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Education Assistant Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

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Education Assistant information

See Alaska salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do education assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for education assistant in Alaska is $18.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an education assistant?

Education Assistants are professionals who support teachers and help students in the classroom. They assist with instructional tasks, supervise students, and provide extra support to those with special needs or learning difficulties. Education Assistants may also help with classroom organization, prepare materials, and foster a positive learning environment. Their role is essential in ensuring all students receive the support they need to succeed academically and socially.

How does an education assistant typically collaborate with teachers and other staff in a classroom setting?

Education Assistants work closely with teachers to support classroom instruction, often helping to implement lesson plans, manage student behavior, and provide additional attention to students who need it. They may also collaborate with special education staff, school counselors, and administrators to ensure that individual student needs are met. Regular communication and teamwork are essential, as Education Assistants often participate in planning meetings and share observations about student progress. This close collaboration helps create a supportive and effective learning environment for all students.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an education assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Education Assistant, you need a solid understanding of child development, classroom management, and basic educational principles, often supported by a certificate or diploma in education support. Familiarity with educational software, assistive technologies, and learning management systems is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills that help build positive relationships with students and staff. These skills and qualities are important for effectively supporting teachers, fostering student learning, and maintaining a productive classroom environment.

What is the difference between Education Assistant vs Teacher Aide?

AspectEducation AssistantTeacher Aide
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may require certification or post-secondary coursesHigh school diploma; often similar certification requirements
Work EnvironmentAssist in classrooms, special education settings, or resource roomsSupport teachers in classroom activities, often in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in schools, special education programs, and educational institutionsCommonly used interchangeably with Education Assistant in schools
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles supporting classroom activitiesFrequently searched as a similar support role in education

Both Education Assistants and Teacher Aides support classroom activities and work closely with students and teachers. While their roles are similar, the title 'Education Assistant' is often used in broader educational settings, and the specific duties may vary by region or institution. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right career path or job search focus.

What degree do you need to be an education assistant?

Education assistants typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent; however, many employers prefer candidates with postsecondary education such as an associate's degree or relevant coursework in education or child development. Certification or training in first aid and special education support can also be beneficial. Requirements vary by region and school district.

What qualifications do you need as an education assistant?

Education assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions require postsecondary coursework or an associate degree in education or a related field. Relevant skills include strong communication, patience, and organizational abilities, and some roles may require certification or training in first aid or special education support.

What are the most commonly searched types of Education jobs in Alaska?

The most popular types of Education jobs in Alaska are:

What are popular job titles related to Education Assistant jobs in Alaska?

For Education Assistant jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Alaska are hiring for Education Assistant jobs?

Cities in Alaska with the most Education Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Education Assistant job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,030 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

.875 FTE Special Education Assistant

Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District

Palmer, AK โ€ข On-site

$15.25 - $21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Classified Positions/Special Education Assistant
Date Posted:
8/26/2026
Location:
Tanaina Elementary
(High-Needs School)
Closing Date:
09/03/2026
Position: Special Education Assistant
Position FTE: .875
Pay Grade: 7
Starting Wage: $19.77
Days Per Year: 202
Shift hours: TBD
Class Summary: Under supervision performs a variety of teaching support functions in a preschool/elementary, emotionally disturbed/behaviorally disordered or self-contained environment. Assists Special Education instructors in planning and implementing student Individualized Education Plans (IEP's), provides teaching assistance to individual students and/or small groups, and provides requisite student care as necessary to ensure the effective delivery of student learning activities.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
Duty No.
Essential Duties
Frequency
Band/Grade
1
Enters student Individualized Education Plans (IEP's) into a computer system and prints student data files/ information according to established procedures.
Daily
A1
2
Prepares and returns materials for classroom use and related activities. Locates necessary supplies (e.g. books, movie projectors and VCRs), reproduces class
notes and/or handouts, prepares bulletin boards and craft projects and cleans/organizes classroom upon completion of daily activities.
Daily
A1
3
Provides attendant care for moderately and severely handicapped and/or emotionally disturbed/behaviorally disruptive students throughout the course of the school day. May assist students off/on buses; monitor student activities and safety during class, recess, lunch breaks and field trips; and assist with feeding, dressing and toileting needs.
Daily
A1
4
Professional staff by typing, filing, duplicating and organizing materials for distribution; grades student projects/exams using specified criteria; maintaining attendance records; and assisting instructors and/or professional staff with
screening and testing procedures for students referred for Special Education.
Daily
A1
5
Assists Special Education instructors in planning and implementing student Individualized Education Plans (IEP's). Provides teaching assistance to individuals and/or small groups in a variety of educational areas; monitors student performance; and provides information.
Daily
A1/ B2
6
Assists Special Education instructors in scheduling parent conferences, Individualized Education Plan meetings with professional staff and student visits to
school nurse.
As Needed
A1
7
May be required to provide other administrative assistance (e.g. proctoring student detentions, picking-up student prescriptions and transporting/accompanying students to therapy sessions/jobs.
As Needed
A1
8
May be directed by Supervising teacher to make phone contacts concerning meetings, however, all programmatic communication flows between teacher and parents.
Daily
A1
9
Other duties as assigned.
As Needed
Knowledge: Applicants must be Highly Qualified prior to the end of the probationary period. *Highly Qualified means you have met the paraprofessional requirements as defined by No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The NCLB minimum requirements for paraprofessionals are defined in NCLB Sections 1119(f) and 1119(c)(1) as:
High school diploma or GED, AND
  • Two years of college (at least 48-semester hour credits);
  • ?Associate's (or higher) degree;
  • Pass the Para Pro Assessment and the Paraprofessional Standards Checklist.

Skills (position requirements at entry):
Training and Experience (position requirements at entry): Previous education, training, work or life experience which provides reasonable evidence of the successful performance of the various tasks listed. Such experience may be evidenced by six (6) months of providing attendant care within an emotionally disturbed/behaviorally disordered and/or self-contained environment.
Licensing Requirements (position requirements at entry): A valid Alaska Driver's License.
Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl to assist students. The employee continuously uses hand-strength to grasp items such as classroom supplies, feeding instruments, or testing material. The employee will occasionally lift, carry, push and/or pull to 40 lbs, such as a wheelchair, student, or other assistive devices. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
Medium Work:
  • Lifting/carrying a maximum weight of 40 pounds (lbs.) occasionally (less than 33% of the time, or 1-100 times per day to move objects
  • Pushing a maximum force of 40 ft./lbs. to move objects
  • Pulling a maximum force of 40 ft./lbs. to move objects
  • Dynamic Lifting Criteria:

Floor to Knuckle:
25
LBS
12" to Knuckle:
40
LBS
Knuckle to Shoulder:
LBS
Shoulder to Overhead:
LBS
Post offer/pre-placement examinations are utilized by MSBSD to create a safer working environment for employees. MSBSD requires such examinations for all applicants who have been conditionally offered employment in designated job categories. An examination may include a medical examination and physical fitness or agility tests. In addition, during the examination, training may be provided to increase body awareness during work activities to prevent cumulative trauma and reduce injuries.
For the candidate that receives a conditional offer of employment for this posted position, that offer is conditioned on:
*The candidate's cooperation and cooperation and participation in the WorkSTEPS evaluation program at least 3 days before the anticipated start date;
*Completing a release authorizing MSBSD, WorkSTEPS, and the licensed WorkSTEPS testing facility to conduct the post-offer examination and share information; and
*The candidate's successful completion of the WorkSTEPS evaluation program demonstrating you can safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.
Attachment(s):
  • SPED Assistant_21.doc