Special Education Teaching Assistant Jobs
Special Education Teaching Assistant jobs are open across public schools, private schools, charter schools, and therapeutic day programs, from entry-level to senior paraprofessional, with specializations in autism support, behavioral intervention, and early childhood special education. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 157+ Special Education Teaching Assistant jobs
Department: Student Services/Schools
FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Non-Exempt; Unit C
Reports to: Principal or other
In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.
SUMMARY: Provides a variety of generalized support services to students and schools.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
- Childcare or working with children in a daycare setting or children/young adults in a school setting or recreation setting is preferred. Classes in education, special education, psychology or related fields is preferred. Written language, technology skill and interpersonal communication skill to support communication among team members, with community contacts, school staff and parents is required.
- Associate’s degree or minimum of 48 college credit hours (classes in education, special education, psychology or a related field preferred). Successful completion of ParaPro Assessment may be substituted for educational requirements. Bachelor’s degree in education, special education, psychology or other related field preferred.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):
- Assist the classroom teacher to include the student in all aspects of the school day
- Implement academic and social programming and strategies as developed by the team
- Implement accommodations and modifications as outlined on the IEP and developed by the team
- Implement behavior plans as developed by the team
- Assist in data collection
- Promote social interactions throughout the day
- Support students with adapted living skills such as toileting, feeding, dressing etc. as needed
- Communicate on a regular basis with the family or as directed by the school team
- Maintain confidentiality about all personal information regarding the student, programming and family
- Assist in all aspects of the school day whether or not such aspects directly pertain to the individual student, this includes supervision at recess, lunch or other “duties”
- May be expected to provide substitute educator services
- May be expected to attend trainings related to position
- Consistent, reliable and punctual attendance is essential for supervision and instruction of the students
- Responsible for implementing “other job related duties” as needed
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
Work Environment:
- Ability to physically support students who utilize specialized equipment such as standers, wheelchairs, supportive seating etc.
- Ability to physically respond to students who are physically unsafe and use physical restraints as part of a de-escalation process (verbal de-escalation is preferred).
- Ability to physically respond to students who have bolted from the building.
- Ability to physically maintain a safe learning environment, including moving furniture in response to a crisis situation.
Physical Requirements:
- Regularly required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Department: Student Services/Schools
FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Non-Exempt; Unit C
Reports to: Principal or other
In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.
SUMMARY: Provides a variety of generalized support services to students and schools.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
- Childcare or working with children in a daycare setting or children/young adults in a school setting or recreation setting is preferred. Classes in education, special education, psychology or related fields is preferred. Written language, technology skill and interpersonal communication skill to support communication among team members, with community contacts, school staff and parents is required.
- Associate’s degree or minimum of 48 college credit hours (classes in education, special education, psychology or a related field preferred). Successful completion of ParaPro Assessment may be substituted for educational requirements. Bachelor’s degree in education, special education, psychology or other related field preferred.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):
- Assist the classroom teacher to include the student in all aspects of the school day
- Implement academic and social programming and strategies as developed by the team
- Implement accommodations and modifications as outlined on the IEP and developed by the team
- Implement behavior plans as developed by the team
- Assist in data collection
- Promote social interactions throughout the day
- Support students with adapted living skills such as toileting, feeding, dressing etc. as needed
- Communicate on a regular basis with the family or as directed by the school team
- Maintain confidentiality about all personal information regarding the student, programming and family
- Assist in all aspects of the school day whether or not such aspects directly pertain to the individual student, this includes supervision at recess, lunch or other “duties”
- May be expected to provide substitute educator services
- May be expected to attend trainings related to position
- Consistent, reliable and punctual attendance is essential for supervision and instruction of the students
- Responsible for implementing “other job related duties” as needed
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
Work Environment:
- Ability to physically support students who utilize specialized equipment such as standers, wheelchairs, supportive seating etc.
- Ability to physically respond to students who are physically unsafe and use physical restraints as part of a de-escalation process (verbal de-escalation is preferred).
