship and related recruitment, selection or support or services
or other benefits of program participation may be subject to change from time to time
E-1
VIF
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Terms of Educator Participation
a. Educator Compensation. NHCS agrees to place each Educator on its payroll upon
the commencement of the Educator's visiting teaching assignment and to pay each
Educator's salary, supplement and all other compensation directly to Educator according
to the VIF Salary Schedule for exchange teachers participating in VIF's program.
Although the schedule may be subject to adjustment from time-to-time due to legislative
adjustments to teaching salaries and other factors, VIF Educators generally are paid
at the salary rate equivalent to the rate of fully certified regular teachers except that
the VIF Salary Schedule does not recognize education beyond a bachelor's degree or
experience beyond 15 years. VIF will provide a roster on an annual basis indicating the
salary and years of recognized experience which may be subject to adjustment upon
the presentation of suitable documentation of experience in accordance with applicable
policies. Even though Educators teach in a temporary capacity as visiting exchange
teachers, NHCS agrees to pay each Educator the equivalent of any local supplement
that may be available to regular teachers at NHCS, the amount to be determined under
NHCS's policies and practices along with any incentive bonus that is based on the
academic performance of the students at the assigned school and payment for all extra
duties performed that may be regularly assigned to teachers by NHCS including, but not
limited to, staff development stipends, coaching supplements, activity supplements, afterschool or summer school work, or the like, as with any other teacher. If the number of
school days missed by any Educator exceeds the number of sick, personal, vacation
and/or professional days allotted to and accrued by Educator, NHCS may reduce or
otherwise adjust any Educator's salary according to its policy and subject to applicable
legal requirements.
b. Compliance with Laws and Taxes. Although VIF may provide general information about
payroll taxes for exchange visitors and the taxation of exchange visitors, VIF is not able
to provide legal, accounting, tax or other similar counsel and advice. NHCS agrees that
it is responsible for complying with payroll tax and other applicable legal requirements,
that it will seek the assistance of professional counsel in respect of such matters when
required and that it shall not rely on any such counsel or advice from any VIF employee
or other representative.
c. Acclimation Assistance to Educators. NHCS agrees to assign to each Educator a mentor
teacher to provide professional guidance, support, and assistance at the start and
throughout each Educator's initial school year. Additionally, NHCS agrees to provide
the following support services for each Educator: (a) monitoring initial adjustment and
performance on an on-going informal basis and providing opportunities to share and
discuss mutual observations and concerns with Educator; (b) providing opportunities for
and encourage Educator to take advantage of professional development; (c) facilitating
cultural exchange opportunities for Educator through school and district-wide activities
and events and community involvement; (d) communicating with VIF in a timely manner
about Educator's participation as an exchange teacher including sharing observations
VIF
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and concerns about initial adjustment, progress, and overall performance, and (e)
assisting Educators, if necessary, with other reasonable support services. Prior to
the commencement of each Educator's active teaching duties, NHCS agrees to
provide Educator with a minimum of one (1)full day to arrange for local housing and
transportation and a minimum of one (1) paid workday for classroom observation or noninstructional activity.
Participant Welfare and Duty to Report. NHCS shall provide each Educator a reasonably
safe work environment and shall take reasonable steps to prohibit any discrimination,
harassment, retaliation or other unlawful conduct based on age, sex, race, color,
religion, national origin, physical disability, mental disability or other protected category
in compliance with all applicable laws and policies. Additionally, the parties hereby
agree to immediately report to one another any circumstances that may interfere with
an Educator's ability to successfully complete his or her exchange program at NHCS
including without limitation any extended absence by Educator from active teaching
and any alleged incident of abuse, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or other
inappropriate conduct that relates to Educator's participation as an exchange teacher at
NHCS and may threaten the welfare of Educator or implicate Educator in such alleged
conduct.
Cultural Exchange. NHCS acknowledges and agrees that the purpose of the exchange
visitor program and the J-1 visa is cultural exchange and that an Educator holding a
J-1 visa under VIF sponsorship is limited to a temporary, visiting exchange teaching
assignment for a period not to exceed three (3) years subject to the possibility of
an extension beyond maximum program duration as described in this Agreement.
