Special Education Teaching Assistant Jobs
Special Education Teaching Assistant jobs are open across K-12 public schools, private schools, and therapeutic day programs, from entry-level aide to senior paraprofessional, with specializations in autism support, behavioral intervention, and life-skills instruction. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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A Tennessee public school special education teaching assistant (grades K-8)-often called an instructional assistant, educational assistant, or paraprofessional-is responsible for providing instructional, behavioral, and personal care support to students with diverse learning disabilities under the direct supervision of a licensed special education teacher.
Job Summary The primary purpose of this role is to assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The assistant works with students in both self-contained classrooms, such as Comprehensive Development Classes (CDC), and inclusive general education classrooms to ensure a safe, productive, and accessible learning environment. Core Duties and ResponsibilitiesInstructional Support- Reinforce lessons individually or in small groups to help students master core academic concepts.
- Adapt classroom work and learning materials under the direction of the supervising teacher to meet IEP objectives.
- Administer and monitor classroom assignments, homework, and make-up tests.
- Prepare classroom materials, organize supplies, and set up assistive technology or equipment.
- Implement behavior plans and positive reinforcement techniques outlined in student IEPs.
- Employ de-escalation strategies and crisis intervention techniques when a student is in distress.
- Supervise students across school settings, including classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, and bus loading zones.
- Foster cooperative social behavior to help K-8 students build relationships with peers and adults.
Personal Care and Physical Assistance
- Assist with self-care needs, including toileting, diapering, dressing, and hygiene routines.
- Provide feeding assistance or administer basic medical needs as directed by healthcare professionals.
- Support mobility by lifting, positioning, or transferring students using adaptive equipment.
- Log student progress, data, and daily behavioral metrics to assist teachers with record-keeping.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding student, family, and medical records according to FERPA guidelines and board policy.
- Collaborate professionally with general education teachers, therapists, and school administrators.
Job Requirements and Qualifications
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required. For Title I funded schools in Tennessee, you must also hold an Associate degree, have completed 48 college credit hours, or pass a paraprofessional assessment.
- Certifications: Ability to obtain crisis de-escalation/restraint certification (e.g., CPI) and CPR/First Aid certification.
- Physical Demands: Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, and lift or move up to 50 pounds.
A Tennessee public school special education teaching assistant (grades K-8)-often called an instructional assistant, educational assistant, or paraprofessional-is responsible for providing instructional, behavioral, and personal care support to students with diverse learning disabilities under the direct supervision of a licensed special education teacher.
Job Summary The primary purpose of this role is to assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The assistant works with students in both self-contained classrooms, such as Comprehensive Development Classes (CDC), and inclusive general education classrooms to ensure a safe, productive, and accessible learning environment. Core Duties and ResponsibilitiesInstructional Support- Reinforce lessons individually or in small groups to help students master core academic concepts.
- Adapt classroom work and learning materials under the direction of the supervising teacher to meet IEP objectives.
- Administer and monitor classroom assignments, homework, and make-up tests.
- Prepare classroom materials, organize supplies, and set up assistive technology or equipment.
- Implement behavior plans and positive reinforcement techniques outlined in student IEPs.
- Employ de-escalation strategies and crisis intervention techniques when a student is in distress.
- Supervise students across school settings, including classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, playgrounds, and bus loading zones.
- Foster cooperative social behavior to help K-8 students build relationships with peers and adults.
Personal Care and Physical Assistance
- Assist with self-care needs, including toileting, diapering, dressing, and hygiene routines.
- Provide feeding assistance or administer basic medical needs as directed by healthcare professionals.
- Support mobility by lifting, positioning, or transferring students using adaptive equipment.
- Log student progress, data, and daily behavioral metrics to assist teachers with record-keeping.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding student, family, and medical records according to FERPA guidelines and board policy.
- Collaborate professionally with general education teachers, therapists, and school administrators.
Job Requirements and Qualifications
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required. For Title I funded schools in Tennessee, you must also hold an Associate degree, have completed 48 college credit hours, or pass a paraprofessional assessment.
