Education Jobs at Chicago Public Schools with Visa Sponsorship
Education roles at Chicago Public Schools span teaching, special education, counseling, and instructional support across one of the largest urban school districts in the country. Chicago Public Schools has a track record of sponsoring international educators across multiple visa categories, making it a realistic target if you're building a classroom career in the U.S.
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Get Access To All JobsSY26-27 Anticipated Special Ed Classroom Assistant
Job Number: 2600015M
Posting Date: Jun 16, 2026, 7:28:23 AM
Primary Location: Far South Side-9928 S Crandon Avenue (Burnham Elem Inclusive Acad)
Salary Range: $41,766.58 to $60,584.36
JOB DESCRIPTION -
CLASS TITLE: Special Education Classroom Assistant
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under the general direction of the school principal, and under the immediate supervision of a Special Education teacher holding a valid teaching certificate directly engaged in teaching subject matter or conducting activities, assists in the instruction of disabled students; and performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Assists Special Education teachers in elementary and high schools in reinforcing efforts with children with various disabilities, including physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, emotional impairments, and mental impairments in accordance with each students’ Individual Education Program (IEP); lifts and positions non-ambulatory students during the school day as instructed by the teacher and in adherence to written instruction from students’ personal physicians; provides one-on-one tutoring services for students to present or reinforce learning concepts; provides one-on-one personal hygiene services for students with severe disabilities, including toileting, changing soiled diapers, and cleaning soiled children regardless of age; assists students with orthopedic impairments by arranging and adjusting tools, work aids, and equipment used by students in classrooms, including but not limited to specially equipped worktables, positioning equipment, wheelchairs, tape recorders, computers, communication devices, and mechanized page turners; assists teacher in instructing students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency; accompanies students to swimming pools and medical clinics to assist in removing clothing and performing other personal services which students are unable to perform themselves; assists in feeding students unable to do so themselves; takes notes in classrooms for students unable to do so themselves; corrects homework assignments and examination materials; assists teachers in maintaining written records of students’ behavior; accompanies students and teachers on class field trips; attends and participates in workshops and in service training to update job related skills.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
May utilize aggressive management techniques to physically restrain violent students, may administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as directed by the teacher, may operate audio-visual equipment, may operate photocopying equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Certification Requirements: Must possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which may be applied for and obtained after the successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of college credit at a college or university accredited by the North Central Association or successful completion of a paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro). Also refer to:
Illinois State Board of Education
Educator License Application
Work Keys
Paraprofessional Assessment
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Good knowledge of the characteristics of students with various disabilities, good knowledge of English grammar and spelling, good knowledge of basic mathematics.
Ability to work with and for students with various disabilities, ages birth to twenty-one (21) years of age; ability to follow written and oral instructions and direction; ability to complete and maintain basic written reports. (Ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is highly desirable. Individuals who do not provide evidence of the completion of training in CPR at the time of initial employment in this class title will complete CPR training as a condition of employment.)
Good oral and written communication skills, skill in the operation of photocopying and audio-visual equipment is highly desirable.
Physical Requirements:
Medium Work: Exerting up to fifty (50) pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to twenty (20) pounds of force frequently, and/or to ten (10) pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands include the ability to reach, handle, and finger objects; talk and hear; occasional use of near visual acuity and frequent use of far visual acuity.
Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
Medical Plan Options
Pharmacy
Dental
Vision
Behavioral Health & EAP
Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
Basic Life Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Pension Plans
Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
Paid Leave
Sick Leave
Vacation Days
Parental Leaves
Short-Term Disability
Religious Holidays
* Leaves
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
SY26-27 Anticipated Special Ed Classroom Assistant
Job Number: 2600015M
Posting Date: Jun 16, 2026, 7:28:23 AM
Primary Location: Far South Side-9928 S Crandon Avenue (Burnham Elem Inclusive Acad)
Salary Range: $41,766.58 to $60,584.36
JOB DESCRIPTION -
CLASS TITLE: Special Education Classroom Assistant
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under the general direction of the school principal, and under the immediate supervision of a Special Education teacher holding a valid teaching certificate directly engaged in teaching subject matter or conducting activities, assists in the instruction of disabled students; and performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Assists Special Education teachers in elementary and high schools in reinforcing efforts with children with various disabilities, including physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, emotional impairments, and mental impairments in accordance with each students’ Individual Education Program (IEP); lifts and positions non-ambulatory students during the school day as instructed by the teacher and in adherence to written instruction from students’ personal physicians; provides one-on-one tutoring services for students to present or reinforce learning concepts; provides one-on-one personal hygiene services for students with severe disabilities, including toileting, changing soiled diapers, and cleaning soiled children regardless of age; assists students with orthopedic impairments by arranging and adjusting tools, work aids, and equipment used by students in classrooms, including but not limited to specially equipped worktables, positioning equipment, wheelchairs, tape recorders, computers, communication devices, and mechanized page turners; assists teacher in instructing students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency; accompanies students to swimming pools and medical clinics to assist in removing clothing and performing other personal services which students are unable to perform themselves; assists in feeding students unable to do so themselves; takes notes in classrooms for students unable to do so themselves; corrects homework assignments and examination materials; assists teachers in maintaining written records of students’ behavior; accompanies students and teachers on class field trips; attends and participates in workshops and in service training to update job related skills.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
May utilize aggressive management techniques to physically restrain violent students, may administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as directed by the teacher, may operate audio-visual equipment, may operate photocopying equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Certification Requirements: Must possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which may be applied for and obtained after the successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of college credit at a college or university accredited by the North Central Association or successful completion of a paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro). Also refer to:
Illinois State Board of Education
Educator License Application
Work Keys
Paraprofessional Assessment
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Good knowledge of the characteristics of students with various disabilities, good knowledge of English grammar and spelling, good knowledge of basic mathematics.
