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Special Education Teacher Assistant

Would you love to work in special education but do not have the time, money, or desire to get your teaching license? Why not become a special education teacher assistant? These highly valuable paraprofessionals have the important job of supporting special education teachers in a variety of environments. Tasks of a special education assistant include assisting in the supervision and instruction of a variety of special needs students, observing and documenting student progress, implementing instructional plans and providing special health care needs for students. If this sounds like the description of your dream job, go back to college and get your career training today.

Education and training for a special education teacher assistant

Although it is possible to begin working as a special education teacher assistant with no more than a GED, or a high school diploma, you will have a much better chance at employment if you have some postsecondary education from a traditional, or online, college. Degrees in child development, education, or a related field can set you apart from other job candidates and give you the winning edge. In addition to your education, you will likely need some job-related experience to land your dream job. Try to get some relevant experience working or volunteering with children, especially with those who have special needs.

There are other skills that are necessary for anyone who wishes to work as a special education teacher assistant. These skills include a high level of patience and the ability to cope with stress, basic skills in mathematics, English, basic knowledge of special needs issues, excellent communication and organizational skills and the ability to work as a team player.

Job description

The special education teacher assistant performs a variety of functions, including adapting educational tasks under the direction of the teacher, administering first aid and medical care to students in need, applying and removing physical therapy devices, and assisting students with accessibility technology. They also load children in and out of wheelchairs, and assist with other transportation from one location to another. They help with mealtime tasks, maintain instructional materials, monitor students, help implement IEPs, reinforce behavioral plans and perform clerical tasks for the teacher. In short, the assistant is the right hand of the special education teacher and a vital member of the team.

If you feel that you have what it takes to make the world a better place as a special education teacher assistant, start training for this great field today. Special education is always in need of compassionate, caring professionals and special education teachers rely heavily on the help of these talented assistants. The salary averages around $17,000 to $24,000 a year in most areas and increases with experience. As such, this is not a job you enter for money alone. Instead, you have to choose the career because you have a love for children and a real desire to help them live better lives.