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Special Education Assistant Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Special Education Teacher Pay Range: $45-56/hour Special Education Teacher | Washington | 2026-2027 School Year Ampersand Therapy is hiring Special Education Teachers for current and upcoming ...

Special Education Teacher Pay Range: $45-56/hour Special Education Teacher | Washington | 2026-2027 School Year Ampersand Therapy is hiring Special Education Teachers for current and upcoming ...

Special Education Teacher Location: Federal Way, Washington Pay Rate: $55.00/hour Contract: 10 Months Schedule: Day Shift | Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Total Working Hours: 40 hrs/week ...

Special Education Teacher Pay Range: $45-56/hour Special Education Teacher | Washington | 2026-2027 School Year Ampersand Therapy is hiring Special Education Teachers for current and upcoming ...

Special Education Teacher Pay Range: $45-56/hour Special Education Teacher | Washington | 2026-2027 School Year Ampersand Therapy is hiring Special Education Teachers for current and upcoming ...

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Special Education Assistant information

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How much do special education assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for special education assistant in Renton, WA is $20.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $22.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a special education assistant?

Special education assistants work with special needs kids in schools. Special needs students may have learning disabilities, developmental delays, or behavioral and emotional disorders. A special education assistant may help the special education teachers plan curricula, keep the students focused on lessons in class, and support the students in completing their coursework. As a special education assistant, you may work in either a public or private school, and help teach any age group, depending on your specific qualifications.

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

To thrive as a Special Education Assistant, you need a solid understanding of educational strategies for students with disabilities, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree and relevant experience. Familiarity with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), assistive technology, and classroom management systems is typically required. Patience, empathy, and strong communication skills are essential for building relationships and supporting diverse learning needs. These skills and qualities are vital for fostering an inclusive classroom environment and ensuring each student receives the support they need to succeed.

What are some common challenges special education assistants face when supporting students with diverse needs?

Special Education Assistants often encounter challenges such as balancing the individualized needs of students with behavioral, learning, or physical disabilities while maintaining classroom routines. They may need to adapt instructional materials on the fly and help manage emotional or behavioral outbursts. Effective communication and collaboration with teachers, therapists, and families are essential to provide consistent support and ensure student progress. Patience, flexibility, and ongoing learning are key to navigating these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Special Education Assistant vs Teacher Assistant?

AspectSpecial Education AssistantTeacher Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require additional certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require certification or experience
Work EnvironmentSpecial education classrooms, inclusive settings, or resource roomsGeneral education classrooms, special education settings, or support roles
Employer & IndustrySchools, special education programs, districtsSchools, general and special education classrooms

Special Education Assistants primarily support students with disabilities in specialized settings, focusing on individualized needs. Teacher Assistants work across general and special education environments, providing classroom support. While both roles require similar credentials, Special Education Assistants often have specialized training for working with students with disabilities. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Special Education jobs in Renton, WA?

The most popular types of Special Education jobs in Renton, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Special Education Assistant jobs in Renton, WA?

For Special Education Assistant jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Special Education Assistant jobs in Renton, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Special Education Assistant jobs in Renton, WA are:

What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Special Education Assistant jobs?

Cities near Renton, WA with the most Special Education Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Special Education Assistant job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,501 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Itinerant Relief Special Education IA Application Pool - 1.0FTE

Seattle Public Schools

Seattle, WA • On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Seattle Public Schools rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

193rd of 634 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Overview of Position There are 4 openings for this posting, available to start at the beginning of the 2026/27 school year pending the final work year calendar. We are seeking a flexible and dedicated Itinerant Special Education Instructional Assistant to support students with disabilities, ages 3-22, across multiple school sites within a designated region. This position involves providing academic, behavioral, and personal care support under the direction of special education teachers and specialists.

Staff can expect to work at many different schools, with assignments that may change every two weeks based on student and program needs. Responsibilities include implementing IEP goals, assisting with data collection, supporting classroom instruction, and promoting inclusive learning environments. The role requires adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently in a variety of settings.

Experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, and additional training in special education is a plus. Reliable transportation is essential, as travel between schools is a regular part of the position.

The position includes 6% premium pay to compensate for its itinerant nature and flexibility demands. This is a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students across a broad age range and educational settings. The purpose of the Itinerant Special Education Instructional Assistant Relief positions is to provide a pool for deployment of available staff to meet urgent needs determined by the Special Education Relief Committee.

The salary range for this role is set at 6% above the regular Special Education Instructional Assistant. In the event an employee moves to a regular Special Education Instructional Assistant position, the appropriate pay grade will be reassigned. The job of Special Education Assistant/ISE-203 is done for the purpose/s of assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; providing information to appropriate school personnel; and attending IEP meetings.

Special Education Assistant job duties vary according to the school/program needs, i.e., generalist, severe/profound, behavior disorder, hearing impaired, autism, etc. Essential Functions Adapts, under the direction of the teacher. classroom activities, assignments and/or materials for the purpose of providing an opportunity for all special education students to participate in classroom activities

Administers a variety of materials and assignments (e.g. tests, homework, grades papers, folders, etc.) for the purpose of assisting teacher in evaluating students' progress and/or organizing the individual needs of the student. Administers first aid and medical assistance as required for the purpose of providing appropriate care for injured children

Assists students requiring support in addressing personal care needs due to medical condition and/or physical limitations for the purpose of allowing students to function in school environment. Attends meetings and in-service presentations (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions

Confers with teacher/s (special education and/or mainstream teacher) on a regular basis for the purpose of assisting in evaluating special education student progress and/or implementing IEP objectives. Confers with teachers and/or parents (e.g. phone calls, e-mails, parent-teacher meetings, recording student progress in a notebook, etc.) for the purpose of providing information related to the student's progress as established in their individual educational program

Directs and Implements behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders or other conditions for the purpose of assisting in meeting special education students needs, protecting the safety of the child and others, and providing a consistent environment. Instructs students in a variety of activities in individual and group settings (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives, implement plans for remediation of students deficiencies in accordance with students individual educational program goals and ensuring students success in school

Maintains instructional materials and/or student files/records (e.g. adapting instructional materials, checking papers, attendance, set up adapted projects, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing reliable information. Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g

rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of aiding students and providing a safe and positive learning environment. OTHER FUNCTIONS: Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to building Principal if assigned through staffing formulas

If based centrally, reports to assigned Special Education Supervisor. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Knowledge Required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: Instructional procedures and practices Age appropriate student activities Safety practices and procedures Conflict resolution Stages of child development/ behavior Skills Required to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.

Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: Adhering to safety practices Operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications Preparing and maintaining accurate records Ability Required to gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize job-related equipment.

In working with others, problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: Adapting to changing work priorities Communicating with diverse groups Maintaining confidentiality Working as part of a team Working with constant interruptions Ability to key-board; learn to use personal computers.

May require the ability to do basic signing. RESPONSIBILITY: Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions.

There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the Organization's services. WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: seldom lifting - up to 50 pounds*; carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. May need to handle medically fragile children, attend to students' physical needs, which may include toileting, changing diapers, tube feeding and assisting menstruating students; support structured learning and behavior shaping activities.

Generally the job requires 45% sitting, 25% walking, and 30% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment. *Seldom is up to 10% of the time during a 7-hour period, with or without assistance.

Typical Qualifications EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent and at least one of the following: (a) Have received a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service paraeducator assessment as published by PESB; or (b) Hold an associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or (c) Have earned seventy-two quarter credits or forty-eight semester credits at the one hundred level or higher at an accredited college or university; or (d) Have completed an apprenticeship as a paraeducator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council. YEARS of RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: None specified. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Experience working with children.

CERTIFICATES & LICENSES: Valid State of Washington Driver's License CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING: Secure Training, CPR, First Aid CLEARANCES: Criminal Justice Fingerprint Background Clearance


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