Teachers: exchange programs: local educational agencies: sponsors: reporting.

Assembly Member Alvarez's proposal to expand California's international teacher exchange program would establish Mexico as a primary partner country while broadening participation opportunities for educational institutions across the state. The legislation modifies the World Language Teacher Exchange and Recruitment Law of 1963 to explicitly include exchanges with Mexico and extends eligibility to county offices of education and charter schools alongside traditional school districts.

Under the proposed changes, J-1 visa sponsors designated by the U.S. Department of State could facilitate teacher placements from Mexico into California schools, supplementing the State Department of Education's existing sponsorship role. The bill outlines dual objectives for these exchanges: enabling Mexican educators to share their teaching approaches and cultural perspectives with California students, while gaining direct experience in U.S. education systems to promote mutual understanding of diverse pedagogical methods.

The Department of Education would maintain its administrative oversight of the exchange program while coordinating with federal teacher exchange initiatives. Beginning December 31, 2026, the department would provide annual reports to legislative committees detailing program participation, including data on teacher demographics, subject areas, grade levels taught, and host institutions. The legislation permits the acceptance of federal grants to support exchange activities, though it includes no new state funding appropriations.