Instructional Assistant Jobs for OPT Students
Instructional Assistant jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students in education, psychology, and child development. Many positions qualify for STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a related STEM field. Roles are available in K-12 schools, community colleges, and tutoring organizations across the country.
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Get Access To All JobsWe are looking for individuals who are passionate about working with children. The Instructional Assistant II assists the teacher in improving the quality of educational opportunities, supervision of students, and instructional tasks, and/or works with children in small groups supervising our youngest (TK / Kinder) students, as well as supporting our before and after school program (Club Montessori). This is a great part-time opportunity to help students learn and grow and be a valuable part of our education team. This can be a great stepping stone into the education field. Does this sound like you? If so, please read on!
Summary/Objective: An Instructional Assistant II will work closely with students with special needs, supporting them in their academic and personal growth under the supervision of the special education teacher. Collaboration with teachers and other professionals will be crucial in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Maintains the well-being of all students in the before/after and/or intersession care program, Club Montessori.
Essential Functions
- Provide one-on-one and small group support to students with special needs, including those with learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and other exceptionalities under the supervision of the teacher.
- Assist the classroom teacher in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) and adapting curriculum materials to meet the diverse needs of students.
- Support students during instructional activities, ensuring they are engaged, on task, and comprehending the material being presented.
- Support during assigned disciplinary measures, which may include in-house suspension and social isolation. Attentive supervision will contribute to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment for all students involved.
- Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment by promoting respect, understanding, and cooperation among all students.
- Help manage classroom behavior by implementing strategies outlined in behavior intervention plans (BIPs), use Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to help teach and reinforce desired behaviors, and effectively de-escalate tense situations.
- May be assigned to multiple students requiring extra support throughout the day; may also share students with other TAs across the day.
- May provide mild to moderate level of support to students involving academic and/or mild/moderate behavioral support. May also provide toileting support.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to modify assignments and assessments, as needed, to accommodate individual student requirements.
- Assist in the preparation and organization of classroom materials, resources, and activities.
- Provide assistance with daily tasks, such as personal care, mobility, and transitioning between activities.
- Participate in meetings with teachers and other professionals to discuss student progress, goals, and strategies.
- Maintain accurate records of student performance, behavior, and achievements, and contribute to progress reporting. Data collection will be supervised by case manager and/or CMP BCBA.
- Contribute to the creation of a safe and nurturing learning environment that promotes emotional well-being and academic growth.
- Attend relevant professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and stay up-to-date with best practices in special education.
- Model appropriate social interactions with students and peers.
- Coordinate with teachers for homework club, tutoring, student educational needs and extracurricular activities.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Competency
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with students, teachers, and other professionals.
- Empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of students with diverse abilities.
- Ability to follow and implement instructions from teachers and specialists accurately.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines in working with sensitive information.
Work Environment
- Classroom Environment: This role often works in classrooms where conditions can vary. This may include exposure to noise, varying levels of student engagement, and the need to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Emotional Demands: Working with students who have special needs can be emotionally demanding but also incredibly rewarding. Special Education Teaching Assistants must remain patient, compassionate, and composed, even in challenging situations.
- Collaboration: Regular interaction and collaboration with teachers, therapists, and other professionals to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPS) to support students effectively.
- Professional Development: Ongoing learning and development to stay updated with best practices in special education, behavior management techniques, and educational technology.
Physical Demands
The role of an Instructional Assistant II involves various physical demands due to the nature of working with students. These demands may include:
- Mobility: Moving around the classroom, assisting students with mobility challenges, and transitioning between activities.
- Lifting: Occasionally lifting and assisting students with physical disabilities, as well as lifting and arranging classroom materials.
- Sitting and Standing: Engaging with students, teachers, and activities while both sitting and standing for extended periods.
- Physical Assistance: Providing support with personal care tasks, which might involve assisting with feeding, toileting, and other activities of daily living.
- Adapting to Student Needs: Quickly responding to unexpected situations, such as helping a student who is experiencing a behavioral challenge.
