Elementary School Teacher Jobs at San Francisco Unified School District with Visa Sponsorship
Elementary School Teacher roles at San Francisco Unified School District place you in one of the country's most diverse urban school systems, working across a wide range of grade levels and bilingual programs. SFUSD has a history of sponsoring work visas for qualified classroom teachers, making it a realistic target for international candidates with teaching credentials.
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INTRODUCTION
2026-2027 Elementary School Special Education Teacher
(SDC) Mild/Moderate
Salary Range: $72,943-$137,945/annually
Length of Appointment: 2026-2027 School Year
Calendar: Full Time / Full Year
Who We Are
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is the seventh largest school district in California, serving more than 50,000 students who speak more than 44 documented languages across 121 schools in the city of San Francisco every year. We aim for every student who attends SFUSD schools to discover his or her spark, along with a strong sense of self and purpose, and that all students graduate from high school ready for college and career, and equipped with the skills, capacities and dispositions outlined in SFUSD’s Graduate Profile. Every day in our quest to achieve this mission we provide each and every student the quality instruction and equitable support required to thrive in the 21st century.
What It Means to Work Here
The SFUSD community is unified by our Core Values:
- Student-centered: We put students’ needs first
- Fearless: We persist through challenges
- United: We celebrate and build on each other’s strengths
- Social Justice: We stand with those most vulnerable in our community
- Diversity-driven: We respect and seek to understand each person
We are also inspired by Vision, Values and Guardrails which captures our aspirations and vision for the future of public education in San Francisco. Alongside the District’s strategic plan, SFUSD is reimagining how public education will change over the next decade to meet the dynamic future of San Francisco. As a CORE district, SFUSD is also a leader in critical systems change for more comprehensive school accountability and innovations that help strengthen the instructional core, which is the foundation of our strategic plan and Vision 2025.
Who We Want
We want talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, who are inspired by our mission, steeped in equity, and who are motivated to unleash our children’s potential. We want people who are strong collaborators, skilled communicators, and problem solvers who are comfortable in a community of continuous learning.
The strongest candidates will have:
- Knowledge of San Francisco’s public schools/urban public schools and a passionate belief in SFUSD’s commitment to instructional leadership as a lever toward delivering on the SFUSD Graduate Profile
- Strong analytics and systems thinking necessary to interpret data to inform goals and strategy, as well as build infrastructure where none exists
- Ability to work effectively across multiple functions and roles within a complex organization
- A proven record of effectively planning, organizing and using resources to take action and achieve goals
- The ability to learn quickly and adapt as needed in a fast-paced environment
- Outstanding organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
- A flexible, “can do” work ethic with a focus on identifying challenges and proactively working to find solutions while maintaining a bigger picture lens and focus on what can be delivered instead of what cannot be done
- Excellent data analysis skills and experience synthesizing data to drive action steps
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with senior level district staff and colleagues
- Effective written and verbal communication and the ability to clearly communicate complex, bureaucratic processes to a variety of audiences
- Ability to define and implement effective HR business practices
- Ability to work effectively in difficult situations that involve confidential and sensitive matters
- Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and GSuite (Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
SFUSD requires all teachers to hold or be pursuing a valid California teaching credential and an English Learner or Bilingual Authorization.
WHAT WE OFFER
SFUSD offers a competitive salary of $72,943-$137,945/annually commensurate with experience in a similar position. We offer a comprehensive benefits plan including dental and vision plans, a defined benefit pension plan, disability, life insurance, flexible spending account options and vacation time. We also offer an inclusive and equity-centered environment where we encourage staff to bring their whole selves to work.
SFUSD offers a competitive base starting salary depending on the size and grade level of your school as determined by the collective bargaining unit.
SFUSD will credit years of verified service if you were an educator in another school district.
- We offer fully subsidized health benefits for individual coverage including free dental and vision benefits.
NEW: Starting 7/1/2026: District pays 50% of Kaiser employee contribution for Employee+1 and Family (Employee Only status quo); non-Kaiser = pay difference vs Kaiser; eligible = 50%+ FTE and already receiving employee-only premium contribution
NEW: Starting 1/1/2027: District pays 100% of Kaiser premium for Employee Only, Employee+1, Family; non-Kaiser = pay difference vs Kaiser; same eligibility
- Retirement pension contributions up to 19.1% equivalent of base pay.
- Free life insurance up to $25,000.
- Pre-tax medical & dependent care flexible spending accounts.
