Special Education Teacher Jobs for OPT Students
Special Education Teacher roles on OPT require active SEVP-maintained employment in a field directly related to your degree in special education, exceptional student education, or a closely related discipline. Most positions are in public K-12 schools, which can sponsor H-1B or offer STEM OPT extensions if your program qualifies.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
AHRC New York City is a family governed organization that envisions a socially just world where the power of difference is embraced. We advocate for people who are neurodiverse to lead full and equitable lives. Generosity guides us as we honor our legacy and continuously grow through a culture where curiosity, creativity, and optimism are valued and celebrated.
Job Description
Currently seeking Special Education Preschool Teacher Assistant for Francis of Paola ELC in Williamsburg.
Address: 201 Conselyea Street Brooklyn, NY 11211
Benefits of working for AHRC NYC:
- Paid time off
- Health, Dental and Vision insurance
- 403b Retirement Plan with employer match
- Tuition Assistance
- Qualified Employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Life Insurance
- Parental Leave
- Commuter Benefits
- Health Savings Account
- Referral Program
- Professional Development
- & more
Role Description:
- Full Time | Monday-Friday
- Hours: 8:30 A.M-3:00 P.M
- 10 month program with a 30 day session
- Responsibilities include: Assist the teacher in daily activities in a preschool Special Education classroom.
- Participate in the implementation of daily schedule/lesson plan for each student with activities aligned to NYS Prekindergarten Foundation for the Common Core Standards or NYS Common Core Standards, informed by authentic assessment data, which advance school readiness goals and reflect the objectives contained in IEP.
- Demonstrate appropriate teaching techniques, including prompting, pacing and utilization of reinforcement strategies, understanding potential behavioral problems that may arise.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $33,260.00 - $34,369.00 per year
Qualifications
Position Requirements:
NYS Teaching Assistant Certification Levels I-III
Education: HS/AA or 60 credits | BA or MA.
Salaries commensurate upon education attainments.
Providing supervisory and monetary support towards your RBT Certification.
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Company Description
AHRC New York City is a family governed organization that envisions a socially just world where the power of difference is embraced. We advocate for people who are neurodiverse to lead full and equitable lives. Generosity guides us as we honor our legacy and continuously grow through a culture where curiosity, creativity, and optimism are valued and celebrated.
Job Description
Currently seeking Special Education Preschool Teacher Assistant for Francis of Paola ELC in Williamsburg.
Address: 201 Conselyea Street Brooklyn, NY 11211
Benefits of working for AHRC NYC:
- Paid time off
- Health, Dental and Vision insurance
- 403b Retirement Plan with employer match
- Tuition Assistance
- Qualified Employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Life Insurance
- Parental Leave
- Commuter Benefits
- Health Savings Account
- Referral Program
- Professional Development
- & more
Role Description:
- Full Time | Monday-Friday
- Hours: 8:30 A.M-3:00 P.M
- 10 month program with a 30 day session
- Responsibilities include: Assist the teacher in daily activities in a preschool Special Education classroom.
- Participate in the implementation of daily schedule/lesson plan for each student with activities aligned to NYS Prekindergarten Foundation for the Common Core Standards or NYS Common Core Standards, informed by authentic assessment data, which advance school readiness goals and reflect the objectives contained in IEP.
- Demonstrate appropriate teaching techniques, including prompting, pacing and utilization of reinforcement strategies, understanding potential behavioral problems that may arise.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $33,260.00 - $34,369.00 per year
Qualifications
Position Requirements:
NYS Teaching Assistant Certification Levels I-III
Education: HS/AA or 60 credits | BA or MA.
Salaries commensurate upon education attainments.
Providing supervisory and monetary support towards your RBT Certification.
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Special Education Teacher
Target school districts with established visa sponsorship history
Large urban and suburban school districts hire international teachers more regularly and have HR infrastructure to handle OPT and H-1B paperwork. Smaller rural districts often lack the legal resources to sponsor, so focus your search accordingly.
Verify your degree qualifies as directly related
SEVP requires OPT employment to be directly related to your major. A degree in special education, applied behavior analysis, or exceptional student education clearly qualifies. A general education degree may require documentation showing the connection to your specific role.
Obtain state licensure before your OPT start date
Most states require a valid teaching license before you can be hired as a special education teacher. Start your licensure application early since background checks and processing can take six to twelve weeks, sometimes longer.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage, not after
School districts that sponsor visas know it upfront. Raise the question before accepting an offer so both parties understand the timeline. Waiting until your OPT expires creates unnecessary urgency and reduces your leverage in the conversation.
Document all hours carefully to protect your OPT status
Special education teachers sometimes work across multiple schools or part-time contracts. SEVP requires at least 20 hours per week to count as valid OPT employment. Keep records of your schedule and any contract changes to avoid status violations.
Explore cap-exempt employer pathways for H-1B transition
Nonprofit educational institutions affiliated with universities may qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers, letting you bypass the lottery entirely. If a university-affiliated school or research institution has a special education program, that could be a strategic placement.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Special Education Teacher on OPT?
Yes, as long as your OPT is authorized and your employment is directly related to your degree in special education or a closely related field. Public school districts, private schools, and nonprofit educational organizations all qualify as valid OPT employers. You must work at least 20 hours per week to maintain valid OPT employment status.
Do Special Education Teacher jobs typically offer H-1B sponsorship?
Some do, but it varies significantly by district. Large urban school districts with dedicated HR departments and a history of hiring international educators are the most likely to sponsor. Smaller or rural districts often do not have the administrative capacity. Migrate Mate filters for sponsoring employers so you can focus your applications on districts already willing to sponsor.
Does a special education degree qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Most standard special education degrees do not appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. However, degrees in applied behavior analysis, educational technology, or certain data-driven special education programs may qualify depending on how your program is classified by your institution. Check with your DSO to confirm your specific CIP code before assuming eligibility.
What happens if I need a teaching license but my OPT has already started?
You can be hired and paid while completing licensure requirements in most states, provided your employer documents the in-progress credential. However, some states prohibit a teacher of record from working without a valid license. Confirm your state's rules with your district's HR team before your start date to avoid any employment interruption that could affect your OPT status.
Can I work for multiple schools or on a contract basis during OPT?
Yes. Multiple concurrent employers are permitted under OPT as long as each position is directly related to your degree and your combined hours total at least 20 per week. Each employer must be reported to your DSO. Self-employment or independent contracting is generally not permitted under standard OPT work authorization for teaching roles.
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