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The differences between special education assistants and special education teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a special education teacher has an average salary of $54,290, which is higher than the $32,149 average annual salary of a special education assistant.
The top three skills for a special education assistant include paraprofessional, behavior management and IEP. The most important skills for a special education teacher are classroom management, autism, and behavior management.
| Special Education Assistant | Special Education Teacher | |
| Yearly salary | $32,149 | $54,290 |
| Hourly rate | $15.46 | $26.10 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 62,239 | 67,699 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 4.33 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
A special education assistant is responsible for supporting class activities in an inclusive classroom setting, assisting students with their tasks under the supervision of a special education teacher. Special education assistants create comprehensive lesson plans which adhere to the students' curriculum and special needs. They also help with developing engaging activities to promote an active learning environment while monitoring the students' personal and social behavior. A special education assistant must have excellent communication and organization skills, ensuring the progress of the students by regular interaction, and managing their needs.
A special education teacher is responsible for teaching students with disabilities. Special education teachers are trained professionals to provide distinct learning instructions for children with special cases for them to achieve their potentials and improve their self-confidence. A special education teacher must have excellent communication and organizational skills to assist the students with their learning areas. Special education teachers should be able to come up with engaging activities to support the students' behavioral and intellectual development.
Special education assistants and special education teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Special Education Assistant | Special Education Teacher | |
| Average salary | $32,149 | $54,290 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $40,000 | Between $39,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | New York, NY | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Benicia Unified School District | Baltimore City Public Schools |
| Best paying industry | Education | Government |
There are a few differences between a special education assistant and a special education teacher in terms of educational background:
| Special Education Assistant | Special Education Teacher | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 57% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Special Education |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between special education assistants' and special education teachers' demographics:
| Special Education Assistant | Special Education Teacher | |
| Average age | 44 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 21.9% Female, 78.1% | Male, 24.6% Female, 75.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 8.7% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4% | Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.6% Asian, 3.6% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 8% |