What does a Special Education Assistant do?

Special Education Assistants play an important role in education for students with physical, sensory, developmental, behavioral and emotional conditions. These students typically receive IEP plans that set customized objectives for them to achieve. Working with other members of the special education team, Teaching Assistants implement plans for achieving these goals.

They provide extra help for students who have difficulty mastering concepts or staying on-task and help foster a safe, inclusive environment by supervising them and responding to emergencies. When they complete their Special Education Teacher Assistant duties well, they can have a positive impact on learning outcomes for students and contribute to the overall success of schools’ special education programs.

Special Education Assistant skills and qualifications

To perform their assigned daily tasks, a Special Education Assistant employs key skills. Identifying the following qualifications in your Special Education Teaching Assistant job description can help you attract candidates who possess these vital skills:

• Communication and presentation skills to give group and individual instruction effectively

• Interpersonal skills to develop positive relationships with students, parents and staff members

• Observation skills to record accurate data and take action when intervention or support is necessary in and out of the classroom

• Basic understanding of teaching philosophy, instructional methods and learning styles

• Familiarity with different types of conditions and common needs associated with them

• Reading comprehension skills to understand IEPs

• Problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles to learning

• Computer skills to use email and grade book, word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software

Special Education Assistant experience requirements

Because they usually work under the supervision of a Special Education Teacher, a Special Education Assistant may not need any formal work experience, provided they have the necessary education and training.

However, there are circumstances where listing a few years of related work history as a requirement in your Special Education Teaching Assistant job description may be beneficial. For example, an assistant may benefit from having experience if your Special Education Teacher is new to the role or your class size is large.

Special Education Assistant education and training requirements

Generally, at least two years of college coursework is necessary to become a Special Education Assistant. For schools classified as Title I schools due to their large populations of low-income students, federal law requires Special Education Assistants to complete two years of college courses, earn an associate degree or pass an exam created by state departments of education. States may impose similar requirements for Special Education Assistants.

Rules and regulations vary, so it’s crucial to understand the requirements in your area before writing your Special Education Assistant job description. You may also want to prioritize candidates who earned voluntary certification, such as the Paraprofessional Skills Preparation Program (PSPP) certificate awarded by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET).

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Special Education Assistant Teacher duties discussed above don’t match those related to your open position, explore these alternative job titles:

• Paraprofessional

• Special Education Teacher

• Substitute Paraprofessional

Special Education Assistant job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Special Education Assistant and a Special Education Teacher?

Special Education Teachers and Special Education Assistants often work together in classrooms, with the Teacher overseeing the work of the Assistant. Special Education Teachers usually hold at least a bachelor’s degree in education and state teaching certifications or licenses. They’re responsible for assisting with IEP writing and developing lesson plans and may delegate some instruction to assistants.

What’s the difference between a Special Education Assistant and a Special Education Aide?

Special Education Aides and Special Education Assistants both support special needs students in different ways. A Teaching Assistant has training related to teaching methods so they can provide instruction under the supervision of Special Education Teachers. Generally, Aides don’t have this post-secondary education. They perform tasks such as setting up classrooms, responding to problem behaviors and supervising students.

What’s the difference between a Special Education Assistant and a Special Education Interventionist?

A Special Education Interventionist develops IEPs for students and oversees their implementation. They usually work closely with Special Education Teachers, who may delegate specific classroom tasks to Special Education Assistants.