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Special Education Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BASIS Ed

Special Education Assistant

Leander, TX · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

The role of the Special Education Instructional Assistant (SPED Instructional Assistant) is to assist in all aspects of the Special Education Program at the school's site. Special Education ...

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A B Hill Elementary

Special Education Assistant

Memphis, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $19/hr

Special Education Assistant Performs specialized work by assisting special education teachers in instructing and supervising the activities of students with disabilities to provide a well-organized ...

A B Hill Elementary

Special Education Assistant

Memphis, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $19/hr

Special Education Assistant Performs specialized work by assisting special education teachers in instructing and supervising the activities of students with disabilities to provide a well-organized ...

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How much do special education assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for special education assistant in the United States is $18.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.43 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.

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Special Education Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Education Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,674 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Special Education Assistant

Brainerd Public Schools

Brainerd, MN • On-site

$16.50 - $17.15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Special Education Assistant
Date Posted:
6/24/2026
Location:
Baxter Elementary
ASSIGNMENT DETAILS
Title: Special Education Assistant - EBD
Location: Baxter Elementary
Hours: 7.5 hours per day
Duty Days: 173 duty days per school year
Compensation: Based on education and experience; wages outlined in Education Assistant contract located on district website. Salary Range: $16.50-$17.15 per hour
Brainerd Public Schools, where opportunity meets excellence!
We are dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration. As an integral part of our community, we strive to empower educators, administrators, and staff to make a positive impact on the lives of our students. Our team is passionate about shaping the future of education in the Brainerd Lakes Area.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Special Education Paraprofessional will assist and carry out the goals, objectives and adaptations in the individual education plan of special needs students in various settings; classrooms, physical education, lunchroom, bus loading area, cafeteria and common spaces.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to:
  • Carrying out the duties and responsibilities outlined in a student's individual education plan.
  • Assist student(s) in individual and group settings whether in the resource room or inclusive educational setting. This could include in the community or volunteer setting.
  • Provide specialized instruction/interventions/accommodations as outlined in the IEP.
  • Team with the classroom teacher and/or special education teacher to deliver classroom instruction.
  • Demonstrate and model appropriate developmental and behavioral skills through play or interaction with the child.
  • Assist the individual student in self-help and independent living skills - this can include the following 1. Dressing and undressing, 2. Toileting - which may include changing diapers, training pants, cleaning the child and implementing toilet training techniques, 3. Supervise and assist with eating skills, this could include but is not limited to adapted feeding utensils or feeding tube, 4. Supervise and assist child with an assistive device, this could include but is not limited to, any prosthetic device, brace, wheelchair, communicative or assistive technology device. 5. Support students in Developmentally Adaptive Phy Ed activities and Special Olympics events and activities.
  • Supervise student(s) during lunch, time out situations, recess, field trips, and emergency situations or in temporary absence of the teacher due to emergency or restrictive procedure situation.
  • Monitor classroom instruction for purpose of ensuring student progress and a safe learning environment.
  • Bus duty that could involve riding the bus and following through with prescribed bus programs, meeting the bus, and reporting about student's bus behavior/needs to the case manager.
  • Participate physically with the students in activities being taught.
  • Collaborate with Special Education Teachers, Classroom teachers and related service providers to ensure student safety and success.
  • Maintain confidentiality
  • Develop effective working relationships with students.
  • Support building and classroom discipline policy.
  • Maintain good communication skills and a cooperative working environment with other school staff.
  • Participate in assigned professional development.
  • Maintain knowledge of building procedures manual and school district policies.
  • Work cooperatively with the building administrator, accepting constructive feedback and direction.
  • Address disagreements with fellow employees constructively and respectfully.
  • Monitor student progress on assigned tasks.
  • Follow school district policy in reporting suspected abuse/neglect.
  • All other duties as identified by the team in the IEP process for individual situations.
  • Other special education related duties as assigned by the proper administrative authority.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Meet highly-qualified requirements for paraprofessional (two-year associate degree, 60 college credits, para-pro or para e-link certification)
  • Experience working with students with physical, cognitive and/or mild behavioral needs
  • Handle with Care Training - certification required within three months of being hired and maintained during employment.
  • Must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills and be able to be a member of a team.
  • Ability to be flexible based on program and student needs.
  • Ability to assist students in individual or group settings whether in the resource room or inclusive education setting as well as in the community as a job coach.
  • Ability to implement and follow through on specific therapies and programs for an individual as prescribed by the individual education plan. This could involve lifting, transferring, positioning, assisting with daily living activities such as toileting, feeding, and restrictive procedures when necessary.
  • Ability to collect data on student progress as defined in the Individual Education Plan.
  • Ability to remain calm and patient in volatile situations and react and respond quickly in a variety of situations.
  • Ability to work under the supervision of a site principal and/or special education teacher.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks at once while dealing with constant interruptions.
  • Ability to work with students, families, professionals, and staff of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
  • Ability to interact with and maintain cooperative relationship with all levels of staff and the public.
  • Must possess the ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Apply online
Employees of the Brainerd Public School District #181 are expected to support the goals of the district, model and promote an environment that is respectful for all, and work collaboratively with other staff to focus on the needs of the learner. A quality, customer focus that conveys a welcome attitude, adaptability to change, and a desire for continuous improvement is also expected of all employees. In addition, staff should respect confidential matters, encourage a safe and secure environment throughout the schools, and be dependable and accountable employees.

Apply