OPT Elementary School Teacher Jobs

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.

Find OPT Elementary School Teacher Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs62+
Work Type100% On-site
Top LocationHouston, TX
Most JobsSpring Independent School District

Showing 5 of 62+ Elementary School Teacher jobs

Legacy Solutions Inc
Elementary & Middle School Long-Term Substitute Teachers
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Legacy Solutions Inc
New 8h ago
Elementary & Middle School Long-Term Substitute Teachers
Legacy Solutions Inc
Atlanta, Georgia
Teaching & Instruction
K-12 Teaching
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Hudson Public Schools
Elementary School Teacher
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Hudson Public Schools
Added 1d ago
Elementary School Teacher
Hudson Public Schools
Hudson, Massachusetts
Teaching & Instruction
K-12 Teaching
$56k - $111k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
201-500

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Spring Independent School District
Elementary School Teacher
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Spring Independent School District
Added 2d ago
Elementary School Teacher
Spring Independent School District
Houston, Texas
Teaching & Instruction
K-12 Teaching
$63k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Scottsdale Unified School District
Elementary School Band, Strings & Elementary Music Teacher
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Scottsdale Unified School District
Added 1w ago
Elementary School Band, Strings & Elementary Music Teacher
Scottsdale Unified School District
Scottsdale, Arizona
Teaching & Instruction
K-12 Teaching
$50k - $74k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Iredell Statesville Schools
Elementary School Guidance Counselor
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Iredell Statesville Schools
Added 2w ago
Elementary School Guidance Counselor
Iredell Statesville Schools
Troutman, North Carolina
Academic & Educational Administration
Corporate Training & Learning Development
Corporate Training
On-Site
Bachelor's

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See all 62+ OPT Elementary School Teacher Jobs

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Tips for Finding OPT 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 visa 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.

Elementary School Teacher OPT: Frequently 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.