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 JobsThis position will be avaliable for the 2026-2027 School Year
Position Title: Special Education Instructional Assistant
Pay Grade: 6
Period of Employment: 9.5 months
Description Approved/ Revised: 06/2024
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Supervised by and/or Reports to: Classroom Teacher, Department Supervisor, Building Administrators
General Responsibilities: Assists student(s) who requires modifications and accommodations to gain access to a free and appropriate public education as directed by the classroom instructor.
Essential Duties:
(This list is intended solely as an illustration of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude their addition if they are similar to or a logical extension of the position.)
- Assists with the supervision of the student(s) both inside the classroom and outside of the classroom.
- Provides care and supervision of the student(s) at all times.
- Escorts the student(s) when required.
- Locates and prepares materials for daily class work.
- Supports the teacher with classroom clerical tasks.
- Provides instruction to the student(s) under the supervision and direction of the classroom teacher.
- Observes and manages student(s) behavior, collaborates with the teacher on behavior plans and their implementation.
- Guides student(s) integrated into general education classes and assists general education teachers.
- Performs bus duty by assisting student(s) on and off the bus.
- Carries out personal care duties for the student(s) as necessary.
- Maintains trainings and certifications such as CPR, Safety Care, and any specific training related to the specific needs of the student(s).
- Executes duties related to specialized diets (grinding, pureeing, feeding).
- Lifts, positions, and places student(s) in specialized adaptive equipment as trained by the physical therapist or occupational therapist.
- Uses the tenants of “Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports” (PBIS) to ensure students are safe, respectful, and responsible.
- Educates self and implements any medical action plans established for student safety with appropriate training from the school nurse.
- Maintains trainings and certifications such as CPR and Safety Care, and any additional training related to the specific needs of a student.
- Delivers emergency treatments as needed.
- Utilizes universal precautions when body fluids are present.
- Works cooperatively with substitute teachers in providing instruction and assistance with students.
- Assists or supervises school-sponsored activities during the school day.
- Launders soiled clothing when necessary.
- Aids student during seizures or other medical incidents.
- Moves with the assigned student from building to building, as the student matriculates through the school system.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requisite Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of working with all students – especially those with special needs.
- Broad knowledge of the practices, methods, and techniques used in classroom teaching and management.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to follow directions given by classroom teacher.
- Exercises patience with students and staff.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to monitor for student safety.
- Ability to interact with students, staff, and parents.
- Ability to work independently with students towards IEP goals under the guidance of the teacher.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to lift and assist students as needed.
- Serve as role model.
Requisite Education and Experience:
- Must possess a minimum of 60 college credit hours; or an Associate’s Degree or higher; or have successfully passed the Para Pro Assessment.
- Experience in an educational setting and/or prior teaching/instructional experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to: a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, or repetitive motions required.
Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) does not discriminate in employment nor in the provision of educational programs, services and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.
This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. It is neither intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. The administration reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as necessary.
This position will be avaliable for the 2026-2027 School Year
Position Title: Special Education Instructional Assistant
Pay Grade: 6
Period of Employment: 9.5 months
Description Approved/ Revised: 06/2024
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Supervised by and/or Reports to: Classroom Teacher, Department Supervisor, Building Administrators
General Responsibilities: Assists student(s) who requires modifications and accommodations to gain access to a free and appropriate public education as directed by the classroom instructor.
Essential Duties:
(This list is intended solely as an illustration of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude their addition if they are similar to or a logical extension of the position.)
- Assists with the supervision of the student(s) both inside the classroom and outside of the classroom.
- Provides care and supervision of the student(s) at all times.
- Escorts the student(s) when required.
- Locates and prepares materials for daily class work.
- Supports the teacher with classroom clerical tasks.
- Provides instruction to the student(s) under the supervision and direction of the classroom teacher.
- Observes and manages student(s) behavior, collaborates with the teacher on behavior plans and their implementation.
- Guides student(s) integrated into general education classes and assists general education teachers.
- Performs bus duty by assisting student(s) on and off the bus.
- Carries out personal care duties for the student(s) as necessary.
- Maintains trainings and certifications such as CPR, Safety Care, and any specific training related to the specific needs of the student(s).
- Executes duties related to specialized diets (grinding, pureeing, feeding).
- Lifts, positions, and places student(s) in specialized adaptive equipment as trained by the physical therapist or occupational therapist.
- Uses the tenants of “Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports” (PBIS) to ensure students are safe, respectful, and responsible.
- Educates self and implements any medical action plans established for student safety with appropriate training from the school nurse.
- Maintains trainings and certifications such as CPR and Safety Care, and any additional training related to the specific needs of a student.
- Delivers emergency treatments as needed.
- Utilizes universal precautions when body fluids are present.
- Works cooperatively with substitute teachers in providing instruction and assistance with students.
- Assists or supervises school-sponsored activities during the school day.
- Launders soiled clothing when necessary.
- Aids student during seizures or other medical incidents.
- Moves with the assigned student from building to building, as the student matriculates through the school system.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requisite Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of working with all students – especially those with special needs.
- Broad knowledge of the practices, methods, and techniques used in classroom teaching and management.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to follow directions given by classroom teacher.
- Exercises patience with students and staff.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to monitor for student safety.
- Ability to interact with students, staff, and parents.
- Ability to work independently with students towards IEP goals under the guidance of the teacher.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to lift and assist students as needed.
- Serve as role model.
Requisite Education and Experience:
- Must possess a minimum of 60 college credit hours; or an Associate’s Degree or higher; or have successfully passed the Para Pro Assessment.
- Experience in an educational setting and/or prior teaching/instructional experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to: a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, or repetitive motions required.
Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) does not discriminate in employment nor in the provision of educational programs, services and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.
This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. It is neither intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. The administration reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as necessary.
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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.