Stephen Decatur Elementary School

US education is governed at state level, creating 50 distinct systems under a K-12 structure from kindergarten through 12th grade. Schools are funded by local property taxes and state contributions. Public, charter, and private schools all operate within this framework. The Common Core State Standards provide a shared academic baseline adopted by most states.

Teacher pay varies significantly by state and district — from around $40,000 in lower-paying states to over $85,000 in California and New York. Most districts use salary schedules based on years of experience and qualifications. Benefits packages including pension contributions add substantially to total compensation. National Board Certification can unlock additional pay.

Teaching in the US typically requires state licensure, which varies by state and does not automatically transfer. International teachers most commonly work on J-1 Exchange Visitor visas or H-1B visas, sponsored by school districts. Some states have reciprocity agreements that ease international licensing. The process from offer to visa can take three to six months.