Exchange Visiting Teachers from Spain Program

The Exchange Visiting Teachers from Spain (EVTS) Program is an exciting venture between the Iowa Department of Education (Department) and the Ministry of Education and Culture of Spain (MECS).

The program was created to mitigate a shortage of qualified Spanish teachers in the state. In addition, the program teaches students how to interact, communicate, understand, and respect other cultures.

The EVTS program provides local school districts and accredited nonpublic schools with the opportunity to fill vacant Spanish positions. With this program, Iowa school systems have the option of recruiting highly qualified Spanish educators for a period of up to three years. Visiting teachers from Spain are certified Spanish language educators with at least two years of experience. Local school districts and accredited nonpublic schools may hire visiting teachers in accordance with all other local policies in terms of salary scale, licensure, and local system requirements.

The EVTS program in Iowa is overseen by the Department. The program serves public and accredited nonpublic schools by the state that operate as an elementary or secondary school, and as stated in the general statutes and regulations adopted by the State Board of Education.

For more information regarding accredited nonpublic schools, visit the Nonpublic School Accreditation webpage.

Process

• The Department and the MECS signed a memorandum of understanding.
• The Department provides an Application of Intent to Iowa school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to indicate interest in having an exchange teacher from Spain. This does not obligate the school district or accredited nonpublic schools to hire a teacher from Spain.
• The MECS selects possible candidates.
• The Department team conducts interviews with prospective recruits.
• Participating school districts and accredited nonpublic schools are informed of the candidates and make commitments.
• Recruited teachers will make a one- to three-year commitment to teach in Iowa, provided that the local school district or accredited nonpublic school chooses to rehire them each year.

Responsibilities of the Department

• To provide orientation and training for visiting teachers.
• To provide support to the district, accredited nonpublic school, and teachers throughout the program. 
• To provide orientation and/or assistance in the acquisition of official documents (Social Security number, licensure, etc.)

Responsibilities of the Local District or Accredited Nonpublic School

• Once the district or accredited nonpublic school is notified of the possible candidate and reviews credentials, the district or accredited nonpublic school will have approximately a week to make a hiring commitment.
• After a commitment is made, the district or accredited nonpublic school needs to send a draft of the contract with estimated pay scale.
• To provide a contact person who is available to discuss personnel issues during the interview and selection process.
• To provide a building-level administrator who acts as a liaison for the teacher.
• To provide a fellow teacher/mentor, preferably in the same building, to provide guidance and support for the visiting teacher from Spain.
• To pay the program fee of $895.00.
• To provide additional support to ensure a successful and positive experience for both the school and the teacher, including assistance in securing a Social Security number, setting up housekeeping, obtaining a driver’s license, buying a car, etc.

Application of Intent for the 2024-25 School Year

Application for the 2024-25 school year is closed. The 2025-26 school year application will open in December 2024. 

Program Agreement & Financial Disclosure

Exchange Visiting Teachers from Spain Program Agreement

Exchange Visiting Teachers from Spain Program Financial Disclosure