Many teaching assistants work extensively with special education students. Schools are becoming more inclusive, integrating special education students into general education classrooms. As a result, teaching assistants 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.
Assistants help assess a student's progress by observing performance and recording relevant data.
Half of all teaching assistants work part time. Assistants also may work outdoors supervising recess when weather allows, and spend much of their time standing, walking, or kneeling. Seeing students develop and gain appreciation of the joy of learning can be very rewarding. However, working closely with students can be both physically and emotionally tiring. Teaching assistants who work with special education students may perform more strenuous tasks, including lifting, as they help students with their daily routine.