Special Education Teaching Assistant Green Card Jobs
Special Education Teaching Assistant roles can qualify for EB-3 green card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process, where your employer documents that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the position. Districts and private schools with established HR processes are your strongest candidates for permanent sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsSY26-27 Special Ed Classroom Assistant
Job Number: 260000I5
Posting Date: Apr 20, 2026, 12:01:00 AM
Primary Location: South Side-1641 West 16th Street (Bartolome De Las Casas ES)
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 Special Ed Classroom Assistant
Job Number: 260000I5
Posting Date: Apr 20, 2026, 12:01:00 AM
Primary Location: South Side-1641 West 16th Street (Bartolome De Las Casas ES)
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.
See all 8+ Special Education Teaching Assistant jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Special Education Teaching Assistant roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Special Education Teaching Assistant
Align your credentials with EB-3 requirements
EB-3 skilled worker classification requires at least two years of training or experience. Get your foreign teaching credentials evaluated by a NACES-approved agency before applying, so employers see a U.S.-equivalent qualification from day one.
Target districts with active PERM filing history
Public school districts that regularly hire through H-1B or permanent labor certification already have HR staff who understand the PERM timeline. Search for employers who have filed LCAs for education support roles through DOL to confirm prior sponsorship activity.
Search green card jobs on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter Special Education Teaching Assistant openings by employers with green card sponsorship history, saving you from applying to postings where PERM sponsorship was never on the table.
Understand the prevailing wage before negotiating
Your PERM application locks in a wage level that USCIS reviews. Look up the prevailing wage for your county and job zone using the OFLC Wage Search before your offer letter is finalized, so the stated salary clears DOL minimums without renegotiation later.
Confirm the employer will sponsor before first interviews
Many districts list open roles without intending to sponsor foreign workers through PERM. Ask directly during the recruiter screen whether the district has sponsored permanent residency for paraprofessionals before, not just temporary visa holders.
Prepare documentation specific to special education roles
PERM audits for teaching support positions often scrutinize whether the job duties genuinely require your specific qualifications. Gather letters from supervisors, IEP records you contributed to, and specialized training certificates to support the employer's PERM audit response if DOL requests additional evidence.
Special Education Teaching Assistant jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Special Education Teaching Assistant JobsSpecial Education Teaching Assistant Green Card Sponsorship: Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Special Education Teaching Assistant role qualify for an employment-based green card?
Yes. Most Special Education Teaching Assistant positions qualify under EB-3 as skilled workers, since the role typically requires at least two years of specialized training or paraprofessional experience. Some positions requiring a bachelor's degree in special education or a related field may qualify under EB-2, which covers advanced-degree professionals and candidates with strong credentials. The classification depends on the specific duties and requirements the employer documents in the PERM application.
How does the PERM green card process differ from H-1B sponsorship for this role?
H-1B sponsorship is temporary and subject to an annual cap lottery, which makes it difficult and unpredictable for paraprofessional roles. PERM-based EB-3 sponsorship leads to permanent residency, has no annual cap at the petition level, and does not require your role to meet the specialty occupation threshold. The trade-off is timeline: PERM labor certification and the I-140 petition typically add one to three years before you can file for adjustment of status, depending on your country of birth and current visa backlog.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor a Special Education Teaching Assistant for a green card?
Public school districts in states with chronic paraprofessional shortages, private special education schools, and nonprofit disability services organizations are the most active sponsors. Larger districts with dedicated HR compliance teams are better positioned to manage the PERM timeline. To find employers with documented sponsorship activity, use Migrate Mate to filter openings by green card sponsorship history rather than relying on job postings alone.
What happens to my green card case if I change employers during the PERM process?
If you change employers before your I-140 petition is approved, the PERM labor certification tied to your original employer becomes void and the process restarts. Once your I-140 is approved and has been pending for 180 days or more, portability rules under AC21 may allow you to transfer the priority date to a new employer in the same or similar occupation, preserving your place in the backlog queue.
Does my country of birth affect how long my green card process takes?
Yes. Green card backlogs are tracked by country of birth, not citizenship. Applicants born in India, China, Mexico, and the Philippines face significantly longer waits in the EB-3 category because annual visa numbers are allocated per country. Applicants born in most other countries fall under the Rest of World category and typically face shorter waits. Check the USCIS Visa Bulletin monthly to track your priority date's movement through the queue.
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