- Ability to physically respond to students who have bolted from the building.
- Ability to physically maintain a safe learning environment, including moving furniture in response to a crisis situation.
Physical Requirements:
- Regularly required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
See All 157+ Special Education Teaching Assistant Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any special education teaching assistant role that fits.
Find JobsSpecial Education Teaching Assistant Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- IDEA Public Schools80
- Chicago Public Schools37
- Albemarle County Public Schools8
- Ahrc Nyc5
- Austin Independent School District3
Top Industries Hiring
- Education138
- Healthcare & Medical Services5
- Science & Research1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special education teaching assistant jobs.
- Experience supporting students with disabilities in a classroom or therapeutic setting
- Familiarity with Individualized Education Programs and IEP goal implementation
- Associate degree or 60 college credit hours, or a paraeducator certification
- Ability to assist with personal care, mobility, and behavioral support needs
- Knowledge of positive behavioral supports and de-escalation strategies
- Experience with assistive technology tools and augmentative communication devices
Tips for Your Special Education Teaching Assistant Job Search
Tailor your resume to IEP language
Hiring managers scan for familiarity with Individualized Education Programs. Use terms like IEP goals, accommodations, progress monitoring, and least restrictive environment in your resume so it reads as fluent to special education coordinators, not just education generalists.
List your paraeducator certifications upfront
Many districts filter applications by certification before a human ever reads your resume. Put your paraeducator certificate, CPI training, or state-specific credential in the header or a dedicated certifications line so it clears automated screening.
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.
Target postings that name your disability specialization
A posting that says autism spectrum support or emotional behavioral disorder is signaling the population you will work with daily. If your experience matches that population, say so explicitly in your cover letter rather than describing your background in general special education terms.
Prepare scenario answers around de-escalation
Interviewers for special education roles almost always ask how you have handled a student in crisis or managed a behavioral escalation. Prepare two or three concrete examples using specific strategies like visual schedules, sensory breaks, or non-violent crisis intervention techniques.
Follow up by referencing a shared IEP detail
After an interview, your thank-you note lands better when it references a specific student need or instructional approach discussed in the conversation. It shows you were listening for the role's actual demands, not just presenting rehearsed answers.
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 IDEA Public Schools, Chicago Public Schools, and Albemarle County Public Schools, with the largest share of openings in Texas, Illinois, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Demand tends to be highest in public school districts with large special education populations and in therapeutic day school networks.
How many special education teaching assistant jobs are remote?
About 0% of special education teaching assistant openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, which is low compared to most education roles. The sub-areas most likely to include remote or hybrid components are behavioral coaching, parent training support, and virtual therapeutic program assistance, where direct one-on-one student contact is not required every session.
How do you become a special education teaching assistant?
To become a special education teaching assistant, earn at least a high school diploma and then meet your state's paraprofessional requirements, which often means completing 60 college credit hours or an associate degree. Get hands-on experience through volunteering or substitute work in special education classrooms, pursue a paraeducator certificate if your state offers one, and obtain any required first aid or behavioral intervention training before applying.
Can you get hired as a special education teaching assistant with little experience?
Yes, many districts hire candidates with limited formal experience if you can show relevant transferable skills. Volunteer work with students with disabilities, experience as a camp counselor for special needs youth, or coursework in child development or psychology all strengthen an application. Highlight any direct interaction with individuals with disabilities, your familiarity with IEP terminology, and your willingness to complete required on-the-job training.
What does the special education teaching assistant interview process look like?
Most interviews for this role include a phone or video screening with HR, followed by an in-person interview with the special education coordinator or principal. You will typically be asked scenario-based questions about managing behavioral challenges, supporting students with specific disabilities, and collaborating with a lead teacher. Some districts include a brief classroom observation or a short demonstration of how you would redirect a student during a dysregulated moment.
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 the listings to find roles that match your experience, specialization, and preferred location, then apply directly to each opening that fits.
See All 157+ Special Education Teaching Assistant Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any special education teaching assistant role that fits.
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