OPT Middle School Special Education Teacher Jobs
Middle School Special Education Teacher roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in special education or a related field. Most positions qualify under STEM OPT if your degree is classified under CIP codes tied to education sciences, giving you up to 36 months of authorized work.
Find OPT Middle School Special Education Teacher JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 7+ Middle School Special Education Teacher jobs
See all Middle School Special Education Teacher Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Middle School Special Education Teacher roles.
Get Access To All JobsOrganization Overview
Excel Academy is a network of 5 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latinx or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college.
At Excel, we believe that every student—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—deserves access to a free, high quality holistic education. During their middle school journey with us, students grow at a pace faster than most peers in their state. This is possible through a combination of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support. At our nationally ranked high school, students achieve at the highest level and are poised for success in their chosen college or career path.
About our Team
Everyday, our team members choose to be positive, drive their own growth, uplift one another, and hold the highest possible beliefs for what students can achieve.
About the Role
Excel teachers are responsible for delivering effective, high-quality, rigorous college-preparatory instruction designed to foster the success of their students. Teachers who thrive at Excel tend to be entrepreneurial instructors and hungry learners who crave frequent high-quality feedback on their practice. Out of the classroom and with the support of school administrators, the Middle School Special Education Teacher will manage administrative/regulatory aspects of the Special Education Program.
Duties and Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Instructional Responsibilities
- Teach daily instructional support lessons to students on caseload, utilizing time outside of core-academic classes;
- Serve as an inclusion teacher as needed to more effectively support the learning abilities of students with high needs;
- Work closely with general education teachers to differentiate curriculum, help create effective accommodations, and modify curriculum when appropriate; and
- Ensure that all work with students with special needs is aligned with the school’s academic goals for student achievement.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Write all IEPs of new Special Education students & revise/update existing IEPs;
- Coordinate outsourced Special Education testing and manage Special Education Consultants (i.e. Speech and Language Therapist; Occupational Therapist, etc.);
- Ensure that implementation of Special Education services is in compliance with federal and state special education regulations;
- Manage all paperwork (e.g. IEPs, 504s, Child Study Records of Accommodations, Teacher Input Questionnaires, IEP Progress Reports, subject-area checklists for MCAS, etc.) associated with Special Education cases, ensuring deadlines are met and information is accurately recorded;
- Maintain regular communication with students’ parents/guardians and families; and
- Create all CPR/CAP documents to ensure DOE compliance.
Team Member Responsibilities
- Enforce school-wide systems and procedures to effectively manage the classroom;
- Continually communicate with students and families regarding academic and behavior performance and progress;
- Serve as a homeroom teacher and student advisor; and
- Serve as a productive member of the Excel Community.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred;
- A commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
- A commitment to addressing racial and economic inequity in education;
- The ability to focus and thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment;
- The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; and
- An openness to change, a willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in receiving feedback for continuous improvement.
Preference will be given to applicants who also:
- Have experience in a public or charter school setting
- Speak Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic fluently
- Can speak to the importance of rigorous classroom instruction and culture
- Can speak to the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Organization Overview
Excel Academy is a network of 5 schools in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that prepares students in grades 5-12 to succeed in high school and college and engage productively in their communities. The majority of our 1,700 students identify as Latinx or Hispanic and will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Families choose Excel because our students consistently outperform their peers in growth and achievement and are 5x more likely to graduate from college.
At Excel, we believe that every student—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—deserves access to a free, high quality holistic education. During their middle school journey with us, students grow at a pace faster than most peers in their state. This is possible through a combination of high expectations, rigorous instruction, and individualized support. At our nationally ranked high school, students achieve at the highest level and are poised for success in their chosen college or career path.
About our Team
Everyday, our team members choose to be positive, drive their own growth, uplift one another, and hold the highest possible beliefs for what students can achieve.
About the Role
Excel teachers are responsible for delivering effective, high-quality, rigorous college-preparatory instruction designed to foster the success of their students. Teachers who thrive at Excel tend to be entrepreneurial instructors and hungry learners who crave frequent high-quality feedback on their practice. Out of the classroom and with the support of school administrators, the Middle School Special Education Teacher will manage administrative/regulatory aspects of the Special Education Program.
