Human Resources

Office of Human Resources

Mission 

The Virgin Islands Department of Education's Office of Human Resources is dedicated to recruiting, developing, and retaining a talented and diverse workforce committed to fostering educational excellence. We strive to build, support, and recognize a high-quality educational workforce by delivering dependable and professional service. Guided by principles of integrity, fairness, sensitivity, reliability, and confidentiality, we ensure that educators and staff have the resources and support needed to inspire student success.

Vision 

The Virgin Islands Department of Education's Office of Human Resources is committed to building a world-class workforce that is educated, empowered, and engaged in fostering student success. Through innovative human resource strategies and exceptional service, we cultivate an environment where educators and staff thrive—ensuring excellence in education for every student.

Resources and Websites for Current Employees

 

Employee Self Service (ESS)

USER GUIDE: ESS.pdf

ACCESS HERE:  https://usvi.munisselfservice.com/

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Government Employee Handbook

Employee-Handbook.pdf

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Power School Records - Your Electronic Personnel File

ACCESS HERE: http://www.vide.tedk12.com/records

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BENTEK Benefits Management System

USER GUIDE: BentekQuickTipsFlyer.pdf

ACCESS HERE: https://app.mybentek.com/gvi/

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TimeForce/STATS

USER GUIDE: GVISTATSTimeForceIIEmployeeKioskUserGuide.pdf

ACCESS HERE: https://www.gotimeforce2.com/tfiiredirector

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Payroll Calendars

PAY PERIOD SCHEDULE: FY25PayrollSchedule1.pdf

PAYDAYS AND HOLIDAYS: 2025Calender.pdf

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Retirement Resources : Government Employees' Retirement System (GERS)

WEBSITE: https://www.usvigers.com/

MEMBERSHIP RECORD FORM: GERS_Membership_Record.pdf

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Union Contracts and Executive Orders

American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 1825 and 1826 - Teachers, Educational Professionals, Support Staff

CBA-AFT-Teachers-Eff-09-01-2023.pdf

CBA-AFT-Paraprofessionals-Eff-09-01-2023.pdf

CBA-AFT-Support-Staff-eff-09-01-2023.pdf

Educational Administrators Association (EAA) - Principals, Coordinators, Supervisors

New-CBA-EAA.pdf

United Steelworkers Union (USW) - School Monitors 

CBA-USW-MASTERS.pdf

Seafarer’s International Union (SEIU) - Maintenance, Food Service Workers, Custodians

CBA-SIU-Masters-10-01-18.pdf

United Steelworkers - Supervisors’ Union (USW) - Various Supervisors

CBA-USW-Superv.pdf

Non-Exempt General Schedule Employees - Various Professionals 

2020GSPAYPLAN.pdf

 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR OPEN POSITIONS 

Reasons to Work with Us

• We are a U.S. Territory, adhering to U.S. laws and standards, from employment to education

• We educate students from Pre K through 12th grade and adult learners too

• We are a harmonious multi-cultural society...our students hail from throughout the Caribbean, the continental U.S., Latin America, Europe, Asia, and many more corners of the globe. The U.S. Virgin Islands is truly a melting pot!

• We offer a generous benefits package includes health, dental and life insurance for you and family members

• We provide holiday pay and sick and vacation leave plans

• We offer a retirement savings account

• We are a student-centered community, engaging all learners

• We value, respect and recognize our employees

• We offer a wide variety of academic, vocational and athletic programs

• We offer many opportunities for involvement in extracurricular programs, from music to gardening and cheer

• We provide opportunities for professional development and career advancement

...So much more! 

HR Team Leadership

St. Croix HR Team

St. Thomas/St. John HR Team

Territorial Team Members

 

Employee Benefits 

The Virgin Islands Department of Education offers a generous benefit package to all employees. Our health, dental and wellness insurance plans are provided by CIGNA. Vision, life, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance plans are provided by The Standard. 

Benefits Resources

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Rates 2024-10-01-USVI-Payroll-Deductions-Active-Employees.pdf

• Supplemental Life Insurance Rates Supp-Life-Employee-Payroll-Deductions.pdf

• Benefit Plan Details BenefitPlanDetails.pdf

• Employee Assistance Program EAPProgramOverview.pdf

• Frequently Asked Benefits Questions Frequently-Asked-Questions-Benefits.pdf

Teacher and Professional Certification

All teaching, professional (registrar, librarian, guidance counselor, diagnostician, school psychologist, speech therapist), coordinator, supervisor and administrator applicants are required to submit their VI Board certifications along with the application. Please note that this is a MANDATORY REQUIREMENT in order for your application to be considered. Please begin the process prior to applying.

