About Global Faculty Organization
Celebrating Excellence and Global Impact Since 1999
About US
Global Faculty Organization (GFO) is dedicated to transforming primary and secondary education in K-12 schools by fostering cultural exchange and empowering international educators with innovative teaching methods and global perspectives. Inspired by the mission of the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA program, we seek to connect highly qualified teachers with U.S. secondary schools to enrich classrooms, enhance intercultural learning, and build global professional networks. By cultivating a globally minded educational ecosystem, GFO prepares students for a globally interconnected future while promoting mutual understanding and collaboration across communities.
What Regions Host the Schools?
Accreditations and Approvals
State Approvals and Compliance
Global Faculty Organization (GFO) is committed to maintaining full compliance with state and federal requirements for teacher exchange programs. As part of our dedication to transparency and excellence, we have received No Objection Letters from the Departments of Education in several states, signifying their acknowledgment of GFO’s eligibility to operate within their jurisdictions. These official letters confirm that GFO meets the necessary criteria to sponsor qualified teachers for placement in schools across these states.
Below are the No Objection Letters we have received, redacted to protect sensitive information:
- View No Objection Letter – Maryland (MD)
- View No Objection Letter – Virginia (VA)
- View No Objection Letter – Texas (TX)
- View No Objection Letter – Washington (WA)
These approvals reflect our adherence to the highest standards for J-1 Visa Teacher Exchange Programs and our mission to foster cultural exchange and educational enrichment. We continue to collaborate with schools and educators to promote mutual growth and understanding.
Potential Impact
Educator exchange programs have proven effective in addressing teacher shortages and improving educational outcomes. For example, in 2022–2023, Aldine Independent School District in Texas partnered with Teach USA to reduce teacher vacancies from 400–500 to approximately 150 (The Texas Tribune, 2023). While this example showcases the potential of exchange programs, it reflects the work of another organization, highlighting the value and impact GFO aspires to bring to districts through its own initiatives.
The J-1 Visa Teacher Exchange Program has helped rural school districts address teacher shortages by providing skilled international educators who bring subject expertise and cultural diversity. These contributions enhance student learning and support districts struggling to fill critical teaching roles (Nevada Current, 2024).
Who We Are and What We Do
At Global Faculty Organization (GFO), we are a collective of highly skilled professionals united by a passion for education and cultural exchange. Our team includes university professors, school administrators, researchers, and teacher leaders with extensive experience in global education and professional development. Together, we bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to bridge cultures, transform lives, and empower communities.
We are dedicated to expanding educational access for underserved children, equipping them with the tools to achieve brighter futures. At the same time, we support educators by fostering professional growth, innovation, and collaboration. By connecting classrooms across continents, we inspire lifelong learning and cultivate impactful change for students, educators, and communities worldwide. For a closer look at the talented individuals shaping our vision and leading our efforts, visit the Leadership Team section on our website.
Our programs strictly adhere to the U.S. Department of State’s J-1 visa requirements, ensuring participants and host institutions meet federal standards. To learn more about J-1 visa regulations and cultural exchange goals, visit BridgeUSA.
Commitment to Excellence in Service
Since our inception, we have prioritized delivering exceptional support and service to our international educator community and host institutions. We are proud to report that feedback from our partners reflects a high level of satisfaction, as evidenced by our most recent survey conducted by our internal team.
When asked, “How did our seminars impact your experience?” an impressive 95% of participants rated us 8 or higher on a scale of 1 to 10. This outstanding response underscores their trust and confidence in Global Faculty.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Dedicated Professionals Driving Our Mission
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors provides strategic oversight, ensuring that GFO’s mission aligns with its vision for fostering global education. Comprising experienced leaders and advisors from various sectors, the board works collaboratively with the executive team to guide the organization toward sustainable growth, financial stability, and meaningful impact. Their expertise is instrumental in shaping policies, evaluating programs, and maintaining accountability.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
The CEO serves as the driving force behind GFO, leading strategic planning, program development, and organizational growth. Focused on building robust partnerships, the CEO works tirelessly to create opportunities for global educational exchanges and expand the organization's reach. This role also involves representing GFO at national and international forums, advocating for cross-cultural learning, and ensuring alignment with the organization’s long-term goals.
Director of Regional Programs
The Director of Regional Programs plays a key role in expanding GFO’s footprint by establishing and nurturing relationships with educational institutions across multiple regions. They oversee the implementation of programs tailored to regional needs, ensuring consistency and quality. By liaising with local stakeholders, the Director ensures that GFO’s initiatives are impactful and aligned with the specific requirements of each region.
Partnership Development Manager
The Partnership Development Manager is the bridge between GFO and its collaborating schools, districts, and organizations. They focus on identifying and securing partnerships that support GFO’s mission, emphasizing the mutual benefits of cultural exchange programs. Their role includes presenting GFO’s value proposition, negotiating agreements, and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with existing partners.
Recruitment and Placement Coordinator
The Recruitment and Placement Coordinator supports the onboarding process for international educators by guiding candidates through recruitment, documentation, and job search preparation. While host schools make all final hiring decisions, this role ensures candidates are well-prepared and matched with opportunities that align with their qualifications.
Clarification: This role does not conduct job placement. All hiring decisions are made directly by U.S. host schools. GFO provides support services to facilitate the job search process and ensure eligibility for J-1 sponsorship following a school’s independent hiring decision.
Orientation and Support Specialist
The Orientation and Support Specialist ensures that every educator entering GFO’s programs is well-prepared to succeed in their new roles. This includes designing comprehensive onboarding programs that address both professional and cultural transitions. Beyond orientation, they provide ongoing support to participants, offering resources and guidance to help educators adapt, thrive, and excel in all educational environments.
Director of Global Programs
The Director of Global Programs ensures compliance with Department of State regulations while advancing GFO’s mission of fostering cultural exchange and global education. Serving as Head of the International Compliance and Exchange Program Advisory Board, this individual provides strategic guidance to uphold regulatory standards and program integrity.
In this dual role, they oversee international partnerships, develop program strategies, and collaborate with the advisory board to align initiatives with global standards, ensuring seamless program implementation and meaningful impact.
Regional District Outreach Coord. -North
Regional District Outreach Coord. -South
The School District Outreach Specialist serves as the vital link between GFO and its partnering schools and districts, driving collaboration and mutual growth. This role focuses on identifying and securing partnerships that align with GFO’s mission, showcasing the benefits of cultural exchange programs for educators and communities. In addition to presenting GFO’s value proposition and negotiating agreements, the Outreach Specialist ensures newly arrived teachers meet and maintain state certification requirements.