OPT Education Specialist Jobs
Education Specialist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in education, instructional design, or a related field. Many employers in K-12 districts, nonprofits, and edtech companies hire without requiring H-1B visa sponsorship upfront, giving you real runway to build U.S. experience during your 12-month OPT period.
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Salary
See Position Description
Location
3000 NE 4th Street Renton, WA
Job Type
Part-time Faculty
Job Number
26-R0013
Department
Instruction
Opening Date
11/05/2026
Position
Renton Technical College is seeking an Instructor to join our Early Childhood Education Program! This part-time teaching position is responsible for delivering, updating, and enhancing curriculum within the Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education program. Instruction may include topics such as developmentally appropriate learning experiences, health, safety and nutrition, childcare licensing requirements, supporting children with special needs, and culturally responsive and anti-bias practices.
This is an adjunct (part-time) faculty position contracted on a quarterly basis. Hours and course assignments may vary based on program need. Occasional evening and weekend commitments may be required. Most courses are delivered fully online. Some courses, particularly those offered in Spanish, are delivered in a hybrid format and include on-campus sessions on Saturday. While courses offered in English are primarily online, occasional in-person events or meetings may be scheduled throughout the quarter.
The instructor will report directly to the Dean of Health & Human Services. This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Renton Federation of Teachers (RFT) Employees Association. For additional information, please review the contract on our website.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as needs arise within each department. The Dean of Health & Human Services will evaluate applications periodically and contact candidates as adjunct positions become available. Note that applications may be reviewed at any time while this posting remains active.
Renton Technical College, located southeast of Seattle, has provided quality education in a variety of occupations for over 80 years. Our professional-technical certificate and degree programs offer entry and mid-level training in the areas of allied health, trades and industry, culinary, business, technology, and automotive. Our outstanding college & career pathways program with classes in adult basic education, English as a second language, and GED preparation is available to those who need additional preparation before entering a training program and for those who simply wish to improve their math and English skills. Career Education and apprenticeships degrees round out our offerings.
Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions Include
- Effectively teach the adopted curriculum for the Early Childhood Education program. Implement ECE and RTC policies and procedures.
- Provide for the orderly conduct of program learning activities, individual student learning needs, and the appropriate evaluation of student progress towards attaining the learning objectives.
- Evaluate student progress towards attaining the learning objectives to include individual assignments, projects, quizzes, and tests.
- Maintain and submit student records, documentation, and program reports.
- Coordinate/participate in recruiting and job placement activities for students.
- Actively participate in and develop and maintain effective working relationships with the program advisory committee.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff.
- Effectively participate in staff and college committees and activities.
- Support the college's mission by creating a learning environment of mutual respect and fairness, while encouraging creative and critical thinking. Contribute to the appreciation of diversity and foster a climate of multicultural understanding.
- Communicate professionally and effectively, both orally and in writing, with college employees, departments and outside agencies.
- Perform other related projects and assignments as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Experience with persons from diverse backgrounds such as sexual orientation, racial, ethnic, religious, linguistic, gender, age, socio-economic, physical and learning abilities, and a commitment to an inclusive and equitable working / learning environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in early childhood development or related field such as Children’s Studies, Child Development is preferred.
- Written and spoken proficiency in English is required.
- A minimum of two years of experience in childcare beyond educational preparation is required.
- Experience teaching adults learners.
- Demonstrated interest and ability to work successfully with students, staff, and the community. Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Demonstrated attention to detail required as well as previous experience maintaining accurate records, managing multiple tasks, and planning and organizing work in order to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
- Successful experience with diverse populations of varied ethnicity, ages, backgrounds and abilities, and a commitment to a culturally diverse environment.
- Demonstrated ability to promote universal design and accessibility. Proficiency in (or ability to learn within 6 month of hire) the production of accessible content, whether print or electronic.
- Ability to represent the college in a positive and professional manner, while using tact, discretion, and courtesy.
- Ability to speak a regionally top spoken language other than English is preferred (Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Somali, and Chinese).
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Working hours are generally aligned with standard business hours, Monday through Friday. Occasional evening and weekend commitments may be required. Most courses are delivered fully online. Some courses, particularly those offered in Spanish, are delivered in a hybrid format and include on-campus sessions on Saturday. While courses offered in English are primarily online, occasional in-person events or meetings may be scheduled throughout the quarter.
Work is mostly sedentary in nature, performed in an office environment. Frequent use of a computer and exposure to terminal screens is required. Work and meetings may take place across campus. May drive/travel to trainings, conferences, and/or college events.
