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How a teaching assistant (special education) can use AI, task by task

O*NET 25-9043.00: Teaching Assistants, Special Education30 tasksJob Zone 3: Medium preparation

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Assistant Instructor, Co-Teacher, Educational Assistant, Paraeducator, Paraprofessional (Para), SPED Aide (Special Education Aide), SPED Para (Special Education Paraprofessional), SPED TA (Special Education Teacher Assistant), TA (Teacher's Assistant), Teacher's Aide.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 10%AI-assist 35%Stays human 55%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 5 AI-ready, 10 AI-assist and 15 human-led tasks out of 30. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.Train & teach · Several times a day
Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.Train & teach · Daily
Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, supervised role-playing methods, or by reading aloud.Train & teach · Daily

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Provide assistance to students with special needs.Hands-on care · Several times a day
Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.Lead people · Several times a day
Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.Lead people · Several times a day

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 5

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.

Daily

AI turns complex material into plain-language handouts.

Show prompt & steps

AI is great at turning complicated material into plain-language guides, handouts, FAQs and how-tos for a specific audience. You check it's accurate.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.

Context: We use Schoology and Children's educational software; the work draws on psychology.
Course: [subject, level]
Platform: [LMS, website]

Plan a module structure, multimedia pieces and accessibility checks. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Online course materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you use computers and audio-visual aids (today).

Step 2Fill in [Course] and [Platform] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check accessibility (captions, alt text) before publishing.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Create technology-based learning materials..

Take class attendance and maintain attendance records.

Daily

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to take class attendance and maintain attendance records.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Records: [grades, attendance, reports]
Rules: [privacy]

Draft templates or entries without names. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Student records

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you take class attendance (today).

Step 2Fill in [Records] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Maintain student records..

Prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations.

Weekly

AI turns complex material into plain-language handouts.

Show prompt & steps

AI is great at turning complicated material into plain-language guides, handouts, FAQs and how-tos for a specific audience. You check it's accurate.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Course: [subject, level]
Need: [syllabus, assignment, handout]

Draft the material with clear objectives and grading criteria. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Course materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays and exhibits (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Course] and [Need] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop instructional materials..

Grade homework and tests, and compute and record results, using answer sheets or electronic marking devices.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to grade homework and tests, and compute and record results, using answer sheets or electronic marking devices.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Records: [grades, attendance, reports]
Rules: [privacy]

Draft templates or entries without names. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Student records

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you grade homework and tests (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Records] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Maintain student records.. Also involves: Evaluate student work..

Prepare lesson outlines and plans in assigned subject areas and submit outlines to teachers for review.

Monthly

AI turns complex material into plain-language handouts.

Show prompt & steps

AI is great at turning complicated material into plain-language guides, handouts, FAQs and how-tos for a specific audience. You check it's accurate.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to prepare lesson outlines and plans in assigned subject areas and submit outlines to teachers for review.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Class: [grade, subject]
Lesson: [topic, objectives, activities]

Write a lesson plan with objectives, materials, timing, activities, differentiation and assessment. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Lesson plan write-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare lesson outlines and plans.

Step 2Fill in [Class] and [Lesson] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Adapt it for your actual class and check it meets your school's template.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Document lesson plans..

AI can help you prep these 10

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.

Several times a day

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.

Context: We use Schoology and Children's educational software; the work draws on psychology.
Skill: [hygiene, healthy eating, recognition skills]
Learners: [age group]

Plan a playful lesson with routines and songs or games. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Life skills lesson

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you teach socially acceptable behavior.

Step 2Fill in [Skill] and [Learners] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Teach life skills..

Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.

Context: We use Children's educational software and Schoology; the work draws on psychology.
Student need: [topic, exam, performance]
Time: [minutes]

Plan a diagnostic question, targeted practice and a confidence check. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Tutoring session

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you tutor and assist children individually (today).

Step 2Fill in [Student need] and [Time] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3End with one thing the student can do on their own.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Tutor students who need extra assistance..

Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, supervised role-playing methods, or by reading aloud.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, supervised role-playing methods, or by reading aloud.

Context: We use Schoology and Children's educational software; the work draws on psychology.
Session: [orientation, self-help, community class]
Audience: [describe]

Plan the agenda, activities and handouts. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Lead a session or event

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you present subject matter (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Session] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Lead classes or community events..

Employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.

Context: We use Children's educational software and Schoology; the work draws on psychology.
Learner needs: [general description, no names]
Goals: [skills to build]

Suggest accommodations, targeted activities and progress checks. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Support plan for a learner

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you employ special educational strategies or techniques (today).

Step 2Fill in [Learner needs] and [Goals] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Align with the student's IEP or support plan.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop strategies or programs for students with special needs..

Instruct students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and self-sufficiency, such as hygiene, safety, or food preparation.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to instruct students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and self-sufficiency, such as hygiene, safety, or food preparation.

