OPT Elementary School Principal Jobs
Elementary School Principal jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with degrees in educational leadership, administration, or a related field. Most roles require state licensure, which takes time to secure, so starting that process early alongside your OPT application is critical. STEM OPT extension does not apply to this field.
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HUDSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
HUDSON, MASSACHUSETTS
Position: Elementary School Teacher - Gr 4
Reports to: Principal of Schools
Approved by: Brian K. Reagan, Ed.D
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core values of the Hudson Public Schools. We believe that the educational environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with diverse ideas come together to learn. Applicants whose work incorporates a global perspective and a demonstrated commitment to issues of diversity in education are particularly encouraged to apply.
SUMMARY
To provide direct instruction to students at the elementary level in order to deliver Hudson Public Schools’ high expectations for achievement, equal access to high levels of instruction, the achievement of academic proficiency for all students, and the closing of the achievement gap among subgroups within the schools.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
- Teach subject content to students
- Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated.
- Plans a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests and abilities of the students.
- Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and provides individualized and small group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of all students.
- Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
- Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
- Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and, in harmony with the goals, establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects to communicate these objectives to students.
- Strives to implement by instruction and action the district’s philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.
- Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.
- Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
- Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulation.
- Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct, and for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
- Makes provision for being available to students and parents for education-related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.
- Communicates with parents through conferences, email and other means to discuss student’s progress and interpret the school program.
- Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day.
- Responsible for the promotion of equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning, including, for implementing specific strategies for students with special needs, with 504 plans and/or second language learners.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required, Masters preferred
- Massachusetts DESE license 1-6
- SEI Endorsement
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
- Demonstrated knowledge in content and teaching strategies, as well as implementation of relevant technology
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
- Successful completion of Criminal Records Check (CORI), and fingerprints
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary and work year to be established by the Superintendent of Schools in conjunction with the HEA/HSC Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- 183 work days, 3 personal days, 13 sick days
- Benefit Eligible on start date. 30 days to enroll in coverage from start date.
- Benefit information: https://www.townofhudson.org/875/Employee-Benefits
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated by the appropriate administrator in accordance with HEA/HSC Collective Bargaining Agreement and DESE regulations, 603CMR35.00.
Nondiscrimination and Title IX Notice
Hudson Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information in admission, administration of its educational programs, activities, or employment and is required by Title IX and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 106. The Director of Human Resources, Jennifer Allard, jnallard@hudson.k12.ma.us, 978-567-6100 ext. 41124, has been designated as the Title IX Coordinator. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 to Hudson Public Schools may be referred to Jennifer Allard or to U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Ave., SW Washington, DC 20202-1100, telephone 800-421-3481.
While performing duties of this job, the employee may often remain in a stationary position for considerable periods of time. The employee will have also have ample periods of standing and may be required to traverse throughout the building. The employee must frequently use hands and frequently operates a computer and other office productivity machinery (i.e., calculator, copy machine, and computer printer). Physical abilities may also include lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling, stooping/crouching, reaching/handling, talking/hearing conversations, and near/far visual acuity/depth perception/color vision/field. Ability must be able to lift and/or push and pull 15 to 20lbs for short periods, and walk up and down stairs several times a day. The employee must be able to communicate effectively with students, staff members, and the public in person and on the telephone.
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. If you require an accommodation during the application process or on the job, you are encouraged to reach out to the Human Resources Department - HR@hudson.k12.ma.us.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Elementary School Principal
Secure your state administrator license before your OPT starts
Most states require a principal license before you can be hired. The process involves background checks, exams, and sometimes additional coursework. Starting your application early ensures you're job-ready when your OPT authorization arrives.
Target districts with established international hiring track records
Large urban school districts are more familiar with OPT work authorization than small rural ones. Districts in cities with strong international university pipelines are likelier to understand your status and support the paperwork involved.
Be transparent about your OPT timeline from the first interview
Principal hiring cycles move slowly. Telling districts upfront that you have 12 months of OPT authorization helps them plan around your start date and assess whether they can pursue H-1B visa sponsorship before your authorization expires.
Align your degree field with the principal role you're targeting
OPT must be directly related to your degree. A degree in educational leadership or K-12 administration maps clearly to principal roles. A degree in a different field, even education-adjacent, may create authorization complications worth addressing with your DSO.
Pursue assistant principal roles as a strategic entry point
Many districts hire assistant principals more readily than principals. Starting as an assistant principal on OPT gives you in-district experience, builds your sponsorship case, and positions you for promotion when your employer pursues long-term visa sponsorship.
Confirm your employer understands H-1B specialty occupation requirements early
Principal roles qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B because they require advanced degrees in a specific field. Clarifying this with HR early removes a common obstacle and helps districts engage immigration counsel before your OPT window closes.
Elementary School Principal OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Elementary School Principals?
Yes, if your degree is in educational leadership, school administration, or a closely related field. OPT requires that your job be directly related to your major area of study. A degree in elementary education or educational administration maps cleanly to a principal role. Confirm the connection with your Designated School Official before accepting an offer.
Do Elementary School Principal jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Elementary School Principal is not a STEM-designated role, so you cannot extend your OPT beyond the standard 12 months through the STEM extension. If you want to stay in the U.S. after your OPT expires, your employer will need to sponsor you for an H-1B or another visa category before your authorization ends.
What visa can an employer sponsor after my OPT ends for a principal role?
The H-1B is the most common path. Principal roles qualify as specialty occupations because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific field like educational leadership or administration. Your employer would need to file an H-1B petition before your OPT expires. The H-1B lottery runs in March each year, so timing your OPT start date matters significantly.
Do I need a state principal license to work on OPT as an Elementary School Principal?
Yes, in virtually every state. Public school principal positions require state-issued administrator licensure, which is separate from your OPT work authorization. You need both. Licensure requirements vary by state but typically include a relevant graduate degree, teaching experience, and passing a leadership assessment. Start your licensure process well before your OPT approval, not after.
Where can I find Elementary School Principal jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job seekers, making it the most relevant starting point for this search. General job boards rarely filter for OPT-friendly employers, so you'll spend significant time screening roles that won't work for your situation. Migrate Mate surfaces roles from employers already familiar with international work authorization.