Special Education Paraprofessional Jobs for OPT Students
Special Education Paraprofessional jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with degrees in special education, psychology, or a related field. Most positions are in public school districts, which qualify as government employers and routinely hire OPT workers. STEM OPT extension does not apply to this role.
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Get Access To All JobsWATERTOWN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL - LIMITED TERM POSITION
LOCATION: Schurz Elementary School
START DATE: March 2026
HOURS: 8:15 am - 2:30 pm with a 30 minute unpaid lunch
SALARY RATE: $19.36 per hour (F-1 – new salary schedule)
JOB DESCRIPTION: We currently have an opening at Schurz Elementary School for a special education paraprofessional to support special education students in the regular education setting.
Paras work under the direct supervision of a special education teacher. The job duties of special education paraprofessionals vary depending on the disabilities and needs of the students. This position involves supporting students in a variety of ways: helping students remain on-task, assisting in completing school assignments, supporting social activities, fostering positive student interactions and behaviors, grooming, and other supervisory duties.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Experience and/or desire to work with students with disabilities and/or behavioral challenges
- Ability to work with individuals and small groups of students
- Ability to interact and work with students, staff, and community members in a positive manner
- Possess basic computer skills and/or ability to learn
- A passion for working with elementary school aged students
- A positive attitude that will contribute to a welcoming atmosphere
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent attendance history in previous employment
- Upon hire, employee will be required to participate in the Paraprofessional Training Program
Experience working with individuals having autism, mental health and/or developmental disabilities is a plus.
CERTIFICATION: Applicants must be willing to apply for Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Special Education Program Aide license (883) upon hiring with the assistance from Human Resources.
Apply electronically on Wisconsin Education Career Access Network (WECAN)
The Watertown Unified School District does not discriminate in its education program, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, marital status, or disability status.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $19.36 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Work Location: In person
WATERTOWN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL - LIMITED TERM POSITION
LOCATION: Schurz Elementary School
START DATE: March 2026
HOURS: 8:15 am - 2:30 pm with a 30 minute unpaid lunch
SALARY RATE: $19.36 per hour (F-1 – new salary schedule)
JOB DESCRIPTION: We currently have an opening at Schurz Elementary School for a special education paraprofessional to support special education students in the regular education setting.
Paras work under the direct supervision of a special education teacher. The job duties of special education paraprofessionals vary depending on the disabilities and needs of the students. This position involves supporting students in a variety of ways: helping students remain on-task, assisting in completing school assignments, supporting social activities, fostering positive student interactions and behaviors, grooming, and other supervisory duties.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Experience and/or desire to work with students with disabilities and/or behavioral challenges
- Ability to work with individuals and small groups of students
- Ability to interact and work with students, staff, and community members in a positive manner
- Possess basic computer skills and/or ability to learn
- A passion for working with elementary school aged students
- A positive attitude that will contribute to a welcoming atmosphere
- Strong communication skills
- Excellent attendance history in previous employment
- Upon hire, employee will be required to participate in the Paraprofessional Training Program
Experience working with individuals having autism, mental health and/or developmental disabilities is a plus.
CERTIFICATION: Applicants must be willing to apply for Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Special Education Program Aide license (883) upon hiring with the assistance from Human Resources.
Apply electronically on Wisconsin Education Career Access Network (WECAN)
The Watertown Unified School District does not discriminate in its education program, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, marital status, or disability status.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $19.36 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Work Location: In person
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Special Education Paraprofessional
Target public school districts over private schools
Public school districts are government employers and tend to have established HR processes for hiring OPT workers. Private and charter schools vary widely in their familiarity with work authorization, which can slow down or complicate the hiring process.
Clarify your OPT dates upfront in applications
Paraprofessional hiring cycles follow the academic calendar. If your OPT expires mid-school year, flag it early. Districts need time to plan, and some will only hire if your authorization covers at least one full semester or school year.
Align your degree field to the role description
OPT requires your job to be directly related to your degree. Special education, psychology, applied behavior analysis, and child development degrees all qualify. If your degree is adjacent, be prepared to explain the connection clearly in your cover letter.
Ask HR about their experience with EAD cards
Many school district HR departments are familiar with Social Security Numbers but less so with EAD-based work authorization. Bring a printed copy of your EAD and be ready to walk HR through I-9 completion, especially if it is your first paraprofessional role.
Factor in required certifications during your OPT window
Some districts require paraprofessional certification or a passing score on a state assessment before your start date. Check your target state's requirements early so credentialing timelines do not conflict with when your OPT work authorization begins.
Use Migrate Mate to find districts actively hiring OPT workers
Migrate Mate filters paraprofessional roles by OPT eligibility, saving you time you would otherwise spend screening job postings that exclude work visa holders. Browsing by location also helps you identify districts with a track record of sponsoring international candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Special Education Paraprofessional job qualify for F-1 OPT?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. Special education, psychology, applied behavior analysis, child development, and related fields all support eligibility. Your DSO must authorize OPT on your SEVIS record before you begin working, and your job duties should reflect your academic training to stay compliant with OPT requirements.
Can I work as a paraprofessional on OPT without a teaching license?
Yes. Most paraprofessional positions do not require a teaching license, though some states and districts require a paraprofessional certification or a passing score on a state assessment like the ParaPro. Check your target state's requirements before applying, since credentialing timelines can affect your start date and your available OPT work period.
Does this role qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?
No. Special Education Paraprofessional is not a STEM-designated occupation under the Department of Homeland Security's STEM OPT list. If your degree is not in a qualifying STEM field, your standard OPT period is 12 months. Students whose degrees are in qualifying STEM fields should verify that the specific role and employer meet E-Verify and job duty requirements for the extension.
How do I find Special Education Paraprofessional jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for OPT and visa-sponsored job seekers, so you can browse paraprofessional roles filtered by work authorization type. Public school districts are generally the most reliable employers for OPT workers in this field. Searching by district size and location on Migrate Mate helps you identify employers with established international hiring processes.
What happens to my OPT authorization if the school year ends and I am between contracts?
OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment in total across your authorization period. Gaps between school year contracts count against that limit. If you are not renewed for the following year, that gap accumulates. Plan your job search to minimize breaks between employment, and contact your DSO immediately if you expect a period without a qualifying position.
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