Safety Measures
- Safety Protocols: Following established safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all students.
- Proper Techniques: Utilizing appropriate techniques for assisting students with physical disabilities or behavioral challenges to prevent injury to both students and staff.
- Health Considerations: Adhering to health and hygiene standards and being mindful of any allergies or medical conditions that students may have.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: This position is part time from 2-6pm.
Travel: Minimal or none
Required Education and Experience
- Associates Degree, 48 college educational units, or the ability to pass a paraprofessional exam
Preferred Education and Experience
- TK/Kinder experience or related field
- Montessori experience
Affirmative Action Plan/Equal Employment Opportunity AAP/EEO Statement: It is the policy of California Montessori Project to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy relates to all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, reduction of workforce and termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all facilities, and participation in all company-sponsored employee activities.
Other Duties Disclaimer: Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Placement for this position will be on the IA II (SpED/TK) Column.
Creditable Service for Instructional Assistant
Instructional Assistant Salary Scale allows for:
- 1 step for every year of full time, full year, equivalent experience, max of 8 years
Montessori Credits:
- Montessori applies only to fully completed certificate programs from accredited Montessori training centers.
Steps
IA I
IA I w/ Montessori
Credential
IA II
(Sped/TK)
IA III
(Sped)
1
$19.50
$20.50
$21.50
$23.50
2
$19.75
$20.75
$21.75
$23.75
3
$20.00
$21.00
$22.00
$24.00
4
$20.25
$21.25
$22.25
$24.25
5
$20.50
$21.50
$22.50
$24.50
6
$20.75
$21.75
$22.75
$24.75
7
$21.00
$22.00
$23.00
$25.00
8
$21.25
$22.25
$23.25
$25.25
9
$21.50
$22.50
$23.50
$25.50
10
$21.75
$22.75
$23.75
$25.75
11
$22.00
$23.00
$24.00
$26.00
12
$22.25
$23.25
$24.25
$26.25
13
$22.50
$23.50
$24.50
$26.50
14
$22.75
$23.75
$24.75
$26.75
15
$23.00
$24.00
$25.00
$27.00
16
$23.25
$24.25
$25.25
$27.25
17
$23.50
$24.50
$25.50
$27.50
18
$23.75
$24.75
$25.75
$27.75
19
$24.00
$25.00
$26.00
$28.00
20
$24.25
$25.25
$26.25
$28.25
21
$24.50
$25.50
$26.50
$28.50
22
$24.75
$25.75
$26.75
$28.75
23
$25.00
$26.00
$27.00
$29.00
24
$25.25
$26.25
$27.25
$29.25
25
$25.50
$26.50
$27.50
$29.50
26
$25.75
$26.75
$27.75
$29.75
We are looking for individuals who are passionate about working with children. The Instructional Assistant II assists the teacher in improving the quality of educational opportunities, supervision of students, and instructional tasks, and/or works with children in small groups supervising our youngest (TK / Kinder) students, as well as supporting our before and after school program (Club Montessori). This is a great part-time opportunity to help students learn and grow and be a valuable part of our education team. This can be a great stepping stone into the education field. Does this sound like you? If so, please read on!
Summary/Objective: An Instructional Assistant II will work closely with students with special needs, supporting them in their academic and personal growth under the supervision of the special education teacher. Collaboration with teachers and other professionals will be crucial in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Maintains the well-being of all students in the before/after and/or intersession care program, Club Montessori.
Essential Functions
- Provide one-on-one and small group support to students with special needs, including those with learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and other exceptionalities under the supervision of the teacher.
- Assist the classroom teacher in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) and adapting curriculum materials to meet the diverse needs of students.
- Support students during instructional activities, ensuring they are engaged, on task, and comprehending the material being presented.
- Support during assigned disciplinary measures, which may include in-house suspension and social isolation. Attentive supervision will contribute to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment for all students involved.
- Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment by promoting respect, understanding, and cooperation among all students.
