Earning an Education Assistant Diploma means that you’re ready to take on the challenges of helping students get the most out of their education and reach their full potential as learners. You’re also prepared to help classroom teachers ensure that their lesson plans effectively reach all students in the classroom, including those with exceptional learning requirements.
It’s clear that educators perform an essential duty for the students they educate and the community at large. Every day, teachers help shape the course of their students’ lives, and in doing so, the contours of our society.
More than just a job, teaching is often described as a calling. This path demands professional dedication, patience, compassion, and empathy. And with their particular focus on supporting students most often at risk of exclusion, the Education Assistant College graduate can expect a challenging career path, yes – but one that is among the richest in personal and professional rewards.
Here are just a few of the benefits of becoming a special education assistant:
Diverse Job Opportunities
Whether you pursue your diploma on-campus or take online education assistant training, there will be a job waiting for you when you graduate. That’s just one of the advantages of following a career path that is in demand and requires a particular skillset that most mainstream classroom teachers do not possess. And there are plenty of work environments to choose from as an education assistant. Graduates find positions in public and private schools, at learning centers, community centers, or in the homes of their students. Whether you prefer an inclusive classroom setting, a smaller more personalized work environment – or a combination of both – these educators can customize learning around what works best for teachers, parents and students.
Exciting Discoveries
Every year, new research is published about how humans learn – and in particular, how learning disabilities impact students in mainstream classes. Education assistants are the teacher’s link to those resources, and to all of the fascinating breakthroughs we’re seeing about how to more effectively include special needs in traditional classroom settings. From the latest computer software programs to compelling person-to-person techniques, special needs assistants are on the cutting edge of making education truly accessible to each and every student.
Becoming Part of the Solution
Gone are the days where special needs students are isolated from the general student population, excluded from learning opportunities, and treated as “less than.” Trends in education point to a growing awareness and interest in making schools more inclusive – more welcoming of diversity, in all of its forms. Education assistants get to ride the curve of that wave, helping to usher in a much more inspiring take on learning – for each and every member of the classroom.
Fearless in the Face of Challenge
It’s important to recognize that working with students can be stressful. Even with top quality training, teachers are often challenged to identify the very best learning strategies for their students. There are very few, if any, quick fixes. Collaborating closely with teachers and parents, some assistants may work with students for months before recognizing any real gains in learning. This is where education assistants build their trademark patience, endurance and positivity. Determined to connect with their students and find the most effective learning solutions, special needs educators are truly fearless in the face of a challenge. And it’s this kind of endurance that builds professional success, and the rewards that come with seeing students reach milestones and make breakthroughs.
What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of a career in special education