- A pre-tax commuter transit program is offered.
Additional stipends and experience as an administrator may increase your salary further.
Salary breakdown
No credential salary schedules
- K-12 Teacher (Intern, Emergency and other Non-Credentialed) BA & < 30 semester units- starting @ $72,943 base + SFUSD benefit contribution
- K-12 Teacher (Intern, Emergency and other Non-Credentialed) BA & > 30 < 59 semester units- starting @ $73,415 base + SFUSD benefit contribution
- K-12 Teacher (Intern, Emergency and other Non-Credentialed) BA & > 60 semester units- starting @ $77,018 base + SFUSD benefit contribution
Fully Credential Salary Schedules
- B6 - K-12 Teacher (Fully Credentialed) BA & < 30 semester units- starting @ $83,278 base + SFUSD benefit contribution
- B7 - K-12 Teacher (Fully Credentialed) BA & > 30 < 59 semester units- starting @ $86,628 base + SFUSD benefit contribution
- B8 - K-12 Teacher (Fully Credentialed) BA & > 60 semester units- starting @ $89,322 base + SFUSD benefit contribution
HOW TO APPLY
- Visit https://jobs.sfusd.edu/ and create a new account to begin your application.
- You will be prompted to electronically attach a letter of interest, resume, list of professional references and any applicable credentials or licenses
- Our Human Resources team will then review your entire application to determine your eligibility status and contact you directly should you move forward in the process
VERIFICATION
Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at http://sfdhr.org/how-verify-education-requirements.
Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification from this and future job opportunities with the San Francisco Unified School District.
DISTRICT NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:
San Francisco Unified School District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, sexual harassment and bullying based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status, or genetic information, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics or any other basis protected by law or regulation, in its educational program(s) or employment.
For more information about the District's non-discrimination policy, please review Board Policy 4030.
TITLE IX NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES:
Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person's verbal or written report. Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or electronic mail address, or by mail to the office address, listed for the Title IX Coordinator.
DISTRICT TITLE IX COORDINATOR:
Eva Kellogg
Office of Equity
555 Franklin Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94102
415-355-7334 or equity@sfusd.edu
For more information on the District’s Sexual Harassment policy and grievance procedures, please review Board Policy 4034.
TITLE IX NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES:
Any person may report discrimination on the basis of a physical or mental disability (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute discrimination on the basis of a physical or mental disability), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Section 504 Coordinator.
DISTRICT SECTION 504 COORDINATOR:
Alicia Rodriguez
1515 Quintara St., San Francisco, CA, 94116
(415) 242-2615 or rodrigueza@sfusd.edu

INTRODUCTION
2026-2027 Elementary School Special Education Teacher
(SDC) Mild/Moderate
Salary Range: $72,943-$137,945/annually
Length of Appointment: 2026-2027 School Year
Calendar: Full Time / Full Year
Who We Are
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is the seventh largest school district in California, serving more than 50,000 students who speak more than 44 documented languages across 121 schools in the city of San Francisco every year. We aim for every student who attends SFUSD schools to discover his or her spark, along with a strong sense of self and purpose, and that all students graduate from high school ready for college and career, and equipped with the skills, capacities and dispositions outlined in SFUSD’s Graduate Profile. Every day in our quest to achieve this mission we provide each and every student the quality instruction and equitable support required to thrive in the 21st century.
What It Means to Work Here
The SFUSD community is unified by our Core Values:
- Student-centered: We put students’ needs first
- Fearless: We persist through challenges
- United: We celebrate and build on each other’s strengths
- Social Justice: We stand with those most vulnerable in our community
- Diversity-driven: We respect and seek to understand each person
We are also inspired by Vision, Values and Guardrails which captures our aspirations and vision for the future of public education in San Francisco. Alongside the District’s strategic plan, SFUSD is reimagining how public education will change over the next decade to meet the dynamic future of San Francisco. As a CORE district, SFUSD is also a leader in critical systems change for more comprehensive school accountability and innovations that help strengthen the instructional core, which is the foundation of our strategic plan and Vision 2025.
Who We Want
We want talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, who are inspired by our mission, steeped in equity, and who are motivated to unleash our children’s potential. We want people who are strong collaborators, skilled communicators, and problem solvers who are comfortable in a community of continuous learning.