Context: We use Schoology and Children's educational software; the work draws on psychology.
Skill: [hygiene, healthy eating, recognition skills]
Learners: [age group]

Plan a playful lesson with routines and songs or games. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Life skills lesson

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you instruct students (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Skill] and [Learners] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Teach life skills..

Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.

Context: We use Children's educational software and Schoology; the work draws on psychology.
Topic: [unit, schedule]
Colleagues: [teachers, staff]

Draft a co-planning agenda and lesson outline. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Co-plan lessons

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you discuss assigned duties (today).

Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Colleagues] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs..

Organize and supervise games and other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, and social development.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to organize and supervise games and other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, and social development.

Context: We use Children's educational software and Schoology; the work draws on psychology.
Learners: [age, level]
Topic and time: [subject, sessions]

Plan activities with objectives, materials, timing and differentiation. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Plan a unit or activity

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you organize and supervise games and other recreational activities (today).

Step 2Fill in [Learners] and [Topic and time] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Teach one activity and note what worked.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Plan educational activities..

Maintain computers in classrooms and laboratories, and assist students with hardware and software use.

Weekly

AI suggests causes to test; the hands-on fix is yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can suggest likely causes and a diagnostic order to try. Hands-on testing and the final fix are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to maintain computers in classrooms and laboratories, and assist students with hardware and software use.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
System: [cyber tools, applications]
Issue or update: [describe]

List maintenance and update steps. Rank causes from most to least likely with a quick test for each, and flag safety risks.

10-minute exercise: Software or security tool maintenance

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain computers (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [System] and [Issue or update] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Test the most likely cause first, and stop at anything it flags as a safety risk.

Never follow AI repair steps that bypass safety procedures, lockout/tagout or manufacturer guidance.

Importance 3.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Maintain computer equipment or software..

Requisition and stock teaching materials and supplies.

Monthly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to requisition and stock teaching materials and supplies.

Context: We use Blackboard software and Automate the Schools ATS.
Materials: [parts, supplies]
Data: [paste counts]

Organize inventory with reorder flags. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Materials inventory

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you requisition and stock teaching materials and supplies.

Step 2Fill in [Materials] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 2.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products..

Assist librarians in school libraries.

Weekly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to assist librarians in school libraries.

Context: We use Seesaw and Children's educational software; the work draws on psychology.
Request: [materials, project]
Users: [teachers, students]

Suggest sources and a search plan. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Support teachers' research

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assist librarians (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Request] and [Users] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Open two of the sources it gives and confirm the key claim before you use it.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 3.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Assist other educational professionals with projects or research..

These stay human 15

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Physical closeness to others: very close (near touching) · Contact with others: constant contact with others · Face-to-face discussions: once a week or more but not every day · Frequency of decisions: once a week or more but not every day

Provide assistance to students with special needs.

Several times a day

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can help around the care: plain-language explanations for patients, study and revision, checklists and paperwork drafts. Use only tools your employer has approved for health information.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to provide assistance to students with special needs.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Needs: [general description]
Supports: [devices, accommodations]

List supports and how to use them in class. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Supporting students with special needs

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide assistance. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Needs] and [Supports] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Assist students with special educational needs..

Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.

Several times a day

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Activity: [recess, events, transport, clubs]
Risks: [safety, behaviour]

Make a supervision plan: positions, rules, what to watch, and responses. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Supervising activities plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise students. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Activity] and [Risks] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Supervise school or student activities..

Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.

Several times a day

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to enforce administration policies and rules governing students.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Rule or situation: [behaviour issue, no names]
Policy: [school rule]

Give me calm wording to address it, steps if it continues, and how to stay consistent.

10-minute exercise: Consistent rule enforcement

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you enforce administration policies and rules governing students. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Rule or situation] and [Policy] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Use it next time and reflect on how it went.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Enforce rules or policies governing student behavior..

Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.

Daily

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Situation: [grades, misconduct, attendance, no names]
Goal: [support or discipline outcome]

Help me plan the conversation, the support options, and how to document it. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Student performance follow-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you instruct and monitor students (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Use the plan and record the outcome. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor student performance.. Also involves: Teach others to use technology or equipment..

Distribute teaching materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils, to students.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to distribute teaching materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils, to students.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Materials: [classroom, library]
Recipients: [describe]

Make a distribution and tracking routine. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Materials distribution

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you distribute teaching materials (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Materials] and [Recipients] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Distribute instructional or library materials..

Carry out therapeutic regimens, such as behavior modification and personal development programs, under the supervision of special education instructors, psychologists, or speech-language pathologists.

Daily

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to carry out therapeutic regimens, such as behavior modification and personal development programs, under the supervision of special education instructors, psychologists, or speech-language pathologists.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Program: [behaviour plan, follow-up care]
My role: [aide, therapist]

List implementation steps, observations to record and when to report. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Therapeutic program support

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you carry out therapeutic regimens (today).

