Elementary School Teacher Jobs for OPT Students
Elementary school teacher jobs on OPT are available across public and private K-5 schools, though most positions require state teaching licensure in addition to your degree. Your OPT period gives you up to 12 months of authorized work, with a potential 24-month STEM extension if your education degree qualifies.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS. Crow Creek Tribal Schools seek multiple Elementary School Teachers in Stephan, SD.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Instruct elementary school students and create lesson plans for subjects.
- Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities and materials to meet the needs of students in the least restrictive environment.
- Give and grade tests and assignments.
- Prepare educational records, monitor and evaluate student development through formal and informal assessments.
- Prepare students for standardized testing.
- Communicate with parents/guardians and collaborate with other teachers and administration on students' progress and school policies.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Must have Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, or equivalent, PLUS South Dakota Teacher Certificate, and two years experience as Teacher, or related work.
COMPENSATION
- Pay: $53,750.00 - $62,000.00 per year
LOCATION
- Work Location: In person
Mail resume: Crow Creek Tribal Schools, 103 Chieftain Road, Stephan, SD 57346. Attn: Mr. Rob Coverdale, Superintendent.
INTRODUCTION
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS. Crow Creek Tribal Schools seek multiple Elementary School Teachers in Stephan, SD.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Instruct elementary school students and create lesson plans for subjects.
- Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities and materials to meet the needs of students in the least restrictive environment.
- Give and grade tests and assignments.
- Prepare educational records, monitor and evaluate student development through formal and informal assessments.
- Prepare students for standardized testing.
- Communicate with parents/guardians and collaborate with other teachers and administration on students' progress and school policies.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Must have Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, or equivalent, PLUS South Dakota Teacher Certificate, and two years experience as Teacher, or related work.
COMPENSATION
- Pay: $53,750.00 - $62,000.00 per year
LOCATION
- Work Location: In person
Mail resume: Crow Creek Tribal Schools, 103 Chieftain Road, Stephan, SD 57346. Attn: Mr. Rob Coverdale, Superintendent.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Elementary School Teacher
Verify your state's licensure requirements early
Most states require a teaching license before you can work in a public school classroom. Start the application process before your OPT begins, as licensure processing can take several months and varies significantly by state.
Target private and charter schools strategically
Private and charter schools often hire teachers without state licensure, making them more accessible during OPT. Many are also more familiar with international candidates and have streamlined hiring processes that work within your authorization timeline.
Highlight your bilingual or multilingual abilities
Schools with English language learner programs actively recruit bilingual teachers. If you speak Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, or another language common among students, mention it prominently in your application materials and interviews to stand out.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront with hiring managers
School hiring cycles often begin months before the academic year starts. Be transparent about your OPT end date so hiring managers can assess whether sponsorship is needed and begin that process before your authorization expires.
Research H-1B cap-exempt employers in education
Nonprofit schools affiliated with universities and certain educational institutions may qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers. This means they can file H-1B petitions year-round without lottery constraints, significantly improving your path to long-term sponsorship.
Pursue STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
Education degrees in STEM-adjacent fields like mathematics education or science education may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO and apply at least 90 days before your current OPT expires.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an elementary school teacher on OPT?
Yes, you can work as an elementary school teacher on OPT as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. Education degrees in early childhood, elementary, or general education clearly satisfy this requirement. However, most public school positions require a valid state teaching license, so confirm your licensure status before applying.
Do elementary schools typically sponsor H-1B visas for teachers?
Public school districts and nonprofit private schools can sponsor H-1B visas, and many have done so for qualified teachers, particularly in high-need subjects like special education, bilingual education, and STEM. Some nonprofit schools qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers, meaning they can file petitions outside the annual lottery. Sponsorship willingness varies by district size and budget, so it's worth asking directly during the hiring process.
Where can I find elementary school teacher jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is the recommended platform for F-1 OPT students searching for teaching roles with employers open to sponsorship. Filtering by role and visa type helps you focus on schools that have previously hired international candidates, which saves time and reduces the risk of applying to employers who won't consider OPT authorization.
Does my education degree qualify for a STEM OPT extension in a teaching role?
It depends on your specific degree's CIP code. General elementary education degrees typically do not qualify for STEM OPT extension, but degrees in mathematics education, science education, or computer science education often do. Check your degree's CIP code with your Designated School Official and cross-reference it against the official STEM OPT CIP code list maintained by the Department of Homeland Security.
Can I do student teaching or substitute teaching during OPT?
Student teaching is typically a curricular practical training activity that falls under CPT, not OPT, and must be authorized before your program ends. Once you're on post-completion OPT, substitute teaching is permitted as long as it's related to your degree and you're actively working toward full-time employment. Confirm the specific arrangement with your DSO to ensure it counts toward your OPT employment requirement.
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