OPT Teaching Jobs
STEM graduates on OPT can qualify for teaching roles in K-12 and higher education when the position involves applying their technical degree in an instructional or research context. University and community college roles in STEM departments are particularly well-aligned, and some school districts actively recruit internationally trained STEM educators to address persistent subject-matter shortages. The STEM OPT extension is available for qualifying teaching roles at eligible E-Verify employers.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title:
Assistant Professor of Teaching
Department:
Arts and Sciences | Geography
Position Overview
The Department of Geography at The Ohio State University invites applications for an assistant professor of teaching position in support of our growing online and in-person Master’s in Geographic Information Science and Technology (MGIST). This is a five-year non-tenure track academic appointment with an expectation of renewal based on satisfactory performance. The position is subject to annual merit pay increases as well as promotion to associate professor of teaching and professor of teaching. The university provides a clear pathway for professional advancement for its teaching faculty and their home departments through its non-tenure track promotion process.
Performance Objectives
This position supports and advances Ohio State’s MGIST program —an online and in-person master’s degree designed for working professionals who wish to deepen their expertise in geographic information science and technology and further their careers in the rapidly growing field of geospatial science. The program’s flexible format enables students to complete coursework on their own schedule while engaging with cutting-edge topics in GIS and spatial science.
In addition to supporting the MGIST, this position may also contribute to the department’s in-person undergraduate and graduate offerings in GIS.
The successful candidate will teach 7–8 courses per academic year. Depending on departmental needs and the candidate’s background and interests, these courses may cover areas such as GIS foundations, cartography, remote sensing, spatial analysis and modeling, spatial databases, machine learning and artificial intelligence in GIS, software development and project management, and ethics and professionalism. Applicants may want to consult Ohio State’s AI Fluency initiative to better understand how AI is being used across campus.
The successful candidate must be comfortable designing and delivering rigorous and engaging course content in a mostly asynchronous online format and producing high-quality online instructional materials. Applicants should note that the MGIST serves a distinct student population of working professionals who are seeking graduate-level qualifications to advance their careers and who are very likely to return to professional practice. Our students bring substantial workplace experience, expect immediately applicable training, and value flexible, practice-oriented, and professionally relevant instruction.
Beyond teaching, the successful candidate will contribute to curriculum development and program assessment for GIS courses and may support recruitment as well as student mentoring in the MGIST program. The successful candidate will also be expected to serve on department committees and undertake other service activities in support of the MGIST.
We are hoping to hire for an Autumn 2027 start, although a Spring 2027 start date is also possible.
Education and Experience Requirements
Required:
- Ph.D. in Geographic Information Science (GIS), Remote Sensing, Computer Science, Geosciences, Environmental Science, or a closely related field by the start date of employment.
- Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching.
- Strong proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to student success, engagement, and support.
- Ability to effectively work with and mentor diverse student populations.
- Commitment to delivering high-quality instruction in both online and in-person learning environments.
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to students with varying levels of experience and professional backgrounds.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute positively to a collaborative academic environment.
Desired:
- Experience teaching in an online learning environment.
- Experience designing and delivering courses in a primarily asynchronous online format.
- Demonstrated ability to develop high-quality digital instructional materials and online learning content.
- Experience utilizing educational technologies and learning management systems to support student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Ability to create accessible, engaging, and professionally relevant online learning experiences for diverse student populations.
- Relevant professional or industry experience in geospatial technologies, GIS, remote sensing, spatial data science, or related fields.
- Demonstrated ability to incorporate real-world applications, case studies, and industry best practices into course design and instruction.
- Experience connecting academic content to workforce needs and emerging trends in geospatial science and technology.
- Ability to bridge theory and practice through applied, career-focused instruction.
- Experience collaborating with industry, government, or community partners on geospatial projects and initiatives.
- Commitment to continuous innovation in teaching and curriculum development, including the integration of emerging technologies and industry-standard tools.
Additional Information
Ohio State offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package.
How to Apply
To be considered, please submit your application via Workday.
