Special Education Assistant Jobs
Special Education Assistant jobs are open across K-12 public schools, private schools, therapeutic day programs, and early intervention centers, from entry-level paraprofessional roles to senior classroom support positions, with specializations in autism spectrum support, behavioral intervention, and life skills instruction. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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SUBSTITUTE TEACHER/CASE MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION
Natura Academy is seeking licensed applicants to apply for an open Substitute Special Education Teacher/Case Manager position. Natura Academy is located in Hoffman Estates (Cook County) Illinois. It is a private therapeutic day school providing support to K-12 students in special education with emotional, behavioral, and learning needs. Some students also struggle to attend school.
Mission: Natura Academy believes every student can thrive when supported by adults who have an unwavering belief in their potential. We believe behavior reflects emerging skills, and that students can be developed through strength-based, evidence-based strategies rooted in restorative and Narrative Practices. Through strong family partnerships, aligned staff, and positive adult support, Natura Academy creates a supportive environment that fosters healthy emotional expression, self-advocacy, and engaged learning; we equip students and families with the skills and confidence needed for lasting success beyond the classroom.
Description: Natura Academy provides high quality academic instruction and therapeutic support to students that struggle to emotionally regulate. In a grounding and nurturing environment, the substitute teacher/case manager uses evidence-based strategies that honor the uniqueness of every learner. Restorative practices are used to support behavior, and programmatic systems are in place to proactively address behavior, increase protective factors, and ensure that teachers can effectively deliver instruction. Natura Academy values a high level of collaboration with district partners and parents. Additionally, Natura Academy is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive work culture. Administration encourages teachers to find creative ways to connect with students, many of which have had limited positive school experiences.
Qualifications:
- Substitute Teaching License or higher
- Experience with students with IEPs
- Ability to travel/drive
Essential duties and responsibilities:
- To plan, instruct, progress monitor, and collect data on each student per the substitute plans that the teacher/case manager has prepared
- To provide individual, direct, and consultative services in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) as defined by the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
- To collaborate with all members of the team regarding students with IEPs and provide guidance and support in the development of and progress toward post-secondary outcomes and IEP goals
- Other duties as assigned
Application process:
- Applicants should complete the online application and email a current resume, references, and transcripts to Dana Fair: and/or Mary Mangione: mmangione@naturaacademy.net
Website: naturaacademy.net
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $26.00 - $38.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
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Find JobsSpecial Education Assistant Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Pediatric Developmental Services123
- IDEA Public Schools109
- Wake County Public School System109
- Alabama State Department of Education68
- Michigan Association of School Boards68
Top Industries Hiring
- Education321
- Government & Public Sector14
- Healthcare & Medical Services14
- Accounting & Auditing7
- Banking & Financial Services7
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special education assistant jobs.
- High school diploma or GED with some college coursework preferred by most districts
- Experience working directly with students who have IEPs or 504 plans
- Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis techniques and positive behavior supports
- Ability to pass a state and federal background check and fingerprinting clearance
- Physical ability to assist with student mobility, transfers, and personal care routines
- Familiarity with assistive technology devices and augmentative communication systems
Tips for Your Special Education Assistant Job Search
List your paraeducator certifications prominently
If you hold a paraeducator certificate, Paraprofessional Highly Qualified status, or a state-issued instructional aide credential, put it in your resume header. Many applicants bury these below work history, and hiring coordinators scan for them first.
Tailor your resume to the disability category
Job postings for autism support, emotional and behavioral disorders, and multiple disabilities attract different reviewers. Mirror the disability category language from each posting in your resume's experience bullets so your background reads as directly relevant.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists special education assistant openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match your credentials and apply directly to each listing without sorting through unrelated postings.
Search by school district funding cycles
Most public school districts post special education assistant openings in late spring and again in early August before the academic year. Searching during these windows gives you access to the highest volume of new listings before positions fill from internal referrals.
Prepare scenario answers about de-escalation
Interviewers for special education assistant roles almost always ask how you've handled a student crisis or behavior escalation. Prepare two specific examples that name the behavior, your response, and the outcome, using the STAR format without reciting it mechanically.
Negotiate your placement on the salary schedule
Public school districts pay paraprofessionals on a step schedule tied to years of experience. Before accepting an offer, ask the HR coordinator which step you're being placed on and whether prior years in related roles, such as residential support or behavioral health, count toward advancement.
Special Education Assistant Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most special education assistants?
Pediatric Developmental Services, IDEA Public Schools, and Wake County Public School System are hiring the most special education assistants right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, Massachusetts, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is strongest in districts with high special education enrollment and those receiving federal IDEA funding.
How many special education assistant jobs are remote?
About 4% of special education assistant openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most classroom and therapeutic support roles. The sub-areas with the most remote or teletherapy-adjacent opportunities are virtual special education programs and home-based early intervention support coordination.
How do you become a special education assistant?
Start by earning a high school diploma, then complete at least two years of college coursework or earn an associate degree, which meets federal Highly Qualified Paraprofessional standards in most states. Next, pursue any state-required paraeducator certification or instructional aide credential. Gaining direct experience through volunteer work, substitute paraprofessional roles, or behavioral health positions strengthens your applications significantly before you apply to permanent classroom positions.
Can you get hired as a special education assistant with no experience?
Yes, many districts hire candidates with no formal classroom experience if they meet educational requirements and demonstrate relevant soft skills. Volunteer work with children with disabilities, coaching adaptive sports, or working in a residential care setting counts in lieu of classroom time for many hiring coordinators. Substituting as a paraprofessional is one of the most direct ways to build a record that leads to a permanent offer.
What does the special education assistant interview process look like?
Most districts run a two-stage process: an initial screening call with HR to verify credentials and availability, followed by an in-person or video panel interview with a special education coordinator, a lead teacher, or both. Panel questions focus on behavior management strategies, experience with specific disability categories, and your approach to following an IEP. Some districts also include a brief classroom observation or a written scenario response before making an offer.
Where can I find and apply to special education assistant jobs?
You can find and apply to special education assistant jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from school districts, private schools, and therapeutic programs across the United States. Find roles that match your credentials, location, and grade-level preference, then apply directly to each listing from the same place.
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