Educators are expected to remain under the sponsorship of VIF during the entire time of
their participation at NHCS and to return abroad upon completion of their participation
with VIF in order to share their newly acquired knowledge of the U.S. NHCS agrees to
abide by the spirit and intent of the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) as administered
by the U.S. Department of State and not utilize the program as a "stepping stone" to
continue the employment of Educators beyond the term of program participation. In
accordance with current EVP policy, upon the end or completion of an Educator's
participation with VIF for any reason, Educators are required to return home to share
their U.S. experience abroad. NHCS, as a school district hosting exchange teachers,
acknowledges that all VIF Educators must return abroad for at least one year (or two
years if subject to the two year home country physical presence requirement) and
agrees not to assist Educators in obtaining a waiver of the two-year physical presence
requirement or obtaining employment at District beyond the end or completion of an
Educator's participation with VIF for any reason. VIF reserves the right to terminate this
Agreement and its collaboration with NHCS and pursue any available remedies if NHCS
fails to abide by this provision.
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VIF
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Pro-Rate Adjustments. If an Educator's first day of the initial school year is after the first
day of school for new teachers for any reason, NHCS may adjust the Educator's salary
on a pro-rata basis in proportion to that percentage of the school year for which Educator
is available to fulfill teaching duties as assigned by NHCS.
Relocation Loan. As a condition of program participation, VIF may offer each Educator
a loan ("Relocation Loan") payable at the beginning of the school year, to assist with
relocation or similar expenses. The exact amount of this loan shall be determined by
VIF, but is estimated at approximately $2,250. VIF will invoice the Relocation Loan
amount to NHCS for payment upon receipt. NHCS will arrange to recoup the Relocation
Loan amount from each Educator through equal deductions in monthly installments
from each Educator's paycheck such that the loan is repaid by the final paycheck for
the school year. In the event of the termination of this Agreement or the termination,
resignation, or non-renewal of an Educator, by any party for any or no reason, NHCS
agrees to collect any unpaid balance of the Relocation Loan through withholdings
from such Educator's final paycheck. Educators authorize payroll deductions for loan
repayment by signing the VIF Educator Agreement and additionally agree to execute any
further authorization that may be requested by NHCS. An Educator who does not wish
to be subject to such deductions may arrange to repay the loan amount to NHCS at the
beginning of his or her participation at NHCS. Should there be insufficient funds to satisfy
the outstanding balance of the Relocation Loan or other monies owed by Educator after
such withholdings, NHCS will be eligible to receive a credit from VIF pursuant to the then
current VIF Refund Policy, available upon request.
FMLA Leave. NHCS agrees that it is the "primary employer" of each Educator as defined
by the Family and Medical Leave Act, as amended and any similar state or local law
regarding family or medical leave ("FMLA"), and therefore NHCS shall be responsible
for notifying each Educator of his or her rights and obligations, if any, under such laws
including providing statutory leave if mandated by applicable law.
Training Programs. NHCS agrees that each Educator may be required to attend, at
VIF's option, workshops and programs sponsored by VIF designed to help Educator
more effectively and more rapidly adapt to U.S. culture and schools. Such workshops
and programs shall not require Educator to be absent from work more than one (1)
day per school year (although such workshops and programs may be longer than one
day) unless mutually agreed upon with NHCS. NHCS agrees to pay Educator his or her
regular pay during any such required absence and not to charge such absence against
personal, sick or other leave to which Educator is entitled from NHCS.
VIF and NHCS Policies. VIF and NHCS each agree to provide Educators an appropriate
orientation and information regarding their respective policies and procedures. By
signing a VIF Educator Agreement, Educators agree to comply with all policies and
procedures of both the District and VIF. In particular, Educators acknowledge that they
VIF
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k.
may be required to submit to fingerprinting, medical examination or other screening
requirements under the policies of NHCS. Educators further acknowledge that their
visiting teaching assignment at NHCS is at all times subject to federal J-1 visa
regulations and program requirements which restrict exchange teachers to a temporary
exchange teaching assignment and make them ineligible for tenure, even if they are
teaching in or against a permanent teaching position, and may be ended or terminated
subject to the terms of each Educator's agreement with VIF. The parties agree that such
terms shall govern any resignation, termination or other end of participation of a VIF
Educator's participation at NHCS and that such terms shall supersede any similar
policies of the District. The parties agree and acknowledge that NHCS's employment of
Educators is solely on a "temporary" and "nonpermanent" basis for purposes of the North
Carolina Retirement System for regular teachers and state employees as set forth in N.C.
