What does a special education instructional assistant do?
Special education instructional assistant does work under the supervision of the principal and other administrative workers, especially in school and college. They prepare the material aids which are helping to teach in the classroom. Moreover, they are more inclined upon the progress of students. Conducting the exams, preparing the notes, preparing the result and giving the instruction to the students about their life career and course books etc are the main duties of the special education instructional assistant. They preach, instruct, command and come up with the idea about making the school environment more friendly and viable.
Special education instructional assistant responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real special education instructional assistant resumes:
- 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.
- Familiarize myself with ABA teaching and behavior techniques.
- Support and assist in implementation of ABA and behavior plans.
- Guide students and assist teachers in the subjects of science, mathematics, social studies, and life skills.
- Schedule and administer ESL assessment tests to students; schedule test dates; provide instructions and answer questions about testing.
- Collaborate with general and special education teachers to provide accommodations/modifications to comply with IEP guidelines.
- Coach special education students to participate in educational opportunities such as reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Collect measurable data relevant to IEP goals and coursework and communicate with instructional team regarding student progress and interventions.
- Collaborate with speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and other professionals to develop and implement IFSP goals.
- Major responsibilities include proof reading and grading exams, updating grade books, and preparing PowerPoint presentations used in lecture.
- Develop web pages and PowerPoint presentations.
- Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of special education students in a classroom and/or community environment.
Special education instructional assistant skills and personality traits
We calculated that 14% of Special Education Instructional Assistants are proficient in CPR, Instructional Materials, and Autism. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Interpersonal skills, and Patience.
We break down the percentage of Special Education Instructional Assistants that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CPR, 14%
Maintain CPR certification and follow crisis intervention and management techniques established through Professional Crisis Management Association.
- Instructional Materials, 7%
Created instructional materials and procedures consistent with individual learning, needs and behaviors.
- Autism, 7%
Promoted life skill development of autism support students, strengthening student adaptability.
- Behavior Management, 6%
Assisted students in the Behavior Management Center by providing them with individual instruction to ensure assignment completion.
- Math, 6%
Have taught math and done individualized instruction with modifications and adaptations for other students with learning disabilities.
- Behavioral Problems, 5%
Obtain a certificate on how to retain and control children with behavioral problems.
Common skills that a special education instructional assistant uses to do their job include "cpr," "instructional materials," and "autism." You can find details on the most important special education instructional assistant responsibilities below.
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a special education instructional assistant to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "teacher assistants need to be clear and concise in discussing student progress with teachers and parents." Additionally, a special education instructional assistant resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "assist students with developing self-help, social and communication skills as assigned. "
Interpersonal skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling special education instructional assistant duties is interpersonal skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "teacher assistants must be able to develop relationships with a variety of people, including teachers, students, parents, and administrators." According to a special education instructional assistant resume, here's how special education instructional assistants can utilize interpersonal skills in their job responsibilities: "follow education plan using writing, art, and interpersonal coaching to supplement instruction and provide accountability. "
Patience. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of special education instructional assistants is patience. This skill is critical to many everyday special education instructional assistant duties, as "working with students of different abilities and backgrounds may be difficult." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "demonstrate patience and understanding while providing individualized instruction in a safe, inclusive classroom learning environment for students with significant disabilities. "
Resourcefulness. A big part of what special education instructional assistants do relies on "resourcefulness." You can see how essential it is to special education instructional assistant responsibilities because "teacher assistants must find ways to explain information to students who have different learning styles." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical special education instructional assistant tasks: "showed resourcefulness and teaching effectiveness in meeting the needs of students with limited english language proficiency as well as learning disabilities. "
Most common special education instructional assistant skills
The three companies that hire the most special education instructional assistants are:
- Leander ISD22 special education instructional assistants jobs
- Peoria Unified School District10 special education instructional assistants jobs
- Bullitt County Public Schools7 special education instructional assistants jobs
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Compare different special education instructional assistants
Special education instructional assistant vs. Learning support teacher
