OPT High School Teacher Jobs
High school teacher jobs on OPT are available across public and private schools, though most require state licensure alongside your work authorization. STEM-designated OPT extensions apply if your degree is in education with a STEM focus, giving you up to three years to secure long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation: KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School
Salary Range: BA Scale $56,000-$92,000 | MA+ Scale $61,000-$100,000
About KIPP Nashville Public Schools
KIPP Nashville Public Schools is a network of high-performing, free, open-enrollment K-12 schools that has been committed to positively affecting student outcomes in Nashville since 2005. KIPP Nashville is part of the acclaimed KIPP Network, which educates 100,000+ students nationwide and supports students from Pre-Kindergarten through college, career and beyond. Through the KIPP Forward program, our team helps students identify their career of highest aspiration and develop the skills and confidence to chase their dreams. KIPP Nashville currently operates 3 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 2 high schools and we are excited to open our doors to one additional elementary school in 2025 in response to strong community demand. The mission of KIPP Nashville is together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence they need to pursue the paths they choose - college, career and beyond - so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. Our core values are GROWTH, TEAM, and SHINE. If you share in these beliefs and values, if you have a proven willingness to do what it takes for students to be their best, if you thrive in an environment that is both collaborative and entrepreneurial, then you are already a KIPPster.
Job Description
“Day in the life” responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Curriculum Development and Instruction
- Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of individual students
- Use progress-monitoring tools to analyze student results for the purpose of modifying and adjusting strategies and programming
- Use data to inform instructional decisions
- Provide students with daily feedback on mastery performance in character and academics and plan for individual learning needs
- Demonstrate strong pedagogy
Commitment to School and Classroom Culture
- Work collaboratively with your school team and those across KIPP Nashville
- Help develop school-wide culture that best fits the needs of our students, teachers and families
- Attend and participate in all staff meetings and communicate openly with staff
- Develop positive rapport with students
- Create and foster a positive and calm learning environment
- Enforce, uphold, and exhibit school values, student management policies and culture
Family Engagement
- Establish and maintain strong communication lines with all parents and share progress
- Be available for open houses, parent teacher conferences and other events involving parents
- Make oneself available to students, parents and other staff members
Growth Mindset
- Pursue challenging professional goals each year
- Willing to offer support and receive constructive feedback from colleagues in order to create a professional working atmosphere that is conducive to change and improvement
- Participate in school-wide and individual professional development, including pre-service training over the summer and weekly during the academic year
Qualifications
Required Experience
- Valid Tennessee teaching license OR proof of enrollment in a job-embedded Educator Preparation Program
- Conferred Bachelor’s degree
- Pass Criminal Background Check
Desired Qualities
- Experience teaching or supporting diverse learners (highly preferred)
- Commitment to working with students from educationally under-resourced communities (highly preferred)
- Experience and demonstrated success teaching students from educationally under-resourced communities (highly preferred)
- At least two years of teaching experience (preferred)
- Passionate about data-driven instruction
- Unwavering commitment to KIPP Nashville’s mission, core values, students, families, and community
- Firm belief in affirming the identity of students, families and staff
- Demonstrates excitement in growing students into their highest selves and believes that providing students with an excellent education is our largest lever as anti-racist educators for racial equity
- Eagerness to collaborate and problem-solve with a variety of stakeholders
- Demonstrate commitment to continue their professional development individually
- Demonstrates excitement in growing students into their highest selves
Additional Information
Compensation and Benefits
- KIPP Nashville is committed to offering competitive compensation, providing salaries that are 5% more competitive for individuals with both bachelor's and master's degrees. Starting salary for first year teachers begins at $55,070; those with a conferred advanced degree begins at $60,695. Salary is commensurate with experience. Staff members receive up to a 2% yearly raise. To establish consistent salary practices, the compensation package is derived from the regional KIPP Nashville Public Schools pay scale. This position is exempt and will follow a 10-month work schedule.
- Robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, supplemental insurance, and life insurance policy options. Application for these benefits may be made immediately upon employment. The policy is effective upon the first of the month following the first day of work.
- Certificated staff have access to the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System pension plan (TCRS). Eligible employees contribute 5% and KIPP matches up to 6%. Employees may also be eligible for 401k in which KIPP will contribute 5%.