Gen. Stat. Sec. 135-1(25) and that Educators shall not be eligible to participate in or
receive any benefits from the state retirement system." As "temporary teachers",
Educators shall not be considered "probationary teachers" as defined by N.C. Gen. Stat.
Sec. 115C-325(a)(5). NHCS agrees to notify VIF of any other conflict between the
policies of NHCS and VIF and acknowledges that each Educator's continued
participation at NHCS is at all times subject to visa regulations and program
requirements. The parties acknowledge that the Educators will not be "teachers" as
defined in the Teacher Tenure Act, NCGS 115C-325 and thus are not entitled to any
notice, procedural or hearing rights as stated therein in the event of their dismissal,
demotion or suspension, and that the Educators are "at will" employees under North
Carolina law. VIF agrees to obtain a written agreement or acknowledgement from each
Educator prior to them becoming employed by the NHCS acknowledging that they shall
teach in a temporary, nonpermament capacity and shall not be entitled to retirement,
tenure, severance, notice, procedural hearing or other similar benefits or rights for regular
or permanent teachers at the host school,
Information Regarding Participants. NHCS agrees that it shall, under its standard
policies and practices, maintain the confidentiality of personnel files or similar information
regarding VIF applicants or Educators to the extent such information may be maintained
as confidential under applicable laws. Notwithstanding the above, however, NHCS
agrees to share with VIF personnel file information for Educators including written
observations, verbal observations, performance reviews or improvement plans,
investigations of alleged misconduct, documents, disciplinary action forms and any other
information relating to qualifications, participation, progress, performance or welfare as
an exchange teacher at NHCS. VIF candidates agree by submitting an application that
information about their candidacy may be shared with potential host school districts,
and Educators agree by signing a VIF Educator Agreement that information about their
participation as an exchange teacher may be shared between VIF and the host school.
VIF
MTERHATtOHAl
EDUCATION
I.
Insurance. NHCS shall provide for coverage for exposures arising from the activities of
Educators for workers compensation, errors and omissions, general liability insurance
and similar risks to the same extent it provides coverage for its regular teachers,
regardless of whether such coverage is provided pursuant to a commercial insurance
policy, self-funded trust fund or other arrangement,
m. Driving of School Vehicles. NHCS shall not authorize or permit Educators to drive
regular school buses, activity buses or any other school vehicle containing students.
n. End of Participation of VIF Educators.
i. An Educator's exchange teaching assignment at NHCS and participation with VIF
is subject to end or termination as set forth in this section.
//. Completion of Program. An Educator's exchange teaching assignment at NHCS
and participation with VIF will end automatically upon the completion of his or
her official exchange visitor program end date as indicated by VIF in the official
program record. (Note: VIF provides each educator an official document (Form
DS-2019) indicating his or her program end date which may be updated from
time to time). Educators generally will be provided a program end date of June
30 following the completion of the 3rd school year. The program end date can
be updated in the event of an earlier end or termination of participation or the
approval of a two-year extension of program participation.
///.
Nonrenewal Prior to Completion of the Program. An Educator's
exchange teaching assignment at NHCS and participation with VIF will end
following the completion of any school year of participation unless Educator,
NHCS and VIF consent to Educator's continued participation for the following
school year, if eligible, under the annual VIF Renewal Process. Each spring, VIF
will contact each Educator to determine participation plans for the next school
year and also contact NHCS to identify any Educators whose participation has
been nonrenewed.
iv.
Termination without Cause. NHCS may terminate an Educator's
exchange teaching assignment at the NHCS at any time without cause by giving
Educator thirty (30) days' notice. VIF, in consultation with the NHCS, may end
or terminate an Educator's participation with VIF at any time without cause by
giving Educator thirty (30) days' notice. If Educator's assignment or participation
is ended or terminated without cause, either VIF or NHCS may elect to pay
Educator at Educator's regular rate of compensation in lieu of all or any part of
such thirty (30) day notice period.
