OPT Instructional Assistant Jobs
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 JobsINTRODUCTION
The Department of Biology at St. Mary’s College of Maryland is accepting applications for the position of Lab Facilities Coordinator and Instructional Support Specialist. The salary range for this position is $55,000 to $60,000, depending on qualifications and experience. The anticipated start date is November 1, 2026.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibilities and duties of the Biology Facilities Coordinator and Instructional Support Specialist will be multifaceted and include:
- Coordinating instruction and design for the Principles of Biology first-year laboratory courses
- Acting as the coordinator for the Biology Teaching Assistants
- Managing Biology outreach, events, and facilities
This position reports to the Biology department chair.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology or a related field. Candidates with Master's degrees are preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in working with laboratory safety, with technical expertise in scientific equipment. Candidates are expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills, and proven attention to detail and organizational ability.
Any combination of acceptable education and experience, which has provided the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill the requirements of this position, may be considered.
OTHER
Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland embodies diversity and inclusion in its mission. We create an environment that recognizes the value of individual and group differences and we encourage inquiries from applicants who will contribute to our cultural and ethnic diversity. Application materials should include a cover letter, resume and three professional references. References will be contacted only for candidates who advance to finalist interviews.
Applications are being accepted online at https://apply.interfolio.com/194035. Questions may be directed to Emily Brownlee at efbrownlee@smcm.edu.
Review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until October 15, 2026. The anticipated start date for this position is November 1, 2026.
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Biology at St. Mary’s College of Maryland is accepting applications for the position of Lab Facilities Coordinator and Instructional Support Specialist. The salary range for this position is $55,000 to $60,000, depending on qualifications and experience. The anticipated start date is November 1, 2026.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The responsibilities and duties of the Biology Facilities Coordinator and Instructional Support Specialist will be multifaceted and include:
- Coordinating instruction and design for the Principles of Biology first-year laboratory courses
- Acting as the coordinator for the Biology Teaching Assistants
- Managing Biology outreach, events, and facilities
This position reports to the Biology department chair.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology or a related field. Candidates with Master's degrees are preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in working with laboratory safety, with technical expertise in scientific equipment. Candidates are expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills, and proven attention to detail and organizational ability.
Any combination of acceptable education and experience, which has provided the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill the requirements of this position, may be considered.
OTHER
Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland embodies diversity and inclusion in its mission. We create an environment that recognizes the value of individual and group differences and we encourage inquiries from applicants who will contribute to our cultural and ethnic diversity. Application materials should include a cover letter, resume and three professional references. References will be contacted only for candidates who advance to finalist interviews.
Applications are being accepted online at https://apply.interfolio.com/194035. Questions may be directed to Emily Brownlee at efbrownlee@smcm.edu.
Review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until October 15, 2026. The anticipated start date for this position is November 1, 2026.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
Instructional Assistant OPT: Frequently 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.