- Help manage classroom behavior by implementing strategies outlined in behavior intervention plans (BIPs), use Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to help teach and reinforce desired behaviors, and effectively de-escalate tense situations.
- May be assigned to multiple students requiring extra support throughout the day; may also share students with other TAs across the day.
- May provide mild to moderate level of support to students involving academic and/or mild/moderate behavioral support. May also provide toileting support.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to modify assignments and assessments, as needed, to accommodate individual student requirements.
- Assist in the preparation and organization of classroom materials, resources, and activities.
- Provide assistance with daily tasks, such as personal care, mobility, and transitioning between activities.
- Participate in meetings with teachers and other professionals to discuss student progress, goals, and strategies.
- Maintain accurate records of student performance, behavior, and achievements, and contribute to progress reporting. Data collection will be supervised by case manager and/or CMP BCBA.
- Contribute to the creation of a safe and nurturing learning environment that promotes emotional well-being and academic growth.
- Attend relevant professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and stay up-to-date with best practices in special education.
- Model appropriate social interactions with students and peers.
- Coordinate with teachers for homework club, tutoring, student educational needs and extracurricular activities.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Competency
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with students, teachers, and other professionals.
- Empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of students with diverse abilities.
- Ability to follow and implement instructions from teachers and specialists accurately.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines in working with sensitive information.
Work Environment
- Classroom Environment: This role often works in classrooms where conditions can vary. This may include exposure to noise, varying levels of student engagement, and the need to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Emotional Demands: Working with students who have special needs can be emotionally demanding but also incredibly rewarding. Special Education Teaching Assistants must remain patient, compassionate, and composed, even in challenging situations.
- Collaboration: Regular interaction and collaboration with teachers, therapists, and other professionals to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPS) to support students effectively.
- Professional Development: Ongoing learning and development to stay updated with best practices in special education, behavior management techniques, and educational technology.
Physical Demands
The role of an Instructional Assistant II involves various physical demands due to the nature of working with students. These demands may include:
- Mobility: Moving around the classroom, assisting students with mobility challenges, and transitioning between activities.
- Lifting: Occasionally lifting and assisting students with physical disabilities, as well as lifting and arranging classroom materials.
- Sitting and Standing: Engaging with students, teachers, and activities while both sitting and standing for extended periods.
- Physical Assistance: Providing support with personal care tasks, which might involve assisting with feeding, toileting, and other activities of daily living.
- Adapting to Student Needs: Quickly responding to unexpected situations, such as helping a student who is experiencing a behavioral challenge.
Safety Measures
- Safety Protocols: Following established safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all students.
- Proper Techniques: Utilizing appropriate techniques for assisting students with physical disabilities or behavioral challenges to prevent injury to both students and staff.
- Health Considerations: Adhering to health and hygiene standards and being mindful of any allergies or medical conditions that students may have.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: This position is part time from 2-6pm.
Travel: Minimal or none
Required Education and Experience
- Associates Degree, 48 college educational units, or the ability to pass a paraprofessional exam
Preferred Education and Experience
- TK/Kinder experience or related field
- Montessori experience
Affirmative Action Plan/Equal Employment Opportunity AAP/EEO Statement: It is the policy of California Montessori Project to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy relates to all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, reduction of workforce and termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all facilities, and participation in all company-sponsored employee activities.
Other Duties Disclaimer: Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Placement for this position will be on the IA II (SpED/TK) Column.
Creditable Service for Instructional Assistant
Instructional Assistant Salary Scale allows for:
- 1 step for every year of full time, full year, equivalent experience, max of 8 years
Montessori Credits:
- Montessori applies only to fully completed certificate programs from accredited Montessori training centers.