The strongest candidates will have:
- Knowledge of San Francisco’s public schools/urban public schools and a passionate belief in SFUSD’s commitment to instructional leadership as a lever toward delivering on the SFUSD Graduate Profile
- Strong analytics and systems thinking necessary to interpret data to inform goals and strategy, as well as build infrastructure where none exists
- Ability to work effectively across multiple functions and roles within a complex organization
- A proven record of effectively planning, organizing and using resources to take action and achieve goals
- The ability to learn quickly and adapt as needed in a fast-paced environment
- Outstanding organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
- A flexible, “can do” work ethic with a focus on identifying challenges and proactively working to find solutions while maintaining a bigger picture lens and focus on what can be delivered instead of what cannot be done
- Excellent data analysis skills and experience synthesizing data to drive action steps
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with senior level district staff and colleagues
- Effective written and verbal communication and the ability to clearly communicate complex, bureaucratic processes to a variety of audiences
- Ability to define and implement effective HR business practices
- Ability to work effectively in difficult situations that involve confidential and sensitive matters
- Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and GSuite (Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
SFUSD requires all teachers to hold or be pursuing a valid California teaching credential and an English Learner or Bilingual Authorization.
WHAT WE OFFER
SFUSD offers a competitive salary of $72,943-$137,945/annually commensurate with experience in a similar position. We offer a comprehensive benefits plan including dental and vision plans, a defined benefit pension plan, disability, life insurance, flexible spending account options and vacation time. We also offer an inclusive and equity-centered environment where we encourage staff to bring their whole selves to work.
SFUSD offers a competitive base starting salary depending on the size and grade level of your school as determined by the collective bargaining unit.
SFUSD will credit years of verified service if you were an educator in another school district.
- We offer fully subsidized health benefits for individual coverage including free dental and vision benefits.
NEW: Starting 7/1/2026: District pays 50% of Kaiser employee contribution for Employee+1 and Family (Employee Only status quo); non-Kaiser = pay difference vs Kaiser; eligible = 50%+ FTE and already receiving employee-only premium contribution
NEW: Starting 1/1/2027: District pays 100% of Kaiser premium for Employee Only, Employee+1, Family; non-Kaiser = pay difference vs Kaiser; same eligibility
- Retirement pension contributions up to 19.1% equivalent of base pay.
- Free life insurance up to $25,000.
- Pre-tax medical & dependent care flexible spending accounts.
- A pre-tax commuter transit program is offered.
Additional stipends and experience as an administrator may increase your salary further.
Salary breakdown
No credential salary schedules
- K-12 Teacher (Intern, Emergency and other Non-Credentialed) BA & < 30 semester units- starting @ $72,943 base + SFUSD benefit contribution
- K-12 Teacher (Intern, Emergency and other Non-Credentialed) BA & > 30 < 59 semester units- starting @ $73,415 base + SFUSD benefit contribution
- K-12 Teacher (Intern, Emergency and other Non-Credentialed) BA & > 60 semester units- starting @ $77,018 base + SFUSD benefit contribution
Fully Credential Salary Schedules
- B6 - K-12 Teacher (Fully Credentialed) BA & < 30 semester units- starting @ $83,278 base + SFUSD benefit contribution
- B7 - K-12 Teacher (Fully Credentialed) BA & > 30 < 59 semester units- starting @ $86,628 base + SFUSD benefit contribution
- B8 - K-12 Teacher (Fully Credentialed) BA & > 60 semester units- starting @ $89,322 base + SFUSD benefit contribution
HOW TO APPLY
- Visit https://jobs.sfusd.edu/ and create a new account to begin your application.
- You will be prompted to electronically attach a letter of interest, resume, list of professional references and any applicable credentials or licenses
- Our Human Resources team will then review your entire application to determine your eligibility status and contact you directly should you move forward in the process
VERIFICATION
Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at http://sfdhr.org/how-verify-education-requirements.
Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification from this and future job opportunities with the San Francisco Unified School District.
DISTRICT NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:
San Francisco Unified School District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, sexual harassment and bullying based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status, or genetic information, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics or any other basis protected by law or regulation, in its educational program(s) or employment.
For more information about the District's non-discrimination policy, please review Board Policy 4030.
TITLE IX NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES:
Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person's verbal or written report. Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or electronic mail address, or by mail to the office address, listed for the Title IX Coordinator.
DISTRICT TITLE IX COORDINATOR:
Eva Kellogg
Office of Equity
555 Franklin Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94102
415-355-7334 or equity@sfusd.edu
For more information on the District’s Sexual Harassment policy and grievance procedures, please review Board Policy 4034.
