OPT K 12 Education Jobs
K-12 education jobs are among the more OPT-friendly roles in the U.S. for F-1 students with degrees in education, STEM, or special education. Many school districts and charter networks actively hire on OPT, and STEM OPT extension eligibility is common for science and math teaching roles.
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Overview
Colliers Project Leaders is seeking dynamic and driven individuals to join our team in Madison, CT. Colliers Project Leaders has a continually growing portfolio of large scale capital projects serving both public and private clients in multiple sectors in the Connecticut market. We seek highly qualified individuals with an architecture, engineering, or construction background to join our existing team of talented project managers. Our ideal candidates have the desire to lead successful projects and help our amazing clients improve their built environment. They also have the desire to be the leader of the team and the responsibilities that accompany this role. If you’re looking to join a great team and take on the daily challenges and rewards that come with the complex task of managing large scale projects, then we want you. We offer you a dynamic work environment with endless growth and opportunities, then contact us! Come Grow With Us!
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage one or more concurrent construction projects from start to finish - on time and on budget.
- Build strong, trusting client relationships and bring the right people together to come up with innovative ideas and solutions.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the project management process and roles of each team member, including the architects, engineers, and other consultants, and manage all these dynamics.
- Manage the process and ensure the clients’ goals and objectives are being addressed and met within the financial and schedule parameters for multiple stakeholders. Identify, assess, and mitigate issues related to scheduling, logistics, sequencing, cost, quality, and progress as well as negotiating claims and change orders.
- Review and evaluate project related materials such as project descriptions, drawings and specifications, budgets, schedules, contracts, and proposals for services prepared by others, as well as review construction documents on a regular basis for conformance to project goals, value engineering and constructability.
- Develop project related documents such as monthly reports, budgets, schedules, presentations, minutes, insurance tracking logs, etc. and review documents prepared by internal team members for accuracy and reporting purposes.
- Oversee and manage staff with respect to deliverables, performance, and project commitments.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree preferably in architecture, construction management, or related field.
- 5-10 years of experience with an architectural or engineering bachelor degree highly preferred, but we will also entertain candidates with construction management degrees (or similar).
- Prior experience with K-12 schools and/or Higher Education in CT preferred.
- Knowledge of permitting and zoning laws.
- Strong knowledge of various construction methodologies, project management models and financial management, as well as building codes, contract law and relevant legislation.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the client relations, design, construction, and FF&E process.
- Demonstrated ability to manage various tasks, schedules, and deliverables.
- Enthusiasm to promote and drive implementation of projects.
- Professionally recognized designations are considered a strong asset.
- Ability to read, write and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.
What We Offer
At Colliers Engineering & Design, our people are our most important resource. That’s why we are committed to providing all our employees with a safe, comfortable work environment, potential for career advancement, and the ability to impact society through their projects as well as Company sponsored activities. This dedication begins with supporting a work life balance through a generous compensation package that includes: company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid pregnancy disability leave; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; a company-matched 401(k)/Roth; paid time off that includes parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses. We have also created an internal culture that provides the resources and technology needed to encourage personal and professional growth opportunities through reimbursement for education; a free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses; mentorship program; wellness program; Women’s Organization and ongoing philanthropic opportunities. Apply today to learn how you can join our team of professionals, so we can help you Accelerate Your Success!
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in K 12 Education
Confirm your degree qualifies the role
K-12 teaching positions require your degree field to align with the subject you'll teach. A degree in biology supports a science teaching role. Mismatches between your major and assigned subject can complicate OPT authorization and employer verification.
Identify STEM OPT-eligible positions early
Math, science, computer science, and special education technology roles at accredited schools often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm the employer has an active E-Verify enrollment before accepting any offer to remain eligible.
Understand state teaching certification requirements
Most states require a teaching license or certification before you can lead a classroom. Many districts offer provisional or emergency certificates while you complete requirements, which can protect your OPT authorization during the credentialing process.
Clarify your role type with HR upfront
Instructional aides, tutors, and paraprofessionals are separate from licensed teacher positions. Clarify your exact role title and responsibilities with HR before starting, since OPT requires your job to match your degree-level field of study.
Target charter networks and private schools
Charter schools and private institutions often have more hiring flexibility than traditional public districts and frequently hire international candidates on OPT. Many operate under unified HR systems that are already familiar with work authorization documentation.
Report your employment to your DSO promptly
Once you accept a K-12 offer, report your employer, start date, and job title to your Designated School Official immediately. Delays in updating SEVP can create compliance gaps that jeopardize your OPT authorization and future H-1B visa or visa options.
K 12 Education OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a K-12 teacher on OPT?
Yes, as long as your teaching role is directly related to your degree field. A graduate in mathematics teaching a high school math course is a clear match. Roles that fall outside your degree field, such as a biology graduate assigned to history classes, may not satisfy OPT's degree-relatedness requirement and could create compliance issues with SEVP.
Do K-12 education jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Some do. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as mathematics, computer science, biology, or special education technology, and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. You must apply before your initial 12-month OPT period expires, and your role must demonstrably use STEM skills from your degree program.
Will school districts sponsor my H-1B visa after OPT?
Some do, but it varies significantly by district size, budget, and HR capacity. Large urban districts and charter management organizations are more likely to have established immigration sponsorship processes than smaller rural districts. Since school fiscal years differ from the H-1B cap timeline, it is worth discussing sponsorship intent early in the hiring process, before your OPT period runs short.
Where can I find K-12 education jobs that hire OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the recommended platform for F-1 OPT students searching for K-12 education roles with employers open to work authorization. Rather than filtering through general job boards, Migrate Mate focuses specifically on OPT-friendly employers, saving you from applying to positions that will reject international candidates at the screening stage.
Does substitute teaching count as valid OPT employment?
It can, but with important caveats. Substitute teaching must still relate to your degree field, and the cumulative hours matter. OPT requires you to work at least 20 hours per week to maintain valid status. Sporadic substitute assignments that average fewer than 20 hours per week may put your OPT authorization at risk, so track your hours carefully and consult your DSO if your schedule is inconsistent.