Teaching Assistants, Special Education
SOC code 25-9043 · O*NET-SOC 25-9043.00 · Medium preparation needed · Education and library
What do teaching assistants, special education do?
Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Provide assistance to students with special needs.
- Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.
- Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.
- Provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.
- Carry out therapeutic regimens, such as behavior modification and personal development programs, under the supervision of special education instructors, psychologists, or speech-language pathologists.
- Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.
- Employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.
- Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 39% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree39%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)25%
- Some College Courses18%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree14%
Common questions
Can you become a teaching assistants, special education without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Speaking3.8/5
- Reading Comprehension3.6/5
- Learning Strategies3.6/5
- Monitoring3.6/5
- Critical Thinking3.4/5
- Writing3.1/5
Knowledge areas
- English Language3.5/5
- Psychology3.4/5
- Education and Training2.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.8/5
- Mathematics2.7/5
- Public Safety and Security2.6/5
- History and Archeology2.5/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Instructing.