The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), together with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Education (DepEd), met with representatives of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to discuss the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP), specifically the J-1 teacher program, and the participation of Filipino educators in Chicago.
Secretary Dante โKlinkโ Ang II welcomed the representatives of CPS and provided a brief introduction to the mandate of the Commission, highlighting CFOโs role as the EVP Secretariat in coordinating exchange-related programs and ensuring the welfare of Filipino exchange visitors.
During the discussion, Ms. Christine Murphy-Judson of CPS shared the districtโs experience in welcoming Filipino teachers under the J-1 visa, noting the strong partnership with the Philippines and the structured support provided to international educators. She reported that CPS currently hosts around 275 Filipino teachers and emphasized the importance of cultural exchange. She also shared that the district is very firm in reminding J-1 teachers to fulfill their two-year home requirement after completing their training program, in order to support the cultural exchange objectives of the program.
Ms. Paola Carrera of CPS presented the development of the districtโs international teacher program, which now includes close to 350 educators, the majority of whom are Filipino. She highlighted the structured and sustainable approach CPS has established to support professional growth and ensure the success of international teachers across different teaching fields, including special education, mathematics, and science.
The meeting provided valuable insights into CPSโs recruitment and support mechanisms for J-1 teachers, including mentoring, cultural orientation, and ongoing engagement after teachers return to the Philippines. Discussions highlighted the mutual benefits of the program and explored opportunities to further strengthen collaboration in support of Filipino educators abroad.
Also present in the meeting were Ms. Marita del Rosario-Apattad, Ms. Kristine Gacer, and Ms. Emariel Bernal of the CFO-Project Management Division; Ms. Beatrice Vergara of the DFA-Office of American Affairs; Director Atty. Amorsolo Camara Jr. and Mr. Frederick Orticio of the DepEd-International Cooperation Office; and representatives from Chicago Public Schools, namely Ms. Jenna Brandon and Ms. Juman Kekhia.
Photos from Sir Jerry Carual
