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Special Educational Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

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Special Educational Assistant information

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How much do special educational assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for special educational assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $17.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a special educational assistant?

Special Educational Assistants are professionals who support teachers in classrooms, particularly those with students who have special educational needs or disabilities. They help implement individualized education plans, assist with classroom activities, and provide one-on-one or small group support to ensure students can access the curriculum. Their role includes adapting materials, managing behavior, and fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive.

How does a special educational assistant typically collaborate with teachers and therapists to support students with special needs?

Special Educational Assistants work closely with classroom teachers and specialists such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and counselors to create and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs. They regularly communicate about student progress, share observations, and help adapt classroom activities to suit each student's abilities. This teamwork ensures that students receive consistent support throughout the school day and that interventions are aligned across all professionals involved. Collaboration and flexibility are key, as priorities may shift based on students' evolving needs.

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

To thrive as a Special Educational Assistant, you need knowledge of educational support strategies, familiarity with special education laws, and often a relevant certification or associate degree. Experience with individualized education programs (IEPs), assistive technology, and classroom management systems is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and compassion are vital soft skills for effectively supporting students with diverse needs. These skills and qualities ensure the educational, social, and emotional success of students in inclusive learning environments.

What is the difference between Special Educational Assistant vs Classroom Aide?

AspectSpecial Educational AssistantClassroom Aide
Required credentialsOften requires certification or relevant experience in special educationMay require minimal formal qualifications, focus on general support
Work environmentSpecialized settings supporting students with disabilitiesGeneral classroom support across various subjects
Employer and industry usageUsed in schools with special education programsCommon in mainstream classrooms for general assistance

Special Educational Assistants primarily support students with special needs and often require specific training or certification. Classroom Aides provide general support in classrooms, assisting teachers and students without specialized qualifications. Both roles are vital in educational settings but differ mainly in their focus and required credentials.

Do you need a degree to be a special educational assistant?

A degree is not always required to become a special educational assistant, but many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills, such as patience, communication, and experience working with children or individuals with special needs, are also important. Some positions may require certification or training in first aid or special education support.

What are popular job titles related to Special Educational Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Special Educational Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Special Educational Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Special Educational Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Special Educational Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Special Educational Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Special Educational Assistant job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,377 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT - SPECIAL ED

Albuquerque Public Schools

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Albuquerque Public Schools rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

242nd of 634 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Assists certified staff in providing delivery of the instructional program.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Incumbent must achieve the following outcomes with or without reasonable accommodation:
  • Works with individuals and small groups in the classroom to reinforce material introduced by the teacher.
  • Serves as a model in developing students' language and behavior.
  • Collects, prepares and arranges resource material for use by certified personnel.
  • Operates support equipment and monitors testing or make-up work by students.
  • Maintains classroom records, prepares reports as requested by the classroom teacher or principal, scores tests, processes books, manages supplies and classroom equipment as needed.
  • Monitors student activities in classrooms, school grounds, hallways, lunchrooms, field trips, bus loading areas, etc.
  • Provides support for non-instructional classroom duties such as monitoring snacks, restrooms, clothing areas, etc.
  • Participates in teacher-parent conferences and meetings as requested by classroom teacher.
  • Reinforces the implementation of IEP goals using similar emphasis and techniques as classroom teacher.
  • Trains students in self-help skills including eating, toileting, hygiene, behavior management and academic skills.
  • Assists with custodial skills of students including lifting, positioning and adaptive equipment maintenance using established procedures.
  • Escorts students to other locations on campus and off campus with the approval of classroom teacher.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE:
The minimum expectations for this job are as follows:
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Flexibility, organization, decision-making and problem solving skills.
  • Interpersonal skills with diverse populations in-person and on the telephone.
  • Knowledge of APS community, computer system, financial and legal requirements.
  • Ability to meet deadlines, work on multiple projects and coordinate the work of others.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Experience with educational equipment preferred.

REQUIREMENTS:
All candidates must have a High School Diploma or equivalent, must be at least 18 years of age, and must meet the NCLB highly qualified requirements.
NCLB requirements are:
  • 48 college credit hours OR Pass the Paraprofessional Test

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Contact: Roberta Montoya at 505-899-2797 x42203 / montoya_rb@aps.edu
APPLY TO:
APPLY ONLINE: WWW.APS.EDU, APS Jobs, Classified Application.
In addition to providing supporting documents to meet the position requirements, you must also submit an updated cover letter & resume.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
SALARY: G SALARY SCHEDULE
DAYS: 189
HOURS: 6.5
START DATE: 08/03/26
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