Thomas Jefferson High School had job listing for China-affiliated school with better benefits; provided curricula materials to Chinese entity

Parents Defending Education previously reported that Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) provided China-affiliated entities with student data and building layouts in exchange for millions of dollars. These entities were also allowed to use the school’s name and likeness in China. PDE received additional documents from a public records request to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) seeking more information about this agreement. These documents included information about hiring and what was provided to China-affiliated entities.

PDE received a job listing to work at “Thomas Jefferson International School (Shenzhen)” in Shenzhen, China. The job listing states: “Thomas Jefferson International School (TJIS) is looking for determined and committed teachers and principal who possess compelling values, skills and knowledge to help build and strengthen our growing international program.” Classes being taught included “AP Chemistry, IBET (Biology, English, Design & Technology), AP Computer Science, History, Math.” A requirement was that potential employees have “at least 1 year teaching experience as a TJHSST teacher of record.”

The job listing states that “we would also like to extend a warm welcome to any school management members with TJ experience.” Staff would receive “25-35% higher than last drawn salary in TJ, depending on experience level, qualifications, and subject taught.” Staff also received a “free, fully furnished comfortable apartment.”

The district provided PDE with emails where providing information for the Chinese school was discussed. This information included textbooks and curricula. One document provided to Tsinghua University in China was titled “Neuroscience Research Laboratory Review.” The six-page document detailed classes to the Chinese entity.

In an email exchange dated April 29, 2019, the principal of the school at the time stated: “TJHSST does not have a current partnership in the nature you describe.” The statement was a response to someone claiming that she was “offered a job with Thomas Schools of China” and was seeking more information about the school. The principal’s response did not appear to be an honest answer.

PDE additionally received a heavily redacted email exchange dated May 7, 2019. This conversation appeared to be about agenda items related to the China-affiliated partnership.