Application period closes October 30, 2026. Application materials submitted in Workday must include:
- Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1–2-page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
- Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research training, teaching and mentoring experience, and service.
- Attachment 3: Teaching Statement: A statement of your teaching approaches, experience, and philosophy.
- Attachment 4: Relevant teaching evaluations (qualitative and/or quantitative).
- Attachment 5: Names and contact information for three references.
We will solicit letters of reference for shortlisted candidates.
Location:
Derby Hall (0025)
Position Type:
Regular
Scheduled Hours:
40
Shift:
First Shift
The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
Job Title:
Assistant Professor of Teaching
Department:
Arts and Sciences | Geography
Position Overview
The Department of Geography at The Ohio State University invites applications for an assistant professor of teaching position in support of our growing online and in-person Master’s in Geographic Information Science and Technology (MGIST). This is a five-year non-tenure track academic appointment with an expectation of renewal based on satisfactory performance. The position is subject to annual merit pay increases as well as promotion to associate professor of teaching and professor of teaching. The university provides a clear pathway for professional advancement for its teaching faculty and their home departments through its non-tenure track promotion process.
Performance Objectives
This position supports and advances Ohio State’s MGIST program —an online and in-person master’s degree designed for working professionals who wish to deepen their expertise in geographic information science and technology and further their careers in the rapidly growing field of geospatial science. The program’s flexible format enables students to complete coursework on their own schedule while engaging with cutting-edge topics in GIS and spatial science.
In addition to supporting the MGIST, this position may also contribute to the department’s in-person undergraduate and graduate offerings in GIS.
The successful candidate will teach 7–8 courses per academic year. Depending on departmental needs and the candidate’s background and interests, these courses may cover areas such as GIS foundations, cartography, remote sensing, spatial analysis and modeling, spatial databases, machine learning and artificial intelligence in GIS, software development and project management, and ethics and professionalism. Applicants may want to consult Ohio State’s AI Fluency initiative to better understand how AI is being used across campus.
The successful candidate must be comfortable designing and delivering rigorous and engaging course content in a mostly asynchronous online format and producing high-quality online instructional materials. Applicants should note that the MGIST serves a distinct student population of working professionals who are seeking graduate-level qualifications to advance their careers and who are very likely to return to professional practice. Our students bring substantial workplace experience, expect immediately applicable training, and value flexible, practice-oriented, and professionally relevant instruction.
Beyond teaching, the successful candidate will contribute to curriculum development and program assessment for GIS courses and may support recruitment as well as student mentoring in the MGIST program. The successful candidate will also be expected to serve on department committees and undertake other service activities in support of the MGIST.
We are hoping to hire for an Autumn 2027 start, although a Spring 2027 start date is also possible.
Education and Experience Requirements
Required:
- Ph.D. in Geographic Information Science (GIS), Remote Sensing, Computer Science, Geosciences, Environmental Science, or a closely related field by the start date of employment.
- Demonstrated record of excellence in teaching.
- Strong proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to student success, engagement, and support.
- Ability to effectively work with and mentor diverse student populations.
- Commitment to delivering high-quality instruction in both online and in-person learning environments.
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to students with varying levels of experience and professional backgrounds.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute positively to a collaborative academic environment.
Desired:
- Experience teaching in an online learning environment.
- Experience designing and delivering courses in a primarily asynchronous online format.
- Demonstrated ability to develop high-quality digital instructional materials and online learning content.
- Experience utilizing educational technologies and learning management systems to support student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Ability to create accessible, engaging, and professionally relevant online learning experiences for diverse student populations.
- Relevant professional or industry experience in geospatial technologies, GIS, remote sensing, spatial data science, or related fields.
- Demonstrated ability to incorporate real-world applications, case studies, and industry best practices into course design and instruction.
- Experience connecting academic content to workforce needs and emerging trends in geospatial science and technology.
- Ability to bridge theory and practice through applied, career-focused instruction.
- Experience collaborating with industry, government, or community partners on geospatial projects and initiatives.
- Commitment to continuous innovation in teaching and curriculum development, including the integration of emerging technologies and industry-standard tools.
Additional Information
Ohio State offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package.