Step 2Fill in [Program] and [My role] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Follow the plan as written and report deviations.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Implement therapeutic programs to improve patient functioning..

Provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.

Daily

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to provide students with disabilities with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Needs: [general description]
Supports: [devices, accommodations]

List supports and how to use them in class. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Supporting students with special needs

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide students (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Needs] and [Supports] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Assist students with special educational needs..

Observe students' performance, and record relevant data to assess progress.

Daily

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to observe students' performance, and record relevant data to assess progress.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Situation: [grades, misconduct, attendance, no names]
Goal: [support or discipline outcome]

Help me plan the conversation, the support options, and how to document it. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Student performance follow-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you observe students' performance and record relevant data (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Use the plan and record the outcome.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor student performance.. Also involves: Maintain student records..

Prepare classrooms with a variety of materials or resources for children to explore, manipulate, or use in learning activities or imaginative play.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to prepare classrooms with a variety of materials or resources for children to explore, manipulate, or use in learning activities or imaginative play.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Activity: [lesson, centres]
Learners: [age, number]

List materials, room layout and set-up order. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Classroom set-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare classrooms (today).

Step 2Fill in [Activity] and [Learners] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check the room is safe and accessible before learners arrive.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Set up classroom materials or equipment..

Clean classrooms.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to clean classrooms.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Area: [lab, classroom, facility]
Hazards: [chemicals, materials]

Make a safe cleaning routine. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Cleaning routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clean classrooms (today).

Step 2Fill in [Area] and [Hazards] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Clean facilities or work areas.. Also involves: Maintain clean work areas..

Organize and label materials and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their eye levels and perceptual skills.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to organize and label materials and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their eye levels and perceptual skills.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Work: [art, projects]
Space: [walls, gallery]

Plan layout and labels. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Student work display

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you organize and label materials (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Work] and [Space] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check consent for displaying names or images.

Importance 3.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Display student work..

Assist in bus loading and unloading.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to assist in bus loading and unloading.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Activity: [recess, events, transport, clubs]
Risks: [safety, behaviour]

Make a supervision plan: positions, rules, what to watch, and responses. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Supervising activities plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assist in bus (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Activity] and [Risks] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Supervise school or student activities..

Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.

A few times a year

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Committee: [board, department, governing body]
Agenda item: [describe]
My view: [what I'll argue for]

Prepare my position in 2 sentences, the strongest counter-arguments, questions to ask, and what I'll vote or decide based on.

10-minute exercise: Committee meeting prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you attend staff meetings.

Step 2Fill in [Committee], [Agenda item] and [My view] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Read the papers yourself before the meeting.

Importance 2.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Serve on institutional or departmental committees..

Laminate teaching materials to increase their durability under repeated use.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to laminate teaching materials to increase their durability under repeated use.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Activity: [lesson, centres]
Learners: [age, number]

List materials, room layout and set-up order. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Classroom set-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you laminate teaching materials.

Step 2Fill in [Activity] and [Learners] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check the room is safe and accessible before learners arrive.

Importance 2.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Set up classroom materials or equipment..

Participate in teacher-parent conferences regarding students' progress or problems.

A few times a year

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant (special education). Part of my job is to participate in teacher-parent conferences regarding students' progress or problems.

Context: The work draws on psychology.
Student progress: [strengths, concerns; no names]
Goals: [what you want to agree]

Prepare an agenda, examples, questions and a shared plan. Then play the parent. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Parent-teacher conference

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you participate in teacher-parent conferences regarding students' progress or problems. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Student progress] and [Goals] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Send a short summary of agreed actions afterward.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Discuss student progress with parents or guardians..

Get the full prompt pack for Teaching Assistants, Special Education

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

Monitoringimportance 3.6/5
Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Active Listeningimportance 3.9/5
Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.6/5
Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Complex Problem Solvingimportance 3.0/5
Used in: Monitoring and Controlling Resources

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Writingimportance 3.1/5
Used in: Training and Teaching Others
Critical Thinkingimportance 3.4/5
Used in: Training and Teaching Others
Speakingimportance 3.8/5
Used in: Training and Teaching Others
Social Perceptivenessimportance 3.8/5
Used in: Training and Teaching Others

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Substitute Teachers, Short-Term41% human-led · Needs more preparation · $41,670/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Time Management
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors21% human-led · Needs more preparation · $61,540/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Instructing, Time Management, Writing
Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education48% human-led · Same preparation · usually high school diploma
Skills to build: Complex Problem Solving, Time Management
Dancers82% human-led · Same preparation · usually high school diploma
Skills to build: Coordination

Getting into this job

Bachelor's degree is most common (39% of workers)

High school or less 25%
Certificate or some college 18%
Associate's 14%
Bachelor's 39%
Graduate degree 4%

On-the-job training: up to 1 month
Related experience: 1–3 months

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values). Some of these estimates are lower precision.

Software in this job

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