Paraeducator Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Paraeducator roles in U.S. public schools can qualify for H-1B visa or TN visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. Districts and charter networks are the primary sponsors, and PERM labor certification is the most common green card pathway for long-term candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsFayette County Public Schools, KY
JOB DESCRIPTION
– Special Education Paraeducator
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description.
Job Class Code: 8325
Position Type: Hourly
Job Type: Classified
Pay Grade: G 03 (salary calculations are based on verified education and related experience levels)
Reports To: Principal or designee
Supervises: N/A
Work Calendar Name: Paraeducators
Days in work calendar: 183
JOB SUMMARY
Assist certified teachers in implementing instructional practices, transitional activities, maintaining a safe and supportive instructional environment, and communicating and collaborating with teachers and other professionals to ensure special education students obtain quality instruction.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Implement strategies and procedures developed by teachers to maintain safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments.
- Implement strategies that promote the student’s independence across all relevant educational settings.
- Based on program and student needs, assist teachers and related service professionals in carrying out tube feeding, catheterization, toileting, diapering (including lifting), administering medication, feeding, positioning and other health related procedures required by students who have special health care needs, and maintain appropriate records of these activities.
- Keep student data current and report concerns to teacher when they arise.
- Under the guidance and supervision of a teacher, effectively implement learning strategies, prompting procedures, and other systematic instructional procedures in school and non-school settings using a variety of instructional grouping arrangements.
- Implement teacher-developed plans or strategies that enhance the fluency, maintenance, and generalization of academic skills.
- Based on program and student needs, assist teachers with community-based instruction.
- Use grammatically correct language which includes age-appropriate vocabulary, first person language, appropriate tone of voice, and reinforcement procedures.
- Perform routine clerical duties such as preparation of instructional classroom materials; setting up student work areas; and operating office equipment, video, computer, adaptive devices, and other materials. Maintain classroom records, maintain attendance records, answer phone.
- Assist teachers in monitoring student progress regarding academic/cognitive development, social development, and behavior.
- Assist teachers and other professionals in maintaining student records required by federal and state law and regulations and Fayette County Public Schools’ Policies and Procedures.
- Implement teacher-developed behavior plans and techniques that adhere to the laws, regulations, and procedural safeguards (safe crisis management) concerning the management of student behaviors. Includes lifting up to 50 pounds and/or restraining students if necessary. Record data and monitor progress on behavior goals as directed by teacher.
- Monitor and assist students in non-academic learning environments (i.e., lunchrooms, study halls, playgrounds, and buses).
- Direct group activities of students as assigned, assist in lunchroom duties as assigned, assist in emergency drills, rec-leisure activities, assemblies, community participation as assigned.
- Assist in overseeing students while in regular class, labs or other activities, providing them with the necessary materials needed to participate.
- Follow teacher instructions and implement team decisions.
- Contribute relevant, objective information to teachers and other school professionals to facilitate planning, problem solving, and decision-making processes across all relevant settings.
- Maintain confidentiality of individual students and their families, as well as all student educational records.
- Perform assigned responsibilities under the supervision of the teachers in a professional and ethical manner established by the district, agency, state, or professional organization.
- Participate with administrators, consultants, and/or other professionals in designing and implementing comprehensive professional development activities for paraprofessionals.
- Assist in administering diagnostic and other tests and record test information.
- Read, understand and assist in implementing, recording and monitoring assigned students IEPs.
- Assist students to and from activities, loading, unloading and/or riding the bus and assist in preparation as required.
- Assist students by providing proper examples (positive attitude, caring attitude, good rapport with other staff members), emotional support, a friendly attitude and general guidance.
- Provide support to the teacher and student by creating an environment that is conducive to learning. If instruction is being hindered because a student’s behavior is distracting, implement guidelines given by the teacher. (Take student for a walk, take student to the bathroom, remind student how they are to behave).
- Conference with the teacher/case manager concerning programs and materials to meet students needs. Also, discuss with the teacher concerns that need to be shared with the parent. It is the Teacher responsibility to communicate academic/behavioral/instructional concerns with the parents.
- Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and regulations including PBIS and de-escalation techniques. May require annual training and re-certification in safe crisis management.
- Demonstrates the ability to communicate in more than one language or the willingness to learn to communicate in more than one language at the novice level of proficiency.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Maintains regular attendance.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Basic subjects taught in District Schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
- Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
- Basic record-keeping techniques.
ABILITY TO:
- Learn child guidance principles and practices.
- Communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff and the public including members of ethnic communities.
- Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities.
- Print and write legibly.
- Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
- Understand and follow oral and written directions.