v. Termination for Cause. NHCS may terminate an Educator's exchange teaching
assignment at NHCS at any time, without prior notice, for cause. "For cause"
means: (a) any grounds for the dismissal, nonrenewal or suspension of
an Educator's teaching duties at NHCS including any violation of the laws,
regulations, policies, rules, or professional standards for the performance and
conduct of teachers; (b) failure to maintain the highest teaching standards per the
E-6
VIF
INTERNATIONAL
EDUCATION
legitimate expectations of NHCS including any failure to manage the class or
instruct students satisfactorily; (c) misconduct or other acts or omissions contrary
to the best interests of NHCS, the education of its students or the reputation of
this exchange program including immoral behavior, insubordination, neglect of
duty, misrepresentation or falsification, dishonesty, criminal conviction, or failure
of any drug test; (d) breach of any of duties under this Agreement; or (e) the
unavailability of federal, state, local or other funding for an Educator's position.
Additionally, VIF, acting in its sole discretion as an Educator's program sponsor,
may end or terminate an Educator's program participation and J-1 visa status at
any time without prior notice, if it determines in good faith that it is required or
authorized to do so under its program rules and regulations. Grounds for ending
or terminating an Educator's program participation include: (a) any failure or
inability of Educator to comply with VIF's legitimate expectations for the
standards of performance and conduct for exchange teachers participating in its
program including without limitation the "for cause" termination grounds set forth
above; (b) any failure or inability of Educator to continue program activities for
any reason including an Educator's resignation, termination, death, disability,
arrest, suspension, unauthorized absence or any other extended leave, absence
or separation from teaching duties; (c) criminal conviction, arrest, disciplinary
action or investigation involving serious misconduct, or any other circumstances
which in the sole opinion of VIF may tend to bring an Educator's program
participation into controversy or disrepute or interfere with the ability to have a
positive and successful exchange experience; (d) unauthorized employment,
willful failure to maintain required insurance for an Educator or any J-2
dependent, failure to notify VIF of an initial address or change in current address
within ten (10) days or any other failure by an Educator to maintain lawful J-1
status; (e) a determination by VIF, based upon the presentation of additional
documentation or information, that an Educator does not meet program selection
requirements; (f) a waiver of any two-year home residency requirement or an H1b or other work visa is sought on behalf of Educator allowing him or her to stay
in the U.S.; or (g) any other violation of exchange program regulations, the VIF
Educator Agreement or VIF program rules that, in the opinion of VIF, warrants
the end or termination of program participation.
vi.
Resignation. An Educator may resign from his or her exchange teaching
assignment at NHCS and participation with VIF by providing NHCS and VIF with
at least thirty (30) days written notice before the intended last workday. VIF, in
consultation with NHCS, may release an Educator from the obligation to provide
thirty (30) days written notice of a resignation from program participation in the
event of a severe, unanticipated emergency or other exceptional circumstance as
reasonably determined by VIF.
VIF
INTERNET 10 NAl
EDUCATION
vii.
Effect of End or Termination of Program Participation. An Educator's J-1
visa status and participation with VIF will end automatically at the official program
end date. Additionally, VIF is required to end or terminate an Educator's J-1
visa status and program participation early if the Educator is no longer actively
participating in the program. Upon the completion, end or termination of an
Educator participation in the program, his or her J-1 visa status, visa sponsorship
and any other program services or benefits from VIF will be discontinued. VIF
will notify U.S. government agencies through the SEVIS system of the end or
termination of an Educator's J-1 visa status, and Educator will no longer be
authorized to work or remain in the U.S. Educator will be obligated to leave the
U.S. as soon as possible, and in no event more than thirty (30) days following the
end of his or her J-1 visa status, and return to the home country. Educator may
be subject to adverse legal consequences, if Educator remains unlawfully in the
U.S. As a temporary exchange teacher, Educators acknowledge that they have
no expectation to continuing employment or licensure as an exchange teacher
after participation with VIF ends.
viii.
Transfer Within District. Any transfer or modification by NHCS of
an Educator's teaching assignment to a particular school, class, subject or
level shall be in accordance with District policies and practices and applicable
licensure requirements, and District shall without delay notify VIF of any change
in an Educator's school, subject or level to allow VIF to update the official
exchange program record.
ix.
