J-1 Visa Special Education Teaching Assistant Jobs
Special Education Teaching Assistant roles in the U.S. typically qualify under the J-1 visa Teacher or Trainee program category, depending on your credentials and career stage. Designated sponsor organizations issue your DS-2019 and oversee sponsorship compliance. No lottery or annual cap limits your eligibility.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Postdoctoral Teaching Scholar - School of Information Science
Requisition Number: DU15126
Department Name: 8M300: Center for Instructional Communication
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Salary Range: $50,000 / year
Type of Position: Temporary
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education
Ph.D. in Communication or a related area.
Required Related Experience
NA
Required License/Registration/Certification
NA
Physical Requirements
Present in a classroom; regular use of computer
Shift
Per course schedule
Job Summary
The School of Information Science (SIS) in the College of Communication and Information at the University of Kentucky invites applications for a Postdoctoral Teaching Scholar in Communication with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027.
Qualifications/Responsibilities: Duties include teaching up to eight courses in the academic year and working with a faculty mentor on a special project during the summer months. Courses will include required courses for undergraduates in composition and communication (CIS 110 Composition and Communication I, CIS 111 Composition and Communication II, CIS 112 Accelerated Composition and Communication, as well as business communication (CIS 300 Strategic Business and Professional Communication).
Each course has a course coordinator who develops the base course syllabus and Canvas shell for use by all instructors. Additionally, ICR has a Program Coordinator who helps support all faculty.
The twelve-month contract begins January 1, 2027, and ends December 31, 2027; the contract may be renewed for one additional year. A Ph.D. in Communication or a related area, earned within the past two years, is required by the time the appointment begins. Teaching experience, especially in writing-intensive courses, is preferred.
Application: To apply, please complete this application and include the following attachments: A letter of application (attach as cover letter), a curriculum vita, evidence of teaching excellence (attach as specific request 1), and contact information for three references (attach as specific request 2). Please note that references will not be contacted without prior consent. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Questions regarding the position may be directed to the Assistant Director of the School, Dr. Will Buntin, will.buntin@uky.edu.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
Teaching experience, especially in writing-intensive courses, is preferred.
Deadline to Apply: 11/30/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Job Title: Postdoctoral Teaching Scholar - School of Information Science
Requisition Number: DU15126
Department Name: 8M300: Center for Instructional Communication
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Salary Range: $50,000 / year
Type of Position: Temporary
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education
Ph.D. in Communication or a related area.
Required Related Experience
NA
Required License/Registration/Certification
NA
Physical Requirements
Present in a classroom; regular use of computer
Shift
Per course schedule
Job Summary
The School of Information Science (SIS) in the College of Communication and Information at the University of Kentucky invites applications for a Postdoctoral Teaching Scholar in Communication with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027.
Qualifications/Responsibilities: Duties include teaching up to eight courses in the academic year and working with a faculty mentor on a special project during the summer months. Courses will include required courses for undergraduates in composition and communication (CIS 110 Composition and Communication I, CIS 111 Composition and Communication II, CIS 112 Accelerated Composition and Communication, as well as business communication (CIS 300 Strategic Business and Professional Communication).
Each course has a course coordinator who develops the base course syllabus and Canvas shell for use by all instructors. Additionally, ICR has a Program Coordinator who helps support all faculty.
The twelve-month contract begins January 1, 2027, and ends December 31, 2027; the contract may be renewed for one additional year. A Ph.D. in Communication or a related area, earned within the past two years, is required by the time the appointment begins. Teaching experience, especially in writing-intensive courses, is preferred.
Application: To apply, please complete this application and include the following attachments: A letter of application (attach as cover letter), a curriculum vita, evidence of teaching excellence (attach as specific request 1), and contact information for three references (attach as specific request 2). Please note that references will not be contacted without prior consent. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Questions regarding the position may be directed to the Assistant Director of the School, Dr. Will Buntin, will.buntin@uky.edu.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
Teaching experience, especially in writing-intensive courses, is preferred.
Deadline to Apply: 11/30/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
See all 75+ J-1 Visa Special Education Teaching Assistant Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Special Education Teaching Assistant
Align your credentials with program category requirements
The J-1 Teacher category requires a teaching credential or license recognized in your home country. Gather official transcripts, your teaching certificate, and any special education endorsements before approaching a designated sponsor organization.
Target school districts with active J-1 host history
Search Migrate Mate to identify U.S. school districts that have hosted J-1 exchange visitors in special education roles. Districts with prior host experience understand DS-2019 requirements and move through placement paperwork faster.
Confirm the host employer will sign your training plan
Your designated sponsor organization requires the host school or district to co-sign a formal training plan before issuing a DS-2019. Get written confirmation from the hiring principal or HR contact that they'll fulfill this obligation.
Check whether your role triggers the two-year home residency requirement
Special education positions funded by a government agency or tied to certain exchange agreements can trigger the J-1 two-year home residency requirement. Review your DS-2019 remarks section with your sponsor organization before accepting any offer.
Verify the host school's legal status with E-Verify
Some designated sponsor organizations require host employers to be enrolled in E-Verify before they'll issue a DS-2019. Check enrollment status directly with the school district's HR team early in your negotiation to avoid delays.
Request a subject-area match confirmation before the offer stage
J-1 Teacher program rules require your subject-area expertise to match the classroom assignment. Ask the district to confirm in writing that your special education endorsement aligns with the posted role before your sponsor organization begins the DS-2019 application.
Special Education Teaching Assistant J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Special Education Teaching Assistant role?
It depends on your background. If you hold a recognized teaching credential and are an experienced educator, the J-1 Teacher category is the typical fit. If you're an early-career professional or recent graduate gaining supervised practical experience, the J-1 Trainee category may apply instead. Your designated sponsor organization makes the final category determination based on your qualifications and the host school's program structure.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa as a Special Education Teaching Assistant?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. Organizations like IIE, CIEE, Cultural Vistas, and similar bodies issue your DS-2019, monitor your exchange program compliance, and serve as your legal sponsor throughout the placement. The school district or educational institution where you work is your host employer, not your visa sponsor. These are two distinct roles and two distinct parties.
How do I find U.S. schools that will host a J-1 exchange visitor in special education?
Use Migrate Mate to search for Special Education Teaching Assistant roles at U.S. employers with J-1 sponsorship history. Districts that have hosted J-1 exchange visitors before are familiar with the DS-2019 process and the host employer obligations, which makes the placement timeline significantly smoother than approaching a district with no prior J-1 experience.
Does the J-1 visa for this role carry a two-year home residency requirement?
It may. The two-year home residency requirement applies when your exchange program is funded by your home government, the U.S. government, or when your home country's skills list includes your field. Special education is a high-need area and some placements are government-supported, which can trigger this requirement. Your DS-2019 will indicate whether it applies, and your designated sponsor organization can clarify the implications before you accept an offer.
What documents do I need before a designated sponsor will issue my DS-2019?
Most designated sponsor organizations require official academic transcripts, a recognized teaching certificate or equivalent credential from your home country, proof of English proficiency if your schooling was not in English, a completed training or exchange visitor plan co-signed by your host employer, and evidence of health insurance meeting J-1 minimum coverage standards. Special education endorsements or disability-services credentials will strengthen your application, particularly if the host district serves students with specific needs.