The Career Profile Project

Job Title and Job Description

Teacher Aide, Special Education

Work as an assistant in a class for students with disabilities. Most of my work involves assisting one, two or three students at a time with therapies and classwork. I like the variety of work that I do, which includes working with the teachers, speech therapist and physical therapist.

What are some related career opportunities and job titles in your company or in your career area?

Special education teacher, physical therapaist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, social worker.

What education or training did you have to prepare for this career?

H.S. Diploma and some volunteer experience. I was fortunate to be hired with just a high school diploma, since a two-year degree is usually required.

What education or training do you recommend for students today who want to enter this field?

A two-year degree is usually required for being hired.

When you were in high school, did you know that you would enter this field?

Yes, I knew I was interested in working with people with disabilities.

Skills Profile

Skills Used	Rating (5=Most Important thru 1=Not Important)	Comments
Artistic
Athletic / Physical		Helping students with physical therapy; lifting from wheelchairs
Bilingual
Computer Technology
Coordination / Using Hands, Tools, and Equipment
Creative Thinking
Interpersonal
Investigative / Fact Finding
leadership and Supervising
Logical Thinking
Math
Mechanical Understanding		Using equipment
Sales and Negotiation
Scientific and Experimental		Trying different approaches to teach skills
Social Service / Helping Skills
Teaching / Instructing
Verbal Communication		Communicate with professionals, students, parents
Understanding Nature, Plants, Animals		Understanding how our bodies and minds work
Understanding Yourself
Writing
Interview By: Teacher Aide