- The vacation package for salaried employees includes 29 paid days throughout the 10 month work schedule (including holidays, fall break, spring break, thanksgiving break, winter break, as well as summer break). In addition employees in this role are allotted 6 PTO days. Employees are allotted an additional 2 days after every 2 consecutive years of employment. Eligible staff members receive payment for unused PTO days at the end of the fiscal year.
- Adoption/Parental Caregiver Leave - up to 10 weeks parental leave for the primary caregiver and 2 weeks parental leave for the secondary caregiver paid at 100%.
- Teachers are provided with laptop computers with access to the internet and or email to assist them in performing their job responsibilities.
- Certificated staff are eligible for the Master Teacher Program after two consecutive years of employment with KIPP Nashville. Master teachers receive a $5,000 stipend and $2,000 towards professional development.
Please contact recruiting@kippnashville.org with any questions.
KIPP Nashville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual preference, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or veteran status.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Location: KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School
Salary Range: BA Scale $56,000-$92,000 | MA+ Scale $61,000-$100,000
About KIPP Nashville Public Schools
KIPP Nashville Public Schools is a network of high-performing, free, open-enrollment K-12 schools that has been committed to positively affecting student outcomes in Nashville since 2005. KIPP Nashville is part of the acclaimed KIPP Network, which educates 100,000+ students nationwide and supports students from Pre-Kindergarten through college, career and beyond. Through the KIPP Forward program, our team helps students identify their career of highest aspiration and develop the skills and confidence to chase their dreams. KIPP Nashville currently operates 3 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 2 high schools and we are excited to open our doors to one additional elementary school in 2025 in response to strong community demand. The mission of KIPP Nashville is together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence they need to pursue the paths they choose - college, career and beyond - so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. Our core values are GROWTH, TEAM, and SHINE. If you share in these beliefs and values, if you have a proven willingness to do what it takes for students to be their best, if you thrive in an environment that is both collaborative and entrepreneurial, then you are already a KIPPster.
Job Description
“Day in the life” responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Curriculum Development and Instruction
- Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of individual students
- Use progress-monitoring tools to analyze student results for the purpose of modifying and adjusting strategies and programming
- Use data to inform instructional decisions
- Provide students with daily feedback on mastery performance in character and academics and plan for individual learning needs
- Demonstrate strong pedagogy
Commitment to School and Classroom Culture
- Work collaboratively with your school team and those across KIPP Nashville
- Help develop school-wide culture that best fits the needs of our students, teachers and families
- Attend and participate in all staff meetings and communicate openly with staff
- Develop positive rapport with students
- Create and foster a positive and calm learning environment
- Enforce, uphold, and exhibit school values, student management policies and culture
Family Engagement
- Establish and maintain strong communication lines with all parents and share progress
- Be available for open houses, parent teacher conferences and other events involving parents
- Make oneself available to students, parents and other staff members
Growth Mindset
- Pursue challenging professional goals each year
- Willing to offer support and receive constructive feedback from colleagues in order to create a professional working atmosphere that is conducive to change and improvement
- Participate in school-wide and individual professional development, including pre-service training over the summer and weekly during the academic year
Qualifications
Required Experience
- Valid Tennessee teaching license OR proof of enrollment in a job-embedded Educator Preparation Program
- Conferred Bachelor’s degree
- Pass Criminal Background Check
Desired Qualities
- Experience teaching or supporting diverse learners (highly preferred)
- Commitment to working with students from educationally under-resourced communities (highly preferred)
- Experience and demonstrated success teaching students from educationally under-resourced communities (highly preferred)
- At least two years of teaching experience (preferred)
- Passionate about data-driven instruction
- Unwavering commitment to KIPP Nashville’s mission, core values, students, families, and community
- Firm belief in affirming the identity of students, families and staff
- Demonstrates excitement in growing students into their highest selves and believes that providing students with an excellent education is our largest lever as anti-racist educators for racial equity
- Eagerness to collaborate and problem-solve with a variety of stakeholders
- Demonstrate commitment to continue their professional development individually
- Demonstrates excitement in growing students into their highest selves
Additional Information
Compensation and Benefits
- KIPP Nashville is committed to offering competitive compensation, providing salaries that are 5% more competitive for individuals with both bachelor's and master's degrees. Starting salary for first year teachers begins at $55,070; those with a conferred advanced degree begins at $60,695. Salary is commensurate with experience. Staff members receive up to a 2% yearly raise. To establish consistent salary practices, the compensation package is derived from the regional KIPP Nashville Public Schools pay scale. This position is exempt and will follow a 10-month work schedule.
- Robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, supplemental insurance, and life insurance policy options. Application for these benefits may be made immediately upon employment. The policy is effective upon the first of the month following the first day of work.
- Certificated staff have access to the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System pension plan (TCRS). Eligible employees contribute 5% and KIPP matches up to 6%. Employees may also be eligible for 401k in which KIPP will contribute 5%.
- The vacation package for salaried employees includes 29 paid days throughout the 10 month work schedule (including holidays, fall break, spring break, thanksgiving break, winter break, as well as summer break). In addition employees in this role are allotted 6 PTO days. Employees are allotted an additional 2 days after every 2 consecutive years of employment. Eligible staff members receive payment for unused PTO days at the end of the fiscal year.
- Adoption/Parental Caregiver Leave - up to 10 weeks parental leave for the primary caregiver and 2 weeks parental leave for the secondary caregiver paid at 100%.
- Teachers are provided with laptop computers with access to the internet and or email to assist them in performing their job responsibilities.
- Certificated staff are eligible for the Master Teacher Program after two consecutive years of employment with KIPP Nashville. Master teachers receive a $5,000 stipend and $2,000 towards professional development.
Please contact recruiting@kippnashville.org with any questions.
KIPP Nashville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual preference, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or veteran status.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
See all 135+ OPT High School Teacher Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT High School Teacher Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a High School Teacher
Target private and charter schools first
Private and charter schools are not bound by the same district hiring processes as public schools, making them more flexible with OPT candidates. They can often move faster on hiring decisions before your authorization window closes.
Address your work authorization timeline upfront
Schools plan staffing a semester or year ahead. Mention your OPT end date and any STEM extension eligibility in your cover letter so hiring managers can assess fit without uncertainty about your authorization timeline.
Research state licensure requirements early
Most states require a teaching license for public school positions. Check your target state's requirements now, since some offer emergency or provisional licenses that accommodate OPT candidates while a full credential is pending.
Highlight subject-area shortages in your field
Schools in STEM subjects, special education, and bilingual programs face persistent teacher shortages. Framing your application around high-demand subjects strengthens your case and increases the likelihood employers will sponsor future H-1B visa status.
Connect with school district HR departments directly
Many school districts post positions internally before advertising broadly. Contacting district HR offices directly about OPT-eligible openings can surface opportunities earlier than standard postings and signals genuine commitment to that school community.
Clarify H-1B specialty occupation eligibility for teaching
Teaching roles at the secondary level have been approved as H-1B specialty occupations when the position requires a degree in a specific subject area. Discuss this with an immigration attorney before accepting any role to confirm sponsorship is viable.
High School Teacher OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a high school teacher on OPT?
Yes, you can work as a high school teacher on OPT if the role is directly related to your degree field. A degree in education, biology, mathematics, or a relevant subject area typically satisfies this requirement. State teaching licensure is a separate requirement and does not affect your OPT eligibility itself, but most public schools will require it before you can begin in the classroom.
Do high school teaching jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Only if your degree is classified under a STEM-designated CIP code. Education degrees focused on STEM subjects, such as mathematics education or science education, may qualify depending on your program's exact classification. Check your degree's CIP code against the official STEM OPT designated degree program list published by the Department of Homeland Security to confirm eligibility before assuming you qualify for the 24-month extension.
Where can I find high school teacher jobs that accept OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is the best place to search for high school teacher jobs open to OPT students. The platform filters specifically for employers willing to work with F-1 OPT work authorization, saving you the time of screening positions manually. Private schools, charter networks, and international schools tend to be most receptive to OPT candidates and appear regularly in sponsorship-aware job searches.
Can a school sponsor an H-1B visa for a high school teacher?
Yes, secondary school teaching positions have been successfully sponsored under H-1B when the role requires a degree in a specific subject area, such as a chemistry teacher position requiring a chemistry degree. Public schools, private schools, and nonprofit educational institutions can all file H-1B petitions. Cap-exempt status may apply if the school is affiliated with a qualifying nonprofit research organization, which avoids the annual lottery entirely.
What should I do if my OPT expires before securing permanent sponsorship?
If you hold STEM OPT, you have up to three years total of post-completion work authorization, which gives you meaningful time to pursue H-1B sponsorship. If sponsorship does not come through in time, some educators pursue J-1 visa exchange visitor status through teacher exchange programs as a bridge. Consulting an immigration attorney early in your final OPT year is the most practical step to map out your options.