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WESTLAKE ACADEMY AGENDA ITEM
Curriculum: PYP / MYP / DP Meeting Date: September 14, 2015
Staff Contact: Tom Brymer Workshop Report
Superintendent
Subject: Report on staff with International Backgrounds
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The attached report is meant to advise the governing body in terms of international backgrounds
(those originally from another country) and visa status.
PLAN DESIRED OUTCOMES
High Student Achievement
Strong Parent & Community
Connections
Financial Stewardship &
Sustainability
ACADEMY VALUES
Maximizing Personal Development
Academic Excellence
Respect for Self and Others
Personal Responsibility
Compassion and Understanding
Effective Educators & Staff
GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
Why do we need governance guidance? School policy is a responsibility of the Board of
Trustees.
Which policy governs this? Board of Trustees policy 2.02 – International Faculty Recruitment
and Retention
What additional direction is necessary? None at this time.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funded Not Funded N/A
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED/ OPTIONS
ATTACHMENTS
• Report
Report – International Employees at Westlake Academy
The faculty at Westlake Academy consists of a very talented group of professional educators,
representing many nations, cultures, and backgrounds from around the world. International
mindedness is a point of focus for IB educators, and is an attribute that is strengthened by the
cultural diversity of Westlake Academy’s educators.
Employment of international educators is facilitated through various mechanisms governed at the
federal level. Educators who are recruited from their home countries are usually holders of a J-1
or H1-B visa. In some instances, employees may obtain permanent legal residency, otherwise
known as a “green card,” or become naturalized citizens. The following illustrates the
backgrounds of Westlake Academy’s international educators:
• H1-B visas: 1
• Naturalized citizens/Permanent Residents: 11
It should be noted that the H1-B visa holder is currently in the process of obtaining an employer-
sponsored green card. This is normally a 3-5 year process, and no specific estimations can be
made on the timeframe. Westlake Academy has also assisted another employee with obtaining a
green card, which was received in 2013.
Additionally, many other Westlake Academy educators are native to other countries, have
professional work experience, or received their education abroad:
• Teachers native to other counties: 14
• Teachers educated overseas: 22
• Teachers who have worked/taught overseas: 18