How to Apply
To be considered, please submit your application via Workday.
Application period closes October 30, 2026. Application materials submitted in Workday must include:
- Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1–2-page letter, which should include a brief summary of your academic background and why you are interested in this opportunity.
- Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed overview of your scholarly experience, including your research training, teaching and mentoring experience, and service.
- Attachment 3: Teaching Statement: A statement of your teaching approaches, experience, and philosophy.
- Attachment 4: Relevant teaching evaluations (qualitative and/or quantitative).
- Attachment 5: Names and contact information for three references.
We will solicit letters of reference for shortlisted candidates.
Location:
Derby Hall (0025)
Position Type:
Regular
Scheduled Hours:
40
Shift:
First Shift
The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
See all 2,351+ OPT Teaching Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Teaching Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsOPT Job Search Tips for Teaching with a STEM Degree
STEM OPT opens doors that standard OPT doesn’t
If you hold a STEM degree and your teaching role is at an E-Verify employer, you may be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. This is particularly relevant for STEM educators at universities, research institutions, and accredited schools enrolled in E-Verify.
Cap-exempt employers are common in education
Universities, nonprofit research institutions, and government research entities are exempt from the H-1B visa cap and lottery. If your goal is long-term status, teaching at one of these institutions gives you a path to H-1B sponsorship without the uncertainty of the annual lottery.
Confirm your role qualifies as related to your field of study
OPT requires that your employment be directly related to your degree. A STEM graduate teaching in their subject area generally qualifies, but confirm with your DSO before accepting any role to make sure your specific situation is covered.
J-1 is a common alternative for international educators
Some school districts and education programs sponsor international teachers through the J-1 visa Exchange Visitor program rather than OPT. If you’re already on OPT, confirm the employer understands your authorization before the offer stage to avoid confusion.
University teaching assistant and research roles are strong OPT options
Graduate teaching assistants and research associates at universities are typically employed directly by the institution, which is almost always an E-Verify employer. These roles also tend to align closely with STEM fields, making them strong candidates for STEM OPT eligibility.
Ask about H-1B or O-1 sponsorship for long-term teaching careers
Educators with strong academic records, publications, or recognized expertise may qualify for the O-1 visa as an alternative to H-1B. If you’re building a research or academic career, it’s worth understanding both paths early.
Teaching OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my STEM OPT for a teaching job?
Yes, if the teaching role is directly related to your STEM field of study and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. A computer science graduate teaching programming, or an engineering graduate working as a university lab instructor, would typically qualify. Your DSO can confirm whether a specific role meets the field-of-study requirement before you accept the position.
Do universities hire OPT students as instructors or teaching assistants?
Yes, universities regularly hire F-1 graduates as teaching assistants, research associates, and adjunct instructors, particularly in STEM departments. Many universities are cap-exempt H-1B employers, which means they can file H-1B petitions year-round outside the lottery. This makes university employment a particularly attractive path for OPT students in STEM fields who want to transition to H-1B without relying on the annual lottery.
Can I teach at a K-12 school on STEM OPT?
It depends on the role and how well it aligns with your degree. A mathematics or computer science teacher position at a K-12 school using your technical degree would generally qualify. Most states require a teaching certificate or licensure for K-12 positions, so researching your state's requirements early is an important step. Your DSO can help you assess whether a specific K-12 role is a valid match for your field of study.
What is the difference between H-1B and OPT for teaching jobs?
OPT is your current work authorization as an F-1 student and does not require employer sponsorship during the authorized period. H-1B is the next step, where the employer petitions USCIS on your behalf for a multi-year work visa. Many educational institutions that hire OPT students in teaching roles are experienced with this transition, particularly cap-exempt universities that can file H-1B at any time of year.
Are there teaching roles in industry that qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes. Corporate training roles, curriculum development positions at EdTech companies, and technical instruction roles at training organizations can qualify if they are directly related to your STEM degree. EdTech is a growing sector with a meaningful number of employers experienced with OPT hiring. The key requirement is that the role applies your technical degree knowledge rather than being a general education or administrative position.