Teaching Assistants, Special Education
Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.
SOC: 25-9043.00
Common Job Titles
- Special Education Aide
- Special Education Paraprofessional
- Special Education Teacher Assistant
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- MindsetAdvocate for inclusive practices and student dignity when collaborating with teachers, families, and support staff in multidisciplinary team meetings.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate assistive technology devices including alternative keyboards, communication boards, and adaptive switches to facilitate student access to educational materials and activities under teacher supervision.Developing
- MindsetEngage students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities in academic and social activities using positive reinforcement and trauma-informed approaches in classroom and therapeutic settings.Developing
- KnowledgeApply individualized education program (IEP) accommodations and modifications during instructional activities and assessments following teacher guidance.Developing
- Hands-onExecute personal care routines including feeding, positioning, and medical equipment support following established health and safety protocols for students with physical disabilities.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate instructional strategies and behavioral interventions in small group or one-on-one settings to reinforce teacher-designed lesson objectives.Developing
- MindsetSupport students' social-emotional development and self-regulation skills through modeling appropriate behaviors and providing emotional scaffolding during transitions and challenging situations.Developing
- Hands-onManipulate educational software and learning platforms including Google Classroom, Seesaw, and specialized accessibility applications to document student progress and deliver digital instruction.Developing
- KnowledgeDistinguish behavioral signals indicating student needs, frustration, or medical distress in real-time classroom situations to respond appropriately or seek teacher intervention.Developing
- Hands-onPrepare adaptive learning materials, sensory tools, and educational manipulatives aligned with lesson plans and individual student accommodation requirements.Developing
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Appletree
- Automate the Schools ATS
- Blackboard software
- Children's educational software
- ClassDojo
- Email software
- Flipgrid
- Google Classroom
Tools & Equipment
- Alternative computer keyboards
- Audio tape recorders or players
- Braille slates
- Braille styluses
- Communication boards
- Compact disk CD players
- Computer laser printers
- Data input scanners