Special Education Teaching Assistant Jobs in New York
Special Education Teaching Assistant jobs in New York are concentrated in New York City, Buffalo, and Rochester, where large public school systems and specialized schools serve high volumes of students with disabilities. Employers like the New York City Department of Education, Abbott House, and the Archdiocese of New York have consistent openings for assistants trained in autism support, behavioral intervention, and students with multiple disabilities. Demand runs from entry-level classroom aide roles through experienced paraprofessionals with specialized certifications, making New York one of the most active markets in the country for this field. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 22+ Special Education Teaching Assistant jobs
Position Details:
- Full-time: 32 hours per week, Monday–Friday, following our school calendar.
- Competitive rate of pay: $18.50 per hour.
- Racker offers benefits including tuition assistance, health insurance, and a 20% discount on childcare services for children and grandchildren of full-time staff.
- Support individual children and classroom needs under the guidance of the classroom teacher.
- Assist with program planning and implementing IEPs to support children’s instructional and social-emotional growth in group, one-on-one and small group settings.
- Implement individualized strategies consistently and independently.
- Provide direct care, including toileting, feeding, dressing, lifting, and positioning children.
- Participate respectfully in a multidisciplinary team, including daily debriefs and weekly team meetings.
- Collect and record student data as well as assist in troubleshooting with teacher to ensure progress.
- Prepare classroom and instructional materials.
- Communicate professionally with families as directed by the classroom teacher.
- Ensure the smooth functioning of the classroom in the teacher's absence.
- Attend training and adhering to program regulations, including OCFS standards.
- Maintain a positive, professional, and confidential work environment.
- Accept feedback, show initiative, and contribute to the development of a supportive educational setting.
- Bring your love of children and openness to learning!
- High School diploma or GED. Some college preferred.
- New York State Teacher Assistant certification - preferred prior to hire date or must complete process within the first six (6) months of employment.
- At least one year of special education or early childhood-related work experience required.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, organizational abilities, and collaboration skills.
- Ability to physically assist children to participate in the program; ability to lift up to forty (40) pounds; ability to engage in repetitive movements such as sitting/kneeling on floor, bending and stooping; ability to move quickly to attend to a running child.
Be part of a supportive and innovative environment where your contributions directly impact the growth and happiness of children and their families. This role offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth while making a meaningful difference every day.
Take the Next Step!
If you’re passionate about working with children and want to be part of a collaborative, caring team, apply today and help us build a brighter future for every child!
Our approach to Diversity and Inclusion -
Position Details:
- Full-time: 32 hours per week, Monday–Friday, following our school calendar.
- Competitive rate of pay: $18.50 per hour.
- Racker offers benefits including tuition assistance, health insurance, and a 20% discount on childcare services for children and grandchildren of full-time staff.
- Support individual children and classroom needs under the guidance of the classroom teacher.
- Assist with program planning and implementing IEPs to support children’s instructional and social-emotional growth in group, one-on-one and small group settings.
- Implement individualized strategies consistently and independently.
- Provide direct care, including toileting, feeding, dressing, lifting, and positioning children.
- Participate respectfully in a multidisciplinary team, including daily debriefs and weekly team meetings.
- Collect and record student data as well as assist in troubleshooting with teacher to ensure progress.
- Prepare classroom and instructional materials.
- Communicate professionally with families as directed by the classroom teacher.
- Ensure the smooth functioning of the classroom in the teacher's absence.
- Attend training and adhering to program regulations, including OCFS standards.
- Maintain a positive, professional, and confidential work environment.
- Accept feedback, show initiative, and contribute to the development of a supportive educational setting.
- Bring your love of children and openness to learning!
- High School diploma or GED. Some college preferred.
- New York State Teacher Assistant certification - preferred prior to hire date or must complete process within the first six (6) months of employment.
- At least one year of special education or early childhood-related work experience required.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, organizational abilities, and collaboration skills.
- Ability to physically assist children to participate in the program; ability to lift up to forty (40) pounds; ability to engage in repetitive movements such as sitting/kneeling on floor, bending and stooping; ability to move quickly to attend to a running child.
Be part of a supportive and innovative environment where your contributions directly impact the growth and happiness of children and their families. This role offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth while making a meaningful difference every day.
Take the Next Step!
If you’re passionate about working with children and want to be part of a collaborative, caring team, apply today and help us build a brighter future for every child!
Our approach to Diversity and Inclusion -
See All 22 Special Education Teaching Assistant Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSpecial Education Teaching Assistant Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Special Education Teaching Assistant Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special education teaching assistant jobs across New York.
- New York State certification or approval as a teaching assistant (Level I, II, or III)
- Associate degree or at least 18 college credits in education or a related field
- Experience or coursework in supporting students with IEPs and disabilities
- Familiarity with applied behavior analysis or behavioral intervention strategies
- Ability to pass New York State background clearance through NYSED fingerprinting
- Strong written communication skills for documenting student progress and IEP goals
Special Education Teaching Assistant Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a special education teaching assistant in New York?
To become a teaching assistant in New York, you must hold a New York State Education Department teaching assistant certificate. Level I requires a high school diploma and is for those completing coursework, Level II requires an associate degree or equivalent college credits, and Level III requires a bachelor's degree. Applications go through NYSED's TEACH online system. Most school districts also require fingerprint clearance through NYSED before you begin working in a classroom.
Which companies hire special education teaching assistants in New York?
Companies currently hiring special education teaching assistants in New York include All About Kids, West Genesee Central School District, and Racker, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Beyond large public systems, charter networks and nonprofit agencies that contract with New York school districts also maintain steady openings for paraprofessionals and classroom support staff.
Which New York cities have the most special education teaching assistant jobs?
Brooklyn, Bronx, and Camillus have the most special education teaching assistant openings in New York. New York City alone accounts for the largest share, driven by the NYC Department of Education's size as one of the largest public school systems in the country, while Buffalo and Rochester have strong demand through their respective city school districts and the surrounding suburban and rural districts that serve high proportions of students with disabilities.
Are there remote special education teaching assistant jobs in New York?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of special education teaching assistant openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how hands-on and in-person the role is by nature. The small number of remote opportunities tend to involve one-on-one tutoring support, teletherapy assistance, or administrative coordination for special education programs rather than direct classroom aide work.
How can I get hired as a special education teaching assistant in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a Level I teaching assistant certificate through NYSED, which requires only a high school diploma, then targeting paraprofessional openings within the New York City Department of Education or large suburban districts like Long Island's Sachem or Smithtown Central. Many districts accept candidates with no classroom experience if they are actively completing coursework. Volunteering or completing fieldwork hours at a local school or nonprofit like HeartShare Human Services of New York can strengthen an application significantly.
Where can I find and apply to special education teaching assistant jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to special education teaching assistant jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your certification level and preferred location, and apply directly to whichever positions fit your background and goals.
See All 22 Special Education Teaching Assistant Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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