- Learn procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Learn to apply and explain policies and procedures related to school and program activities.
- Work cooperatively with others.
- Monitor, observe and report students’ behavior according to approved policies and procedures.
- Operate instructional and office equipment.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Minimum 48 college credit hours or successful completion of the Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment or completion of an Associate's Degree. Experience working with youth in an organized setting and some instructional experience in a classroom environment working with children and parents with special needs, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic backgrounds.
Licenses or Certifications:
N/A
Special Requirements:
N/A
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Work is performed while standing, sitting and/or walking.
- Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision and hearing.
- Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
- Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching, running.
- Requires the ability to lift, carry, push or pull medium weights, up to 50 pounds.
Job Description Creation Date:
1/2002
Revision Dates:
5/2002
7/2011
7/2012
2/2014
10/2024
The Fayette County Board of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Superintendent shall adhere to a policy of equal employment opportunity in all personnel matters. No person shall be subjected to discrimination in regard to employment, retention, promotion, demotion, transfer or dismissal because of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), genetic information, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, age or disabling condition or limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
Fayette County Public Schools, KY
JOB DESCRIPTION
– Special Education Paraeducator
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description.
Job Class Code: 8325
Position Type: Hourly
Job Type: Classified
Pay Grade: G 03 (salary calculations are based on verified education and related experience levels)
Reports To: Principal or designee
Supervises: N/A
Work Calendar Name: Paraeducators
Days in work calendar: 183
JOB SUMMARY
Assist certified teachers in implementing instructional practices, transitional activities, maintaining a safe and supportive instructional environment, and communicating and collaborating with teachers and other professionals to ensure special education students obtain quality instruction.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Implement strategies and procedures developed by teachers to maintain safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments.
- Implement strategies that promote the student’s independence across all relevant educational settings.
- Based on program and student needs, assist teachers and related service professionals in carrying out tube feeding, catheterization, toileting, diapering (including lifting), administering medication, feeding, positioning and other health related procedures required by students who have special health care needs, and maintain appropriate records of these activities.
- Keep student data current and report concerns to teacher when they arise.
- Under the guidance and supervision of a teacher, effectively implement learning strategies, prompting procedures, and other systematic instructional procedures in school and non-school settings using a variety of instructional grouping arrangements.
- Implement teacher-developed plans or strategies that enhance the fluency, maintenance, and generalization of academic skills.
- Based on program and student needs, assist teachers with community-based instruction.
- Use grammatically correct language which includes age-appropriate vocabulary, first person language, appropriate tone of voice, and reinforcement procedures.
- Perform routine clerical duties such as preparation of instructional classroom materials; setting up student work areas; and operating office equipment, video, computer, adaptive devices, and other materials. Maintain classroom records, maintain attendance records, answer phone.
- Assist teachers in monitoring student progress regarding academic/cognitive development, social development, and behavior.
- Assist teachers and other professionals in maintaining student records required by federal and state law and regulations and Fayette County Public Schools’ Policies and Procedures.
- Implement teacher-developed behavior plans and techniques that adhere to the laws, regulations, and procedural safeguards (safe crisis management) concerning the management of student behaviors. Includes lifting up to 50 pounds and/or restraining students if necessary. Record data and monitor progress on behavior goals as directed by teacher.
- Monitor and assist students in non-academic learning environments (i.e., lunchrooms, study halls, playgrounds, and buses).
- Direct group activities of students as assigned, assist in lunchroom duties as assigned, assist in emergency drills, rec-leisure activities, assemblies, community participation as assigned.
- Assist in overseeing students while in regular class, labs or other activities, providing them with the necessary materials needed to participate.
- Follow teacher instructions and implement team decisions.
- Contribute relevant, objective information to teachers and other school professionals to facilitate planning, problem solving, and decision-making processes across all relevant settings.
- Maintain confidentiality of individual students and their families, as well as all student educational records.
- Perform assigned responsibilities under the supervision of the teachers in a professional and ethical manner established by the district, agency, state, or professional organization.
- Participate with administrators, consultants, and/or other professionals in designing and implementing comprehensive professional development activities for paraprofessionals.
- Assist in administering diagnostic and other tests and record test information.
- Read, understand and assist in implementing, recording and monitoring assigned students IEPs.
- Assist students to and from activities, loading, unloading and/or riding the bus and assist in preparation as required.
- Assist students by providing proper examples (positive attitude, caring attitude, good rapport with other staff members), emotional support, a friendly attitude and general guidance.
- Provide support to the teacher and student by creating an environment that is conducive to learning. If instruction is being hindered because a student’s behavior is distracting, implement guidelines given by the teacher. (Take student for a walk, take student to the bathroom, remind student how they are to behave).
