BRING YOUR PASSION. FIND YOUR PURPOSE.

The Mandarin Language Teacher Program is the cornerstone initiative of BGEMS, dedicated to recruiting, training, certifying, and placing qualified Mandarin language teachers in K–12 schools across the United States. Since its launch, the program has supported over 300 teachers, and currently supports 35 who are serving in Louisiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Minnesota—collectively reaching approximately 14,000 students.

Running a program of this scale requires careful coordination, strong partnerships, and ongoing support for both teachers and schools. As part of the program, participating educators are eligible to teach in the U.S. under a J-1 visa for up to five (5) years.

If you are passionate about teaching, eager to promote Chinese culture abroad, and looking to grow in a dynamic and supportive team, then we invite you to join us! Here, you will embrace new challenges every day, leveraging your language skills, teaching expertise, and cultural insights to make a lasting impact on Mandarin learners around the world. This is not just a career—it’s a meaningful and fulfilling journey.

We believe that language is more than just a means of communication; it is a bridge that connects cultures. As a Mandarin teacher, you will open doors to new possibilities for your students, guiding them to discover the depth and richness of Mandarin language and culture. Whether you are inspiring minds in the classroom, imparting knowledge, or fostering cross-cultural understanding through meaningful interactions, every lesson you teach and every experience you share contributes to shaping the multilingual talents of the future.

“ If you aspire to inspire more students and wish to be part of a passionate, supportive, and growth-driven educational team, then this is your opportunity! Join us, and together, let’s make the world hear the beauty of the Mandarin language! ”

Hui Ji, Lead Teacher

Our Culture

Respect & Compassion

No matter where you come from or what your teaching background is, we respect your educational philosophy and teaching methods, valuing the unique perspectives you bring to our community. At the same time, we also care about the challenges you may encounter in daily life and are here to support you in overcoming them, helping you adapt to life in the U.S. more quickly and smoothly.

Learning & Development

We provide teachers with valuable resources and professional training programs to help them adapt to the local teaching environment and acquire effective instructional methods. From hands-on guidance and teaching workshops to online courses and classroom observations, we are committed to creating continuous growth opportunities for educators. Our goal is to empower teachers with confidence and efficiency, enabling them to deliver high-quality learning experiences for their students.

Support & Guidance

Comprehensive support and guidance are provided to teachers within our capacity, assisting them in various aspects of teaching and activities. This includes sharing lesson plans and instructional materials, offering support for professional language proficiency exams, and facilitating cultural events in schools. Our mission is to equip teachers with the necessary tools and resources to foster professional growth and create meaningful learning experiences for their students.

Our Leadership

Our leadership team are strong advocates for teachers. They provide strategic guidance and ensure that empathy remains at the core of every decision. Working alongside us, they are dedicated to supporting teachers' rights, professional growth, and development.

Meet Our Team

Career Opportunities

Teacher Recruitment

BGEMS draws from a wide range of resources to recruit qualified Mandarin language teachers. However, no one understands the program better than those who have experienced it firsthand. As a result, approximately 90% of new teachers are referred by alumni of the program. This peer-driven approach helps ensure that incoming candidates have a realistic understanding of expectations and a strong support network.

Thorough vetting of applicants is critical to the program’s success. Recruiting the wrong candidates can have a negative impact on students and the schools we serve. To safeguard quality, BGEMS implements a comprehensive vetting process that begins annually in October. Each year, the program typically recruits 15 to 25 new teachers.

Eligibility for Mandarin Teachers

Although each U.S. state has its own certification requirements, all candidates accepted into the program must meet the following baseline qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree(a master’s degree is preferred)
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
  • A valid teaching license from China
  • A minimum of two (2) years of classroom teaching experience as a teacher of record
  • A clean background check issued from Chinese authorities
  • A passing score on a Mandarin language proficiency exam
  • A passing score on an English language proficiency test

Our recruitment is based on fundamental requirements, which may be revised annually in response to evolving needs.

Your Role & Responsibilities

  • Plan lessons, prepare materials, and teach Mandarin following the designated curriculum.
  • Fulfill assigned duties per the local U.S. school’s requirements.
  • Attend teaching seminars and academic activities.
  • Organize student participation in Mandarin-related events, such as Mandarin Language Exhibitions and Student Exchanges.

