Special Education Teaching Assistant

Your Fit

Income

$51K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Special Education Teaching Assistant?

A Special Education Teaching Assistant supports teachers in the education of students with a variety of special needs and disabilities. They assist in implementing individualized education plans, provide direct support to students, and help create an inclusive and effective learning environment.

Sample job titles:

Special Education Aide, Special Education Paraprofessional, Special Education Teacher Assistant

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Special Education Teaching Assistant.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Special Education Teaching Assistant earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Special Education Teaching Assistant.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$36K per year	$44K per year	$51K per year	$58K per year	$64K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $14K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Special Education Teaching Assistant do?

Work environment

These professionals primarily work in public and private schools, special education centers, or in inclusive classroom settings. The work environment is collaborative, often involving interaction with special education teachers, general education teachers, therapists, and parents.

Quick task list

Assists in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
Provides one-on-one or small group assistance to special education students.
Aids with classroom management and student behavior support.
Prepares instructional materials and helps with classroom organization.
Observes and records student progress and behavior.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Behavioral Support: Assisting students with behavioral challenges by implementing behavior management plans.
Learning Disabilities: Supporting students with specific learning disabilities like dyslexia or dyscalculia.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Specializing in working with students on the autism spectrum.
Physical Disabilities: Assisting students with physical impairments, including mobility and fine motor skills support.
Early Childhood Special Education: Focusing on preschool-aged children with special needs.

Description

Special Education Teaching Assistants are integral to the success of special education programs. They work closely with special education teachers to provide personalized support to students, ensuring that each child's educational needs are met. This role requires adaptability, patience, and a deep understanding of the diverse needs of students with disabilities.

The job involves both assisting with academic tasks and helping students develop essential life skills. It can be highly rewarding, as teaching assistants often witness firsthand the progress and breakthroughs of their students. They must be effective communicators and collaborators, as they work with a team of educators and parents to optimize student learning and wellbeing.

Special Education Teaching Assistants often find fulfillment in making a tangible difference in the lives of students. The role provides an opportunity to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment and to advocate for the needs of students with special needs.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a positive impact on the lives of students with special needs.
Witnessing students' progress and achievements.
Building meaningful relationships with students, teachers, and parents.

You might make a good Special Education Teaching Assistant if you are...

Compassionate and patient, with a strong desire to support students with diverse needs.
A good communicator, able to effectively collaborate with teachers and caregivers.
Adaptable and creative in finding ways to engage and motivate students.
Interested in special education and passionate about inclusive learning.
Organized and attentive to detail, especially in following and implementing IEPs.

Pros:

Rewarding work that makes a significant difference in students' lives.
Opportunities for close collaboration with educators and therapists.
Varied daily activities, offering dynamic and engaging work experiences.

Cons:

Emotional and physical demands can be high.
May face challenging behaviors and complex needs of students.
Typically lower pay compared to licensed teachers and limited career progression without further education.

How to become a Special Education Teaching Assistant

Typical education

Typically, a high school diploma is required, but many employers prefer candidates with at least an associate's degree or relevant college coursework in education or special education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Psychology to understand developmental and behavioral aspects.
Education courses for a basic understanding of teaching methods.
Health and first aid for managing any emergency in the classroom.
Child development to understand the growth stages of young learners.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering with organizations that support individuals with disabilities.
Participating in peer tutoring programs.
Involvement in community service projects, especially those focused on children or education.

Preparation after high school

Consider pursuing an associate's degree or relevant coursework in special education or child development.
Gain experience through volunteering or working in settings with children, preferably those with special needs.
Seek opportunities for certifications or workshops in areas like behavior management or inclusive education.
Stay informed about the educational requirements and special education practices in your region or state.

More resources

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) - Offers resources and professional development for those working in special education.
National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) - Provides support and resources for special education professionals.
The Iris Center - Offers a wide range of instructional resources in special education.
Teaching Assistant's Guide to Managing Classroom Behavior - An online guide offering strategies and insights for classroom management.
ParaEducator Learning Network - Provides training and resources for paraprofessionals in education.

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