Certification Handbook - Educational Board: VIBoardofEducationCertificationPolicy.pdf
 

 

HR Connect Newsletters

• January JanuaryHRConnect.pdf

• February FEBRUARYHRCONNECT.pdf

• March March2025HRConnect1.pdf

J-1 Visa International Teacher Exchange Program

 

Overview 

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is a sponsor of the J1 Exchange Teacher Program. We have hired several teachers throughout the program from the Philippines, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria and multiple Caribbean Islands. Through the VIDE Teacher Exchange Program you can experience what it is to teach and live in the United States Virgin Islands. The program is for qualified teaching professionals looking for an exciting and adventurous way to advance their teaching career and expand their professional skills in a new environment. Participating teachers are placed in a K-12 grade host school for 1-3 years and teach a wide range of subjects with a possibility of a 1–2-year extension. VIDE J1 Exchange Teacher Program places qualified international teachers in our schools with open vacancies in different subject areas in ESL, Special Education, English, Math, History, Science, electives, and much more. If you become a part of VIDE’s Teacher Exchange Program, you will experience special activities that will submerge you in the lifestyle and culture of our three (3) tropical islands, St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. A competitive salary and benefits will be offered for the duration of the program. 

Program Requirements 

To be a part of the VIDE J-1 Exchange Teacher Program, you must meet the following requirements: 

• Have a degree equivalent to a 4-year U.S. bachelor’s degree in education or the academic subject they are intending to teach; 
• Have a minimum of two years of teaching experience; 
• Fulfill the teaching requirements of the U.S Virgin Islands Board of Education VIDE; 
• Be able to prove good reputation and character through a background check and official references 
• Be proficient in English (assessed through an interview); 
• A completed Credential Evaluation done on all foreign credentials prior to submission of your application with the Virgin Islands Department of Education. 

Teacher’s Responsibility During Program Participation

• Teach as a full-time, paid faculty member at VIDE schools. 
• Share language, culture, and knowledge with students, colleagues, and the school community. 
• Complete one or more cross cultural activities with students based on traditions, heritage, culture, economy, educational system or more based on his/her home country. 
• Fulfill professional development requirements. 
• Fulfill all obligations as outlined in the Terms and Conditions of the teaching contract (provided when hired). 

Benefits

The Virgin Islands Department of Education offers a generous benefit package to all education personnel, which includes: 

• Health Insurance (required) 

• Dental Insurance (optional) 

• Vision Insurance (optional) 

• Life Insurance (optional) 

• Union Membership in the Local American Federation of Teachers (AFT) (required) 

• Pension Plans with the Government Employees’ Retirement System (GERS) (required) 

• Sick Leave 

• Personal Leave (5 days per school year) 

• Administrative Leave (when granted)

• Federal Family & Medical Leave 

• Holiday Pay 

Health Insurance is provided through CIGNA Healthcare and covers spouse and applicable dependents. Insurance is paid bi-weekly in the following amount: 

• Medical and Dental Insurance (Employee only) – $136.96 
• Family Medical and Dental Insurance – $242.14 
• Family Medical (only) Insurance – $236.97
• Vision Insurance (Employee only)..............$1.98 
• Vision Insurance (Employee and Family)..............$5.22 

A life insurance policy of $10,000 is provided by the Government of the Virgin Islands at no cost. Additional life insurance can be purchased through our Supplemental Life insurance plan. 

Additionally, you will be required to obtain and retain emergency evacuation/repatriation insurance for yourself and your family members(s) prior to your start date and for the entire employment/participation in the program.  

How to Obtain the J1 Visa 

Qualified applicants who are interviewed and recommended for hire will be issued Form DS-2019 from the VIDE J1 Visa Exchange Teacher Program. Once an applicant receives the form, the applicant should schedule and pay for an interview at the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy in their home country. It is recommended to schedule an interview as soon as possible to ensure you receive your visa in a timely manner. 

Visa issuance decisions are made by consular or immigration officers at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. There is no guarantee that a visa will be granted to an applicant who receives an offer for employment and DS-2019 form from VIDE. Please refrain from purchasing airline tickets or making any relocation arrangements to the United States Virgin Islands until a visa is issued.  

Program Fees 

VIDE currently does not charge a sponsor/program fee. 