Responsibilities vary by school and may include supervision duties, substitute teaching, school events, and academic activities. You will be treated as an in-school teacher, expected to follow school policies and complete assigned tasks.

Recruitment and Placement Process

1. Interview Process

After submitting all required documents, candidates undergo an initial review by BGEMS leadership. Those who meet the eligibility criteria advance to a structured, four-part interview process:

(1) Initial Interview – Document Review & Background
Conducted by the BGEMS Director of Teachers, this step involves verifying submitted documentation and conducting a preliminary interview to discuss the candidate’s teaching experience and credentials.

(2) English Proficiency Interview
Conducted by a BGEMS English Language Specialist, this stage assesses the candidate’s English communication skills and their ability to function effectively in an English-speaking classroom environment.

(3) Teaching Philosophy & Pedagogy Interview
Conducted by a BGEMS Educational Consultant, this interview evaluates the candidate’s teaching philosophy, classroom practices, and understanding of standards-based instruction and assessments.

(4) Comprehensive Final Interview
Conducted by the President of BGEMS, this final stage is a holistic assessment of the candidate’s character, motivation, and overall fitness for the program and teaching in a U.S. school.

2. Evaluation of Credentials (January each year)

Candidates’ academic credentials must be evaluated by a credential evaluation agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education, such as SpanTran (TEC) or Josef Silny & Associates. This evaluation confirms that the teacher’s degree is equivalent to a U.S. degree in English/TESOL or Mandarin/Chinese/TCSOL, and that the teacher holds a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher.

3. Teacher Training (February each year)

Once credential evaluation is completed and approved, selected candidates begin an intensive training process led by BGEMS Educational Consultants, combining both asynchronous and synchronous components.

Training includes:

  • Online Modules
    Teachers are introduced to the Danielson Framework for Teaching, covering the four domains and key teaching standards.
  • Written Portfolio
    Teachers must complete and submit a portfolio that demonstrates their understanding of the Danielson Framework. This portfolio is reviewed and evaluated by Educational Consultants. Failure to meet expectations will result in removal from the program.
  • In-Person Training (China)
    A 5-day trainingis conducted in China to prepare teachers in the following areas:
  • Formative and summative assessments
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Project-based learning
  • Classroom and behavior management
  • Additional topics related to U.S. teaching standards
    • In-Person Training (U.S.)
      Upon arrival in the U.S., teachers participate in live classroom trainingduring a teaching camp:
  • Teachers work in small groups and teach real students.
  • Lessons are observed by Educational Consultants, who provide daily feedback.
  • Teachers revise and reteach based on this feedback.
  • During this time, teachers also receive their school placements, schedules, and begin preparations for the academic year.

4. Visa Processing (May each year)

After successful completion of training, BGEMS initiates J-1 visa sponsorship.

Teachers must submit:

  • Completed visa application
  • Visa MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)
  • Copy of valid passport
  • Chinese teaching certifications
  • Credential evaluation report (SpanTran/Josef Silny & Associates)
  • English proficiency test results
  • Letters of work experience
  • Funding letter from their home institution in China
  • Invitation letter from the U.S. host school

Once all documentation is reviewed and accepted, candidates receive their DS-2019 form, attend a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in China, and receive their J-1 visa. Teachers are expected to arrive in the U.S. by the second week of July to begin orientation and training.

5. School Placement & Support

BGEMS partners with public and private K–12 schools interested in offering Mandarin language and Chinese culture programs.

Key placement details:

  • Contracts are issued on a yearly basis, renewable annually
  • BGEMS assists with local housing arrangementsand provides ongoing support and training
  • Teachers follow all school/district policies, work 5 hours per week, with no more than 25 contact teaching hours per week
  • Schools/districts provide necessary training, supervision, and integrationsupport for the teacher

6. State Certification

Once a teacher has been placed, BGEMS initiates their state certification application through the Department of Education.

Process includes:

  • Uploading all required documents
  • Notification to the host school/district to review and approve the application
  • Completion of the Character & Fitnesssection by the teacher
  • Final review and approval by the State Department of Education

Ready to make an impact?

Inspire the next generation and start your journey today.

Have any questions, feel free to contact us.

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