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Sped Assistant Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Rite of Passage

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER

Harrisburg, AR · On-site

$50K/yr

Rite of Passage Team is hiring for a SPED Teacher at The Harrisburg Juvenile Treatment Center (H.J ... and assist as needed in the classroom setting. With proven and efficient school policies and ...

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How much do sped assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for sped assistant in Arkansas is $15.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.31 and $16.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sped assistant?

Sped Assistants, also known as Special Education Assistants or paraprofessionals, are support staff who work under the supervision of special education teachers to assist students with disabilities in educational settings. They help implement individualized education plans (IEPs), provide academic and behavioral support, and assist with daily classroom activities. Their role may also include helping students with personal care, mobility, and communication, ensuring students receive equal opportunities to learn and participate. Sped Assistants play a vital role in fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

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

To thrive as a Sped Assistant, you need a solid understanding of special education practices, child development, and often at least a high school diploma or relevant coursework in education. Familiarity with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), assistive technology, and classroom management systems is typically required. Patience, empathy, and strong communication skills are crucial for supporting students with diverse needs and collaborating with teachers and parents. These skills and qualities are vital for creating an inclusive learning environment and helping students reach their full potential.

What are some common challenges a sped assistant faces when supporting students with diverse needs, and how are these typically addressed?

Sped Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a variety of learning and behavioral needs, adapting instructional materials, and balancing support among multiple students. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing collaboration with special education teachers, participating in regular training sessions, and maintaining open communication with the educational team. Flexibility, patience, and a willingness to learn new strategies are key qualities that help Sped Assistants succeed in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Sped Assistant vs Paraprofessional?

AspectSped AssistantParaprofessional
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require additional trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; often similar requirements
Work EnvironmentSpecial education classrooms, assisting students with disabilitiesVarious settings including classrooms, support roles, and general education
Employer & IndustrySchools, districts, special education programsSchools, educational institutions, sometimes in healthcare or community programs
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar roles supporting students with disabilities

Both Sped Assistants and Paraprofessionals work in educational settings supporting students, especially those with special needs. While their credentials are similar, Sped Assistants typically focus specifically on assisting in special education classrooms, whereas Paraprofessionals may work in a broader range of educational or support roles. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How to become a special education assistant?

To become a special education assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue relevant certifications such as paraprofessional or teacher assistant credentials. Experience working with children with special needs and strong communication skills are also important; some positions may require additional training or coursework in special education methods.

What does a special education assistant do?

A special education assistant supports students with disabilities by helping them with daily activities, implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), and assisting teachers in managing classroom behavior. They often work closely with students, use communication tools, and may require training or certification in special education support. Their role ensures students receive appropriate educational assistance in a classroom setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sped jobs in Arkansas?

The most popular types of Sped jobs in Arkansas are:

Sped Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sped Assistant job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,979 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Special Education Teacher with Standard SpEd License

Jacksonville North-Pulaski

Jacksonville, AR • On-site

$44K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Position Title:  Special Education Teachers With Standard License-  $3,500 Stipend

Department:    Building Level

Reports To:    Building Principal

Contract:           190 days

Contrat Date:     Until Filled

SUMMARY: The special education teacher serves as a specialist to support students who are found eligible for special education services as defined by IDEA. The special education teacher plans and provides specialized instruction for students with disabilities through direct and indirect instructional support for academic subjects, cognitive processing and appropriate social skills. In addition to these specific individualized programs, the special education teacher may assist general education classroom teachers through co-teaching, team teaching and with a selection of appropriate curricula and accommodations, and the development of behavior management programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Display knowledge and understanding of District, State and Federal procedures, policies and regulations by adherence to requirements, maintaining confidentiality and completing student records and reports accurately and on time.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills for administration and interpretation of various specialized student assessments necessary for program planning and progress monitoring.
  • Establish and facilitate meetings and discussions, necessary for effective communication and follow-up regarding instructional strategies for students with disabilities to benefit from the general education curriculum.
  • Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, support personnel and other professionals to determine special education needs, develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs, and monitor the progress of students.
  • Serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team as appropriate; participate effectively as a team member; contribute creative solutions to problems; assumes case management responsibilities; use training and experience to support classroom instruction.
  • Recognize the need for prevention; involve others in the planning and delivery of prevention activities; perform prevention, follow-up, and program evaluation activities.
  • Demonstrate thorough knowledge of a variety of developmental assets; resiliency/protective factors and related community supports; engage in a variety of activities to create programs that support students and families; evaluate intended outcomes of programs created
  • Participate in professional development, curriculum development meetings and ongoing training to further develop specialized skills.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in planning, preparation, and utilizing special educational strategies, techniques, and technologies for instruction with students.
  • Create an environment of respect and create a culture of learning through proficient classroom procedures and appropriate management of student behavior and development of individual student behavior intervention plans when needed.
  • Demonstrate proficient strategies for instruction, including Communication with students, using questioning techniques; use of engagement strategies and demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to student instructional needs.
  • Demonstrate professional responsibilities, including; collecting data for documenting student progress, reflecting on teaching, maintaining accurate records, communicating with families, participating in a professional learning community, growing and developing professionally, and demonstrating professionalism.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/LICENSURE/EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred; the field of study correlated to teaching assignment as a special education teacher with the appropriate standard licensure code or equivalent. Individuals who are willing to work on an ALP (Additional Licensure Program) in special education may be considered. Teachers with experience are valued; however, no prior experience is required.

*STIPEND FOR STANDARD LICENSED SPED TEACHERS:

$3,500 stipend will be given yearly for standard license SpEd Teachers if hired to teach full-time. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Successful completion of pre-employment background checks. Appropriate personal and professional conduct at all times around students, other staff members and the general public.

                                                                                         

The Jacksonville North Pulaski School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It is the policy of the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin or disability in its educational programs, activities or employment practices.