Professional Qualifications of Special Education Teacher Assistants

Professional Qualifications of Special Education Teacher Assistants

Special Education is a field that continues to grow rapidly throughout the world. The 21st century thus far has seen an increased interest and attention paid to the area of Special Education. There are a variety of staff members within a Special Education facility or department within a larger facility that contribute to the well-being and education of the students. Teacher Assistants in Special Education are a part of this group. Special Education Teacher Assistants play a valuable role in the Special Education classroom experience. They often provide the assistance, additional supervision, and attention to the students that allows the teachers and other specialists to do perform their job functions successfully.

To be an effective Special Education Teacher Assistant (SETA), one must have some training and specialized knowledge regarding the types of student populations, classroom environments & procedures, as well as what kind of paperwork inside the classroom and what is personally required. For example, in the New York City school district, the largest school district in the United States, SETA's are often required to have coursework, a degree, or real world experience before they can even apply to be a SETA, also called a paraprofessional. Furthermore, after completing some basic paperwork, NYC SETA's are required to serve as substitute SETA's as part of their application and certification processes.

In order to qualify for full-time employment, it is required to begin as a substitute special education teaching assistant (paraprofessional). You must serve at least 25 days on the substitute roster to qualify for full-time employment. You should obtain state certification as a Teaching Assistant. (NYCDOE, 2010,-Page 18)

SETA's work with a diverse group of students, such as those with emotional disorders, behavior disorders, challenges with communication, as well as students with various kinds of physical, intellectual, or other kinds of disabilities. SETA's often, in the work place, have the opportunity to work with and come in contact with students of various ages, as these kinds of conditions can develop in early childhood, as well as be diagnosed later in childhood and adolescence. It is important that people interested in becoming SETA's are well informed, well educated, and have more than superficial experience working with students in these populations. It ensures that the choice they are making is one made with clarity.

While SETA's do not have the same kind of professional requirements and professional responsibilities as lead teachers in Special Education, SETA's still have a challenge before them that requires education, integrity, and dedication. Special Education is a challenging field for most, and a rewarding field for some. The challenge is not only for the lead teachers or the specialists such as Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Social Workers or Counselors, and lead teachers. Whatever the challenges Special Education professionals face, the SETA's are there to provide support in a variety of ways, as the meaning of support often varies depending on the situation and the needs of a particular child.

Though the duties of a special education assistant vary depending on students' specific needs, their primary goal is generally to provide classroom support to teachers. This support includes work with students and other tasks like paperwork and lesson planning. These assistants also help by attending to any physical needs a student may have, like grooming or eating. Overseeing students to ensure that no harm or danger befalls them in the classroom and in other areas like hallways, cafeterias and playgrounds is another important job aspect. (Education Portal, 2012)