Many teacher aides work extensively with special education students. Schools are becoming more inclusive, integrating special education students into general education classrooms. As a result, teacher aides in general education and special education classrooms increasingly assist students with disabilities. Aides may attend to a student's physical needs, including feeding, teaching good grooming habits, or assisting students riding the school bus. They also may provide personal attention to students with other special needs, such as those whose families live in poverty, or students who speak English as a second language or need remedial education.
Aides help assess a student's progress by observing performance and recording relevant data.
Half of all teacher aides work part time. Aides also may work outdoors, supervising recess when weather allows, and spend much of their time standing, walking, or kneeling. Teacher aides who work with special education students may perform more strenuous tasks, including lifting, as they help students with their daily routine. Those who perform clerical work may feel overwhelmed by tedious administrative duties, such as making copies or typing. Aides also must demonstrate initiative and a willingness to follow a teacher's directions.