TITLE IX NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES:
Any person may report discrimination on the basis of a physical or mental disability (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute discrimination on the basis of a physical or mental disability), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Section 504 Coordinator.
DISTRICT SECTION 504 COORDINATOR:
Alicia Rodriguez
1515 Quintara St., San Francisco, CA, 94116
(415) 242-2615 or rodrigueza@sfusd.edu
See all 15+ Elementary School Teacher at San Francisco Unified School District jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Elementary School Teacher at San Francisco Unified School District roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Elementary School Teacher Jobs at San Francisco Unified School District Jobs
Obtain California Teaching Credentials Early
California requires a valid state teaching credential before you can be hired. Start the Commission on Teacher Credentialing application well ahead of any job offer, since processing can take several weeks and SFUSD won't initiate sponsorship without it in hand.
Target SFUSD's Hard-to-Staff Schools
SFUSD prioritizes filling vacancies at high-need schools and in subjects like special education and bilingual instruction. Positions in these programs see stronger hiring urgency, which often translates into a greater employer willingness to move forward with H-1B sponsorship paperwork.
Confirm Your Visa Type Fits the Timeline
F-1 OPT gives you up to 12 months of work authorization to secure a sponsored role, but H-1B cap-subject filings must be submitted by April for an October start. Confirm with SFUSD's HR team which fiscal year hire cycle your offer will fall into before signing anything.
Ask HR Directly About Their LCA Process
SFUSD must file a Labor Condition Application with DOL before submitting an H-1B petition. Ask the HR contact explicitly who manages their immigration filings and whether they work with outside counsel, so you understand who to follow up with during the process.
Browse Open Roles Using Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter current Elementary School Teacher openings at SFUSD by visa sponsorship type. It surfaces roles where sponsorship is documented, saving you from applying to postings where sponsorship isn't on the table.
Prepare a U.S.-Style Resume Tailored to K-5
SFUSD hiring panels expect a one- to two-page resume that highlights grade-level experience, classroom management, and any bilingual or dual-language instruction. International candidates who reformat their CVs to match U.S. educator expectations move faster through the screening process.
Elementary School Teacher at San Francisco Unified School District jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Elementary School Teacher at San Francisco Unified School District JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does San Francisco Unified School District sponsor H-1B visas for Elementary School Teachers?
Yes, SFUSD does sponsor H-1B visas for Elementary School Teachers. Because teaching is classified as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in education or a related field, Elementary School Teacher roles qualify under H-1B criteria. Sponsorship is more likely when a candidate holds a valid California teaching credential and is being hired into a role the district has struggled to fill with local candidates.
How do I apply for Elementary School Teacher jobs at San Francisco Unified School District?
Applications go through SFUSD's official HR portal, EdJoin, where open classroom positions are posted throughout the year. You'll submit a resume, credential documentation, and letters of recommendation. Candidates who need visa sponsorship should flag this early in the process, ideally before or during the first interview, so HR can confirm sponsorship availability for that specific vacancy. Migrate Mate also lists SFUSD openings filtered by visa type.
Which visa types does San Francisco Unified School District commonly use for Elementary School Teachers?
SFUSD most commonly sponsors H-1B visas for permanent teaching hires. F-1 OPT and CPT are also accepted for eligible candidates still within their post-graduation work authorization window. TN visas are available for Canadian and Mexican nationals whose teaching specialty falls within the defined TN occupation list. Candidates should confirm with HR which visa pathway aligns with their current immigration status before the offer stage.
What qualifications does SFUSD expect for Elementary School Teacher roles?
SFUSD requires at minimum a bachelor's degree and a valid California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential for elementary classroom positions. Bilingual Authorization is a significant advantage for roles in SFUSD's dual-language immersion programs, particularly Spanish and Cantonese pathways. Student teaching experience in a U.S. K-5 setting strengthens your application considerably, as does familiarity with California's Common Core standards and any documented experience with multilingual learners.
How do I handle the timing between my OPT expiration and SFUSD's H-1B filing?
If you're on F-1 OPT, SFUSD needs to file your H-1B petition with USCIS by early April for an October 1 start date, the earliest cap-subject H-1B employment can begin. If your OPT expires before October 1, you may need a cap-gap extension, which automatically applies if your petition is filed on time while your OPT is still valid. Confirm this timeline with SFUSD HR and your international student office well before your OPT end date.
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