Special educational needs assistant
Also known as: SEN TA, teaching assistant in special educational needs, inclusive education assistant, assistant in special educational needs, special educational needs teaching assistant, SEN teaching assistant
About this occupation
Special educational needs assistants assist special education teachers in their classroom duties. They tend to the physical needs of students with a variety of disabilities and help out with tasks such as bathroom breaks, bus rides, eating and classroom switches. They also provide instructional support to students, teachers and parents and prepare lesson programmes. Special educational needs assistants supply support for students tailored to their specific needs, help out with challenging assignments and monitor students' progress and classroom behaviour.
Essential skills and knowledge
- disability care
- provide teacher support
- support the positiveness of youths
- assess the development of youth
- learning needs analysis
- give constructive feedback
- facilitate motor skill activities
- special needs education
- encourage students to acknowledge their achievements
- assist students in their learning
- manage student relationships
- assist students with equipment
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education (O*NET 25-9042.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.
- Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.
- Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
- Teach social skills to students.
- Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
- Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Active Listening, Social Perceptiveness, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Coordination, Service Orientation
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (3.8)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.5)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- 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.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Tutors
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
- Self-Enrichment Teachers
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.