Steps
IA I
IA I w/ Montessori
Credential
IA II
(Sped/TK)
IA III
(Sped)
1
$19.50
$20.50
$21.50
$23.50
2
$19.75
$20.75
$21.75
$23.75
3
$20.00
$21.00
$22.00
$24.00
4
$20.25
$21.25
$22.25
$24.25
5
$20.50
$21.50
$22.50
$24.50
6
$20.75
$21.75
$22.75
$24.75
7
$21.00
$22.00
$23.00
$25.00
8
$21.25
$22.25
$23.25
$25.25
9
$21.50
$22.50
$23.50
$25.50
10
$21.75
$22.75
$23.75
$25.75
11
$22.00
$23.00
$24.00
$26.00
12
$22.25
$23.25
$24.25
$26.25
13
$22.50
$23.50
$24.50
$26.50
14
$22.75
$23.75
$24.75
$26.75
15
$23.00
$24.00
$25.00
$27.00
16
$23.25
$24.25
$25.25
$27.25
17
$23.50
$24.50
$25.50
$27.50
18
$23.75
$24.75
$25.75
$27.75
19
$24.00
$25.00
$26.00
$28.00
20
$24.25
$25.25
$26.25
$28.25
21
$24.50
$25.50
$26.50
$28.50
22
$24.75
$25.75
$26.75
$28.75
23
$25.00
$26.00
$27.00
$29.00
24
$25.25
$26.25
$27.25
$29.25
25
$25.50
$26.50
$27.50
$29.50
26
$25.75
$26.75
$27.75
$29.75
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Instructional Assistant
Target education-focused employers familiar with OPT
School districts, community colleges, and educational nonprofits hire international candidates more regularly than private tutoring centers. These organizations often have HR teams experienced with I-20 verification and EAD cards, making the authorization process smoother.
Clarify your OPT authorization timeline upfront
Instructional Assistant roles often start at the beginning of a semester. Contact hiring managers early to confirm your EAD card arrival date and OPT start date align with the position's scheduled start, avoiding last-minute complications.
Highlight your degree field's relevance to the role
Employers need to verify your OPT is authorized for the position. Prepare a clear explanation of how your degree in education, psychology, or a related field directly connects to the instructional work you will be performing.
Ask about STEM OPT extension eligibility early
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field, confirm whether the employer qualifies as an E-Verify participant. Securing that confirmation before accepting an offer protects your ability to extend OPT from 12 to 36 months.
Prepare documentation employers commonly request
Keep your EAD card, valid I-20, passport, and university enrollment verification accessible. School districts often require these during onboarding. Having organized copies ready speeds up HR processing and demonstrates professionalism to hiring staff.
Apply to positions that begin during your authorized OPT window
Instructional roles tied to academic calendars create timing risks if a semester start falls outside your OPT authorization period. Map your authorized dates against the school calendar before applying to avoid losing a conditional offer.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Instructional Assistant on F-1 OPT?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. An Instructional Assistant position typically qualifies for OPT if your degree is in education, psychology, child development, or a closely related field. You must have your EAD card in hand before your first day of work.
Do Instructional Assistant jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Some do, depending on your degree. If your undergraduate or graduate degree is in a STEM-designated field such as educational technology or cognitive science, and the employer participates in E-Verify, the role may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO and verify the employer's E-Verify status before accepting the offer.
How do I find Instructional Assistant jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Instructional Assistant positions from employers open to hiring F-1 OPT students. Browsing by role on Migrate Mate helps you identify opportunities where OPT authorization is already understood, saving time compared to filtering through postings that require permanent work authorization.
What happens to my OPT status if my Instructional Assistant contract ends at the end of a school year?
Your OPT authorization continues for the remainder of your authorized period, but unemployment accumulation rules apply. F-1 OPT students may not exceed 90 days of unemployment on standard OPT. If your contract ends in June, you have time to secure a new position before hitting that limit, but you should start searching immediately.
Can I work as an Instructional Assistant at multiple schools on OPT?
Yes. OPT allows you to work for multiple employers simultaneously, as long as each position is related to your degree field and each employer is aware you are on OPT. Both positions should be documented. If you are on STEM OPT extension, each employer must separately meet E-Verify requirements and be listed in your formal training plan.
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