Terms of Employment
In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Renton Technical College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
Candidates will be asked to provide documentation of unofficial transcripts of graduate coursework. This is an adjunct faculty position contracted on a quarterly basis. Depending on the start date of the faculty, the contract received may be prorated. Lecture (theory) credits are compensated at $1,118 per credit, which includes scheduled class time and final exam days. All guided practice instructional credits for adjunct will be paid with an additional pay factor of 1.33. Future advancement in base salary, up to the current maximum of $1,683 per credit, is based upon a combination of years of service accrued at our college and professional development activity.
Degree Stipend: Master’s or Doctorate degree stipends are paid on a prorated per credit rate.
The person hired is required to provide authorization for employment in the United States. All offers of employment are contingent to background checks, including employment and required degree/credential verification. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform successfully in the position. Finalists are required to complete the Sexual Misconduct Disclosure form as required under RCW 288.112.080. Post offer, pre-employment criminal background checks are also required.
For questions regarding this position contact recruiting@rtc.edu.
EEO STATEMENT: Renton Technical College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veterans or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Violence Against Women Re-authorization Act and Washington State Law Against Discrimination, Chapter 49.60 RCW and their implementing regulations. The following college official has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Title IX / EEO Coordinator, Lesley Hogan, Vice President of Human Resources 3000 NE 4th Street Renton, WA 98056 (425)235-7873,titleix@rtc.edu.
Jeanne Clery statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Renton Technical College reports the mandate information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. Renton Technical College's Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at: https://rtc.edu/about-rtc/campus-resources/campus-security/annual-security-report.php For information on how to access the RTC Daily Crime Log follow this link: https://rtc.edu/about-rtc/campus-resources/campus-security/daily-crime-log.php.
We acknowledge that RTC sits uninvited on the ancestral land of the Puget Salish people, including the Duwamish, Suquamish, Snoqualmie, Tulalip, and Muckleshoot Nations. We are grateful to the original inhabitants of this land, upon which we gather and dialogue. We also acknowledge our increasingly virtual world, in which RTC’s work is done across multiple indigenous lands, in some cases, away from Puget Salish territories. We thank the original caretakers of our local lands and waters, who are still here.
Beyond acknowledgment, we each have an obligation to learn about and support our local tribes. Find out how on our resources page, which includes scholarships for Indigenous students.
See all 777+ OPT Education Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Education Specialist
Target employers with a history of OPT hiring
School districts, education nonprofits, and edtech companies have hired OPT students before and understand the timeline. Search Migrate Mate to find Education Specialist roles from employers already familiar with F-1 work authorization.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Most Education Specialist roles have onboarding tied to school calendars. Submitting applications six to eight weeks before your OPT begins gives employers enough lead time to move through hiring without worrying about authorization gaps.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility if your degree qualifies
If your degree is in instructional technology, learning sciences, or a qualifying STEM field, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. This significantly increases your value to employers evaluating long-term hiring risk.
Frame your international background as a curriculum asset
Multilingual ability and cross-cultural education experience are genuine differentiators for Education Specialist roles in diverse districts. Lead with these in your cover letter, especially for roles serving English language learners or international student populations.
Prepare documentation before your first interview
Have your I-20, EAD card, and OPT approval notice ready to share. Employers unfamiliar with OPT are reassured when candidates can immediately explain their authorization period and confirm there are no gaps in their work eligibility.
Negotiate a start date that aligns with your EAD approval
USCIS recommends applying for OPT at least 90 days before your program end date. Confirming your expected EAD receipt date upfront lets employers plan onboarding without delays and reduces friction around your authorization timeline.
Education Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Education Specialist on OPT without employer sponsorship?
Yes. OPT authorization comes from your school and USCIS, not your employer, so you can accept any Education Specialist role that qualifies as directly related to your degree field. Your employer does not file any petition on your behalf during OPT. You do need to report your employer to your DSO within 10 days of starting.
Does an Education Specialist job qualify as directly related to my degree?
It depends on your specific degree. Education, curriculum and instruction, instructional design, educational psychology, and learning sciences degrees generally qualify. If your degree is in an adjacent field like communications or social work, you'll need to document how the role connects. Your DSO can help you confirm the connection before you accept an offer.
Where can I find Education Specialist jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for F-1 OPT candidates, so you're not sorting through roles that exclude international students. Education Specialist postings on Migrate Mate come from employers in K-12 districts, edtech companies, and nonprofits that have demonstrated openness to hiring candidates on OPT work authorization.
What happens if my Education Specialist job ends before my OPT expires?
You have a cumulative 90-day unemployment limit during standard OPT. If your role ends, you can continue job searching within that window without violating your status. Report the employment end date to your DSO promptly. If you're on STEM OPT, the limit extends to 150 days total across the full authorization period.
Do Education Specialist roles qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Some do. If your degree is classified under a qualifying STEM CIP code, such as instructional technology, educational measurement, or learning sciences, and your Education Specialist role involves applying that technical knowledge directly, you may qualify for the 24-month extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO and verify the role meets the training plan requirements before applying.