Duties and Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Instructional Responsibilities
- Teach daily instructional support lessons to students on caseload, utilizing time outside of core-academic classes;
- Serve as an inclusion teacher as needed to more effectively support the learning abilities of students with high needs;
- Work closely with general education teachers to differentiate curriculum, help create effective accommodations, and modify curriculum when appropriate; and
- Ensure that all work with students with special needs is aligned with the school’s academic goals for student achievement.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Write all IEPs of new Special Education students & revise/update existing IEPs;
- Coordinate outsourced Special Education testing and manage Special Education Consultants (i.e. Speech and Language Therapist; Occupational Therapist, etc.);
- Ensure that implementation of Special Education services is in compliance with federal and state special education regulations;
- Manage all paperwork (e.g. IEPs, 504s, Child Study Records of Accommodations, Teacher Input Questionnaires, IEP Progress Reports, subject-area checklists for MCAS, etc.) associated with Special Education cases, ensuring deadlines are met and information is accurately recorded;
- Maintain regular communication with students’ parents/guardians and families; and
- Create all CPR/CAP documents to ensure DOE compliance.
Team Member Responsibilities
- Enforce school-wide systems and procedures to effectively manage the classroom;
- Continually communicate with students and families regarding academic and behavior performance and progress;
- Serve as a homeroom teacher and student advisor; and
- Serve as a productive member of the Excel Community.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred;
- A commitment to and belief in all students and the mission of Excel Academy Charter Schools, including Excel’s values and educational model;
- A commitment to addressing racial and economic inequity in education;
- The ability to focus and thrive in a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment;
- The ability to work effectively in a team environment and the willingness and desire to support others in doing their best work; and
- An openness to change, a willingness to problem-solve, and an interest in receiving feedback for continuous improvement.
Preference will be given to applicants who also:
- Have experience in a public or charter school setting
- Speak Spanish, Portuguese or Arabic fluently
- Can speak to the importance of rigorous classroom instruction and culture
- Can speak to the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion
See all OPT Middle School Special Education Teacher Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Middle School Special Education Teacher Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Middle School Special Education Teacher
Confirm your CIP code for STEM OPT eligibility
Special education degrees sometimes qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension under education sciences CIP codes. Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying, since eligibility determines whether you have 12 or 36 months.
Lead with your state teaching license status
Most districts require a valid state special education license. If you're still completing certification requirements, be transparent upfront. Many districts will hire provisionally while you finish, which avoids wasted interviews on both sides.
Highlight IEP and compliance experience specifically
Hiring principals care most about whether you can manage IEP documentation and IDEA compliance. Frame your coursework, student teaching, or prior experience around these specifics rather than general classroom skills.
Apply before spring hiring season closes
Most districts post special education openings between February and May for the following school year. Applying early matters because OPT authorization takes time to process, and districts need to verify your work authorization before a start date.
Clarify your OPT end date and cap-gap eligibility
If your OPT ends mid-school year, address it directly with HR. Districts that sponsor H-1B petitions can sometimes use cap-gap protection to bridge the gap, but only if the petition is filed before your OPT expires.
Middle School Special Education Teacher OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Middle School Special Education Teachers?
Yes, F-1 OPT students with degrees in special education or a closely related field can work as Middle School Special Education Teachers. The role must be directly related to your degree program. You'll also need a valid state teaching license, which most districts require before you can work in a special education classroom independently.
Do Middle School Special Education Teacher jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Some do, depending on your degree's CIP code. Special education degrees classified under education sciences, such as CIP 13.1001, may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months total. Confirm your CIP code with your Designated School Official before counting on the extension, since not every special education degree is STEM-designated.
How do I find Middle School Special Education Teacher jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job searches, so you can filter for special education roles without sorting through postings that exclude international candidates. School districts don't always advertise OPT openness in job listings, so using a platform designed for work-authorized candidates saves significant time in your search.
Will school districts sponsor an H-1B visa after my OPT ends?
Some districts do, particularly larger urban districts with dedicated HR teams and a history of hiring international educators. Special education is a high-demand field with persistent shortages, which improves your leverage. Smaller or rural districts are less likely to have a sponsorship process in place. It's worth asking directly during interviews rather than assuming either way.
What happens if my OPT expires during the school year?
If your employer has filed an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT expires, you may be protected by cap-gap, which extends your work authorization automatically while USCIS processes the petition. Without a pending petition, you cannot legally continue working after your OPT end date. Plan your application timeline carefully so your employer has enough lead time to file before the academic year starts.