- Certifications: Ability to obtain crisis de-escalation/restraint certification (e.g., CPI) and CPR/First Aid certification.
- Physical Demands: Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, and lift or move up to 50 pounds.
Special Education Teaching Assistant Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsSpecial Education Teaching Assistant Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Kreyco18
- Indian Prairie School District 2047
- Great Hearts Academies4
- YES Prep Public Schools4
- Wellesley Public Schools3
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special education teaching assistant jobs.
- High school diploma or associate degree with paraprofessional certification or state equivalent
- Experience implementing individualized education programs and behavior intervention plans
- Knowledge of disability categories including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and emotional disturbance
- Ability to use data collection methods such as frequency counts and ABC charting
- Crisis prevention and de-escalation training such as CPI or equivalent certification
- Strong communication skills to collaborate with special education teachers, therapists, and families
Tips for Your Special Education Teaching Assistant Job Search
Tailor your resume to IEP language
Hiring teams scan resumes for IEP, individualized education program, and behavior intervention plan. Use those exact terms when describing your experience, and note specific disability categories you have supported, such as autism spectrum disorder or emotional disturbance.
List every relevant certification upfront
Paraprofessional certificates, CPR, crisis prevention intervention, and any state-specific aide permits belong in a dedicated credentials section near the top of your resume, not buried in a footnote. Many applicant tracking systems filter by these terms before a human sees your file.
Target districts by caseload size and model
Schools running co-taught inclusion classrooms need different skills than self-contained programs. Read each posting for references to inclusion, resource room, or substantially separate settings, then customize your cover letter to show you understand which model you are applying for.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists special education teaching assistant openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare data-based observation examples for interviews
Interviewers often ask how you track student progress. Walk in ready to describe a specific system you used, whether frequency counts, ABC data sheets, or digital logs, and explain how you shared that data with a supervising teacher or therapist.
Follow up by referencing student impact
After an interview, send a thank-you note that mentions one specific aspect of the school's program or student population that stood out. Principals and special education coordinators remember candidates who demonstrated they read the district's improvement plan or understood its community.
Special Education Teaching Assistant Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most special education teaching assistants?
The companies hiring the most special education teaching assistants right now include Kreyco, Indian Prairie School District 204, and Great Hearts Academies, with the largest share of openings in New Jersey, Illinois, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Demand is highest during late summer as districts finalize staffing before the school year begins.
How many special education teaching assistant jobs are remote?
About 33% of special education teaching assistant openings are fully remote or hybrid as of August 2026, which is lower than most education roles because direct student support requires in-person presence. Remote opportunities are most common in virtual school programs and administrative paraprofessional roles that handle documentation and family coordination.
How do you become a special education teaching assistant?
Start by earning your high school diploma or GED, then complete a paraprofessional certification program or an associate degree in education, child development, or a related field. Check your state's department of education for specific licensure requirements, since requirements vary. Gaining hands-on experience through volunteering, substitute paraprofessional work, or internships in special education classrooms strengthens your application significantly.
Can you get hired as a special education teaching assistant with little experience?
Yes, many districts hire candidates with limited direct classroom experience if you can demonstrate relevant transferable skills and a genuine commitment to the work. Volunteering with disability-focused organizations, completing coursework in special education or applied behavior analysis, and obtaining a basic paraprofessional certificate all signal readiness. Substitute paraprofessional roles are a common entry point that often leads to permanent placement.
What does the special education teaching assistant interview process look like?
Most districts conduct an initial screening with a human resources coordinator, followed by a panel interview that typically includes a special education coordinator, a lead teacher, and sometimes a building principal. Expect scenario-based questions about de-escalating a student in crisis, supporting a student with an IEP during a general education activity, and communicating with a parent who disagrees with a behavior plan. Some districts request a brief observed classroom session before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to special education teaching assistant jobs?
You can find and apply to special education teaching assistant jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your experience, location preference, and the student population you want to support, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 56 Special Education Teaching Assistant Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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