VISA Fees and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fees:  

• Visa Application Fee: $185 paid to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you interview.  
• SEVIS Fee: $220 for the I-901 SEVIS fee, which is required for J-1 visa applicants.  

You will be responsible for the cost of the following: 

• background check from your home country's police department/law enforcement agency (Cost would vary based on the home country, please contact the appropriate agency for cost details, however you may estimate the cost of $5-$30USD) 
• foreign credential evaluation (we will accept this from the following companies: Josef Silny, World Education Services (WES) or Spantran (please contact company of your choice for cost details, however, estimate $100-$200 USD)
• airline ticket(s) to the US Virgin Islands  
• USVI Teacher Certification ($30-$35 application fee)  

For Non-Vocational Teacher positions (Elementary, Special Education, Secondary, Subject Specific) please visit Apply For Certification – VIBOE 

For Vocational Teacher positions certification is obtained from the Virgin Islands Board of Career and Technical Education. Please visit https://victeb.org/certification-requirements-form-checklist/  

Work Related Deductions

As a Teacher with VIDE, you will have the following deducted from your bi-weekly pay: 

• US Virgin Islands Income Tax (varies based on exemptions claimed, however can average 5-8% of income) 
• American Federation of Teachers Union Dues - $25.19 
• Medicare (1.4% of income)  
• Social Security (6.2% of income) 
• Required Health Insurance coverage (the amount will be according to your elections) 
• Retirement Account (11.5% of income) 
• Vision Insurance (optional) 

Cost of Living in the USVI 

Living Costs for the USVI can vary based on the Island. 

Please view average costs for food, housing and various utilities. All prices are in US dollars. 

Source:  Numbeo

Restaurants	Avg. Cost	Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant	25.00 $	15.00-40.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	130.00 $	90.00-175.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)	10.00 $	8.39-15.00
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)	6.00 $	3.00-8.00
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	7.00 $	4.00-10.00
Cappuccino (regular)	6.54 $	4.00-9.00
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)	2.87 $	2.00-4.00
Water (12 oz small bottle)	1.90 $	1.10-3.50
Markets
Milk (regular), (1 gallon)	10.07 $	5.99-15.10
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)	5.31 $	3.63-7.26
Rice (white), (1 lb)	4.49 $	1.36-8.00
Eggs (regular) (12)	6.55 $	4.00-10.00
Local Cheese (1 lb)	8.00 $	5.00-14.51
Chicken Fillets (1 lb)	11.67 $	4.50-15.00
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)	12.76 $	8.99-18.00
Apples (1 lb)	4.44 $	1.99-6.00
Banana (1 lb)	1.81 $	1.17-5.00
Oranges (1 lb)	3.37 $	1.81-8.00
Tomato (1 lb)	3.60 $	1.17-8.99
Potato (1 lb)	2.12 $	0.87-3.50
Onion (1 lb)	2.30 $	1.29-3.50
Lettuce (1 head)	4.37 $	2.99-5.99
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	3.94 $	2.59-6.00
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)	17.50 $	13.00-25.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)	3.29 $	1.50-4.50
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)	5.25 $	3.00-6.00
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)	5.00 $	4.00-9.00
Transportation
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	4.00 $	2.00-7.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	140.00 $	60.00-150.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	20.00 $	20.00-40.00
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)	5.00 $	5.00-8.05
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	15.00 $
Gasoline (1 gallon)	5.05 $	3.79-6.00
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)	40,000.00 $	39,000.00-55,000.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)	39,600.00 $	38,000.00-45,000.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment	307.05 $	245.56-500.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	110.00 $	60.00-140.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	87.20 $	60.00-130.00
Sports And Leisure
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	103.17 $	60.00-150.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	37.50 $	15.00-60.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	18.00 $	12.00-18.00
Childcare
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child	1,216.67 $	900.00-1,500.00
Private School, Yearly for 1 Child	18,375.00 $	13,000.00-25,000.00
Clothing And Shoes
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)	70.00 $	50.00-115.00
1 Summer Dress	43.50 $	12.00-150.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)	98.75 $	50.00-200.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes	102.50 $	50.00-150.00
Rent Per Month
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	1,755.00 $	1,350.00-2,500.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	1,531.12 $	899.00-2,200.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	3,300.00 $	3,000.00-5,000.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	3,783.33 $	3,000.00-5,000.00

 

Please visit the Bridge USA Teacher Program website for further details on the program: 

https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/teacher

The Office of Human Resources is available Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, Atlantic Standard Time (AST). Our friendly team is available to answer any questions you may have. You can email, call or visit our office.