Ability to work with and for students with various disabilities, ages birth to twenty-one (21) years of age; ability to follow written and oral instructions and direction; ability to complete and maintain basic written reports. (Ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is highly desirable. Individuals who do not provide evidence of the completion of training in CPR at the time of initial employment in this class title will complete CPR training as a condition of employment.)
Good oral and written communication skills, skill in the operation of photocopying and audio-visual equipment is highly desirable.
Physical Requirements:
Medium Work: Exerting up to fifty (50) pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to twenty (20) pounds of force frequently, and/or to ten (10) pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands include the ability to reach, handle, and finger objects; talk and hear; occasional use of near visual acuity and frequent use of far visual acuity.
Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
Medical Plan Options
Pharmacy
Dental
Vision
Behavioral Health & EAP
Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
Basic Life Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Pension Plans
Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
Paid Leave
Sick Leave
Vacation Days
Parental Leaves
Short-Term Disability
Religious Holidays
* Leaves
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
Tips for Finding Education Jobs at Chicago Public Schools
Get your credentials evaluated before applying
Illinois requires out-of-country degrees to be evaluated by a NACES-approved agency before the state will issue a teaching license. Start this process early, evaluations can take four to six weeks and Chicago Public Schools won't move forward without a valid Illinois Professional Educator License.
Target hard-to-fill subject shortages directly
Chicago Public Schools consistently posts openings in special education, bilingual education, and STEM subjects. Roles in these shortage areas attract faster internal routing through HR and stronger employer motivation to pursue visa sponsorship, including H-1B petitions and PERM labor certification for permanent residency.
Browse open Education roles on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters Education jobs at employers with active visa sponsorship histories. Search Chicago Public Schools specifically to see current openings, confirmed visa types supported, and roles most likely to move through the H-1B or OPT extension pipeline without a formal sponsorship negotiation.
Clarify OPT cap-gap coverage before your start date
If you're on F-1 OPT and Chicago Public Schools files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires, cap-gap rules extend your work authorization through September 30. Confirm the petition receipt date with HR and check your I-20 to make sure your OPT end date falls within the protected window.
Ask HR about their PERM process for tenured roles
District employment in public education can support EB-2 or EB-3 PERM applications once you've held a stable role for at least a year. DOL requires Chicago Public Schools to complete a formal recruitment audit before filing, so ask your HR contact what internal steps they require before initiating labor certification.
Time your application around the district hiring calendar
Chicago Public Schools runs its main hiring cycle from January through April for the following school year. Submitting applications outside this window reduces your chances of reaching the offer stage before an H-1B cap-subject deadline or OPT expiration cutoff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chicago Public Schools sponsor H-1B visas for Education roles?
Yes, Chicago Public Schools sponsors H-1B visas for qualifying Education positions, particularly in licensed teaching and specialist roles. As a large public school district, Chicago Public Schools qualifies as a cap-exempt employer under the higher education and related nonprofit provisions, which means H-1B petitions can be filed at any time of year rather than only in April.
How do I apply for Education jobs at Chicago Public Schools?
Positions are posted through the Chicago Public Schools careers portal. You'll need an Illinois Professional Educator License for most teaching roles, so confirm your credential evaluation and licensure status before applying. During the application process, be prepared to disclose your work authorization status. Targeting high-need subject areas like special education or bilingual instruction improves your chances of receiving an offer that includes sponsorship.
Which visa types does Chicago Public Schools commonly use for Education roles?
Chicago Public Schools uses H-1B most frequently for licensed educators and instructional specialists. F-1 OPT and CPT are used for candidates in eligible degree programs transitioning into classroom or support roles. TN visas are available to Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying Education occupations. For long-term permanent residency, Chicago Public Schools has supported EB-2 and EB-3 PERM filings for tenured staff in shortage subject areas.
What qualifications does Chicago Public Schools expect for Education positions?
Most classroom teaching roles require a valid Illinois Professional Educator License, which in turn requires a bachelor's degree in education or a related subject area, plus completion of state-mandated content and performance assessments. Specialist and instructional support roles may require a master's degree. International applicants must have their foreign credentials evaluated by a NACES-approved agency to confirm equivalency before Illinois will issue a license.
How long does the sponsorship process take for an Education role at Chicago Public Schools?
Because Chicago Public Schools qualifies as a cap-exempt institution, H-1B petitions can be filed year-round, which removes the April lottery deadline that affects most employers. Standard USCIS processing runs three to five months. If your start date is tied to a school year, factor in that timeline when negotiating your offer. For PERM-based Green Card pathways, DOL labor certification typically adds six to twelve months before the immigrant petition can be filed. You can use Migrate Mate to identify current Education openings at Chicago Public Schools and plan your timeline around active roles.