Administrative Fee and Refund Policy. If an Educator's participation
at NHCS ends prior to the end of the school year, then NHCS shall pay the full
Administration Fee for each such Educator, subject to a reduction or refund
of all or an applicable portion of the Administration Fee according to the then
current VIF Refund Policy available upon request, or as otherwise agreed by the
parties. Furthermore, NHCS acknowledges that VIF incurs substantial expenses
in recruiting, selecting, and providing international Educators for the benefit and
at the request of NHCS. Accordingly, NHCS shall pay the full administrative
fee and shall not be eligible for any refund if NHCS terminates an Educator's
exchange teaching assignment for budgetary or other non-performance related
reasons. Additionally, VIF reserves the right to decline to provide any refund
and to collect its full administrative fee for any Educator upon a good faith
determination by VIF that NHCS failed to provide Educator reasonable notice of
any performance-related concerns or reasonable opportunity to acclimate to the
U.S. classroom or otherwise failed to comply with the terms of this Agreement.
<r* VJI
HTIRHA1X>MAt
p
EDUCATION
•
x.VIF shall Comply with NC House Bill 933, Section 21, (G.S. 115C, Article 22,
part 6, as amended), known as the Jessica Lunsford Act. VIF shall conduct
checks, not less than annually, of any of its staff employees who may have
direct interactions with students at NHCS. The checks must include the North
Carolina State Sex Offender and Public Protection Registration Programs, the
North Carolina State Sexually Violent Predator Registration Program, and the
National Sex Offender Registry. VIF shall prohibit its staff employees with any
such programs or registry from having direct interaction with NHCS students; and
VIF shall provide the NHCS with a notarized statement certifying that none of its
staff employees, who have or will have direct interaction with students, are listed
with these programs or registry, within 30 days of the commencement of this
Agreement.
xi.
VIF will obtain the written agreement of Educators to be subject to
NHCS's standard criminal background check. Any Educator that does not pass
NHCS's standard criminal background check shall not be hired by NHCS and
VIF shall provide another qualified Educator in his or her place at no additional
charge to NHCS.
xii.
VIF shall at its expense and pursuant to its policy for screening
Educators (available to NHCS on request) conduct a police certificate or other
criminal background check for each Educator in Educator's home country and
other applicable countries subject to applicable laws and shall make the the
results of such checks available to NHCS in advance of such Educator being
hired by NHCS. The NHCS may refuse to hire any Educator proposed by VIF
if such Educator has a criminal conviction in any country. In such case, VIF
shall provide another qualified Educator in his or her place at no additional cost
to NHCS. Educators shall also be subject to screening by the U.S. government
prior to obtaining the J-1 visa
E-9
VIF
WTEBNATlONAl
EDUCATION
As of (01/17/14)
Passport global schools
Pricing
Passport: Whole School - $9,900
(annual subscription)
'greater than 20
Splash language immersion
Elementary School
.52
"E
re
a.
to
2014-15 pricing
On-site Orientation and Site
Visits - Additional cost
2014-15 pricing
Annual Subscription
Splash School
$44,950
International Teacher
$15,900
International Teacher Resident
$10,000
Middle School
Annual Subscription
Splash Course
$4,950
International Teacher
$15,250
Elementary School
Annual Subscription
Splash School
$54,950
International Teacher
$16,900
International Teacher Resident
$10,000
<&&#&&&^^
For more information, please contact vifsales@vifprogram.com or Christy Thomas at 919-265-5037.
VIF
INTERNATIONAL
EDUCATION
EVP
international teacher
exchange visitor program
Level
Options
K-5
Elementary
K-12
ESL
2014-15 pricing
Pricing
Years 1-2: $15,250
Year 1: $15,250
Years 3-5: $14f900
Year 2: $13,600
Year 3-5: $12,750
K-12
World Languages
Years 1-2: $15,250
Years 3-5: $14,900
K-5
Spanish Immersion
Years 1-2: $15,900
Years 3-5: $15,500
5-8
Spanish Immersion
Years 1-2: $15,250
K-5
Mandarin Immersion
Years 1-2: $16,900
K-5
Spanish/Mandarin Residency
Years 3-5: $14,900
Years 3-5: $15,900
Flat rate: $10,000
<#^e£**e^%^
For more information, please contact vifsalesCoivifprogram.com or Christy Thomas at 919-265-5037.
VIF
INTFRNATIONAI
EDUCATION