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 JobsINTRODUCTION
The School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts anticipates hiring Teaching Assistants and Teaching Fellows for lower- and upper-division courses for Academic Year 2026-2027, including Summer Session 2026, in the following disciplines:
- Economics and Business Mgmt
The Teaching Assistant and Teaching Fellow will be responsible for grading, attending lectures, leading discussion sections when appropriate and holding office hours. Additional information on the title, see the appointment criteria.
The University of California Teaching Assistants and Teaching Fellows are represented by the UAW-AFL-CIO.
QUALIFICATIONS
Basic qualifications
Qualifications (must meet all listed qualifications):
- Bachelor's degree in the subject area or a related field
- Maintenance of a qualifying grade point average
- Academically eligible to hold the appointment (per UC Merced's Graduate Policies and Procedures Handbook)
- Must be a registered UC Merced graduate student in full-time residence (registered for 12 units per term appointed; for summer appointment registered in 12 units in the previous term; incoming students for summer appointment have submitted the Statement of Intent to Register)
- Must have passed an Oral English Proficiency Examination (if applicable)
Additional qualifications
Teaching Fellows must be advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Document requirements
- Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
- Authorization to Release Information Form - As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.
Help contact: pthao29@ucmerced.edu
ABOUT UC MERCED
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form.
Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.
Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.
The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.
JOB LOCATION
Merced, CA
INTRODUCTION
The School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts anticipates hiring Teaching Assistants and Teaching Fellows for lower- and upper-division courses for Academic Year 2026-2027, including Summer Session 2026, in the following disciplines:
- Economics and Business Mgmt
The Teaching Assistant and Teaching Fellow will be responsible for grading, attending lectures, leading discussion sections when appropriate and holding office hours. Additional information on the title, see the appointment criteria.
The University of California Teaching Assistants and Teaching Fellows are represented by the UAW-AFL-CIO.
QUALIFICATIONS
Basic qualifications
Qualifications (must meet all listed qualifications):
- Bachelor's degree in the subject area or a related field
- Maintenance of a qualifying grade point average
- Academically eligible to hold the appointment (per UC Merced's Graduate Policies and Procedures Handbook)
- Must be a registered UC Merced graduate student in full-time residence (registered for 12 units per term appointed; for summer appointment registered in 12 units in the previous term; incoming students for summer appointment have submitted the Statement of Intent to Register)
- Must have passed an Oral English Proficiency Examination (if applicable)
Additional qualifications
Teaching Fellows must be advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Document requirements
- Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
- Authorization to Release Information Form - As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
Required Authorization of Information Release may be found here. Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application.
Help contact: pthao29@ucmerced.edu
ABOUT UC MERCED
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
Please complete, sign, and upload the required Authorization of Information Release to your application: Required Authorization of Information Release Form.
Candidates must possess valid authorization to work in the United States. UC Merced is not currently able to sponsor individuals residing outside the United States who would require a new H-1B visa for employment. Applicants who do not hold valid U.S. work authorization are presently ineligible for this position.
Additional links: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy, the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and APM 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.
The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and recently designated as an R1 institution by Carnegie, UC Merced is committed to innovation and excellence in research. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (Center of Institutional Effectiveness), UC Merced provides outstanding, inclusive educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs.
JOB LOCATION
Merced, CA
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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.