- Conference with the teacher/case manager concerning programs and materials to meet students needs. Also, discuss with the teacher concerns that need to be shared with the parent. It is the Teacher responsibility to communicate academic/behavioral/instructional concerns with the parents.
- Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and regulations including PBIS and de-escalation techniques. May require annual training and re-certification in safe crisis management.
- Demonstrates the ability to communicate in more than one language or the willingness to learn to communicate in more than one language at the novice level of proficiency.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Maintains regular attendance.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Basic subjects taught in District Schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
- Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
- Basic record-keeping techniques.
ABILITY TO:
- Learn child guidance principles and practices.
- Communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff and the public including members of ethnic communities.
- Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities.
- Print and write legibly.
- Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
- Understand and follow oral and written directions.
- Learn procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Learn to apply and explain policies and procedures related to school and program activities.
- Work cooperatively with others.
- Monitor, observe and report students’ behavior according to approved policies and procedures.
- Operate instructional and office equipment.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Minimum 48 college credit hours or successful completion of the Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment or completion of an Associate's Degree. Experience working with youth in an organized setting and some instructional experience in a classroom environment working with children and parents with special needs, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic backgrounds.
Licenses or Certifications:
N/A
Special Requirements:
N/A
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Work is performed while standing, sitting and/or walking.
- Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision and hearing.
- Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations.
- Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching, running.
- Requires the ability to lift, carry, push or pull medium weights, up to 50 pounds.
Job Description Creation Date:
1/2002
Revision Dates:
5/2002
7/2011
7/2012
2/2014
10/2024
The Fayette County Board of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Superintendent shall adhere to a policy of equal employment opportunity in all personnel matters. No person shall be subjected to discrimination in regard to employment, retention, promotion, demotion, transfer or dismissal because of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), genetic information, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, age or disabling condition or limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
See all Paraeducator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Paraeducator roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Paraeducator Jobs
Verify your degree meets specialty occupation
H-1B eligibility hinges on your role requiring a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. Check O*NET for the paraeducator occupation profile to confirm the degree requirement aligns before targeting sponsors.
Target districts with active PERM filings
Large urban school districts and charter management organizations file PERM labor certifications more regularly than small rural districts. Prioritize employers with an established HR infrastructure and a history of sponsoring international educators.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsors
Filter paraeducator and education support roles by employers with confirmed sponsorship history on Migrate Mate. This cuts out districts that list openings but have never actually filed for a work visa.
Get your credentials evaluated before applying
If your degree is from outside the U.S., have it evaluated by a NACES-approved agency before submitting applications. Districts reviewing H-1B specialty occupation eligibility will ask for this documentation during the offer stage.
Clarify PERM timing with the hiring district
PERM labor certification requires the employer to prove no qualified U.S. workers are available, a process that takes months. Ask HR directly whether they've completed PERM filings before and what their typical timeline looks like.
Confirm state licensure requirements before the LCA
Many states require paraeducators to hold a state-issued permit or pass an assessment like the ParaPro. USCIS and DOL expect the LCA to reflect a fully qualified candidate, so securing your state credential first prevents delays after the offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do paraeducator jobs qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
They can, but it depends on how the district defines the role. H-1B requires a specialty occupation, meaning the job must normally require at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field like education or special education. Districts that treat paraeducator as a paraprofessional support role requiring only an associate's degree or 48 college credit hours will not meet the specialty occupation threshold.
Is TN visa status an option for paraeducator candidates from Canada or Mexico?
TN is available only for occupations listed on the USMCA profession list. Paraeducator is not a listed TN category. Canadian or Mexican nationals would need to pursue H-1B, an employer-sponsored green card through PERM, or another pathway if they qualify, rather than TN.
Which visa pathway is most realistic for a long-term paraeducator career in the U.S.?
For most candidates, the EB-2 or EB-3 employment-based green card through PERM labor certification is the most viable long-term route. The employer advertises the position, documents the lack of available U.S. workers, and files with DOL. This takes significantly longer than a nonimmigrant visa but provides permanent residence rather than a renewable temporary status.
How do I find school districts that actually sponsor paraeducator visas?
Migrate Mate shows employers with verified sponsorship filing history, so you can identify districts that have genuinely filed for paraeducator or education support roles rather than relying on job postings alone.
Does a foreign education degree count toward H-1B specialty occupation for paraeducator roles?
Yes, but it must be formally evaluated. USCIS expects a credential evaluation from a recognized agency confirming your foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree in education or a directly related field. Without this, your petition is likely to receive a Request for Evidence challenging your qualifications.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Paraeducator jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.