Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
What is a special education instructional assistant and how to become one
Special education instructional assistants assist both special education teachers and special needs students in an intensive care classroom. They support the teachers with both administrative and educational tasks. They provide both curricular and non-curricular help to special needs students. Furthermore, they help in curriculum development to ensure that the individual needs of their learners are adequately met. Additionally, they help grade homework, take attendance, maintain classroom materials, and manage student files. Lastly, they help monitor students during free time.
For this job, you don't necessarily need a college degree; a high school diploma would suffice when opportunities present themselves. If you'd be getting a degree, get it in special education or psychology. Positions are available at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Key skills include listening, speaking, social perceptiveness, and coordination. The average annual salary of these professionals is $32,301, which amounts to $15.53 an hour. It varies from $27,000 to $38,000.
What general advice would you give to a special education instructional assistant?
Patricia Rogan Ph.D.
Professor, Special Education/Urban Teacher Education, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Avg. Salary $32,025
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 4%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1.23%
Asian 7.34%
Black or African American 8.75%
Hispanic or Latino 24.13%
Unknown 4.48%
White 54.07%
Genderfemale 80.71%
male 19.29%
Age - 45American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 45Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity level is basic
7 - challenging
Work life balance is excellent
6.4 - fair
Special education instructional assistant career paths
Key steps to become a special education instructional assistant
Explore special education instructional assistant education requirements
Start to develop specific special education instructional assistant skills
Skills Percentages CPR 14.45% Instructional Materials 6.87% Autism 6.71% Behavior Management 6.33% Math 5.82% Gain additional special education instructional assistant certifications
More About CertificationsSpecial education instructional assistant certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific special education instructional assistant certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for special education instructional assistants include Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Medical Assistant.
Research special education instructional assistant duties and responsibilities
- Help to manage activities and assist with projects for autistic and ADHD diagnose preschoolers enroll in the special education summer program.
- Perform responsible human support and paraprofessional work assisting classroom teacher or other professionals, achieve institution objectives.
- Have taught math and done individualize instruction with modifications and adaptations for other students with learning disabilities.
- Provide individual instruction in math and reading for kindergarten and first grade students identify as having learning and/or developmental disabilities.
Prepare your special education instructional assistant resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your special education instructional assistant resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a special education instructional assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable special education instructional assistant resume templates
Build a professional special education instructional assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your special education instructional assistant resume.
Apply for special education instructional assistant jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a special education instructional assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first special education instructional assistant job
Are you a special education instructional assistant?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average special education instructional assistant salary
The average special education instructional assistant salary in the United States is $32,025 per year or $15 per hour. Special education instructional assistant salaries range between $25,000 and $40,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do special education instructional assistants rate their job?
Special education instructional assistant reviews
As a paraprofessional, you often get left out of Professional Development activities, vertical team meetings, etc. and have a limited capacity to influence educational decisions within the organization.
Helping students with various intellectual or behavior disabilities to be successful in the classroom and in life.
The kids light up my days.
The demand and low pay. Teachers have families, too.
You got to work with learners who will love you unconditionally. It gives a great satisfaction to be able to help them. I love learners with Special Needs and I am a Mom of one.
I can't say, maybe because there is none.
Updated January 8, 2025