Learning support teachers focus on offering out-of-school education to pupils who need additional help. Their duties include planning and implementing constructive teaching policies as well as collaborating with parents, other relevant professionals, and personnel. They assist pupils in adapting and overcoming problems that emerge due to learning difficulties. Also, the design and foster suitable skills and social abilities as well as motivate students to develop independence, self-confidence, and to achieve their full potential. Additionally, they develop and deliver lessons as well as record and assess children's progress.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between special education instructional assistants and learning support teacher. For instance, special education instructional assistant responsibilities require skills such as "cpr," "autism," "behavior management," and "behavioral problems." Whereas a learning support teacher is skilled in "classroom management," "general education curriculum," "language arts," and "student learning." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Learning support teachers tend to make the most money working in the education industry, where they earn an average salary of $35,976. In contrast, special education instructional assistants make the biggest average salary, $33,416, in the education industry.On average, learning support teachers reach higher levels of education than special education instructional assistants. Learning support teachers are 12.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Special education instructional assistant vs. Classroom aide
Classroom aides or teacher's aides are found in special education centers and schools. Some of their many roles include supervising field trips, attendance checking, and preparing classroom materials. They help the teachers by assisting students who need extra attention to keep up with the lessons. Being very patient and proficient in ASL are skills that all of them need to have, especially when working with students in the special education spectrum. They should be very critical to detail to accurately track the progress of the student under their supervision and discuss them with the teachers and parents.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real special education instructional assistant resumes. While special education instructional assistant responsibilities can utilize skills like "math," "behavioral problems," "instructional assistance," and "google drive," classroom aides use skills like "classroom management," "behavioral issues," "paraprofessional," and "bulletin boards."
On average, classroom aides earn a lower salary than special education instructional assistants. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, classroom aides earn the most pay in the education industry with an average salary of $28,909. Whereas special education instructional assistants have higher pay in the education industry, with an average salary of $33,416.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Classroom aides tend to reach similar levels of education than special education instructional assistants. In fact, they're 2.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for special education instructional assistants in the next 3-5 years?
Patricia Rogan Ph.D.
Professor, Special Education/Urban Teacher Education, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
Special education instructional assistant vs. Teacher associate
A teacher associate is responsible for assisting the teacher in classroom operations and providing teaching support for the students. Teacher associates develop learning materials according to the instructions of the headteachers, helping them to track students' progress and observing class behaviors. They also take class responsibility if the teacher is away, ensuring to keep activity records and attendance for reference. A teacher associate must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in handling students' difficulties and working with the teacher to develop techniques to address those challenges.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, special education instructional assistants are more likely to have skills like "autism," "behavioral problems," "instructional assistance," and "data collection." But a teacher associate is more likely to have skills like "child care," "classroom management," "child development," and "cleanliness."
Teacher associates earn the highest salary when working in the health care industry, where they receive an average salary of $32,745. Comparatively, special education instructional assistants have the highest earning potential in the education industry, with an average salary of $33,416.teacher associates typically earn similar educational levels compared to special education instructional assistants. Specifically, they're 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Special education instructional assistant vs. Para educator
Paraeducators' primary role is to provide students with extra guidance and support outside or inside the classroom. They are also called paraprofessional educators or teaching assistants who are expected to support teachers. In small group activities, they take the lead permitting teachers to help their students in many ways. The necessary skills required include organization, intellectual curiosity, and being calm. They should also be creative, a team player, and knowledgeable. A bachelor's degree in education is also a necessity for this job.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between special education instructional assistants and para educators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a special education instructional assistant might have more use for skills like "autism," "google drive," "adaptive," and "emotional support." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of para educators require skills like "behavioral issues," "direct supervision," "general education," and "classroom management. "
In general, para educators earn the most working in the education industry, with an average salary of $30,060. The highest-paying industry for a special education instructional assistant is the education industry.In general, para educators hold similar degree levels compared to special education instructional assistants. Para educators are 2.2% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of special education instructional assistant
Updated January 8, 2025
