Teaching Assistants, Special Education

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 5 (17%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 6 (20%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 19 (63%)

• Grade homework and tests, and compute and record results, using answer sheets or electronic marking devices.AI can speed this up on its own · Seen in real AI use
• Maintain computers in classrooms and laboratories, and assist students with hardware and software use.AI can speed this up on its own
• Prepare lesson outlines and plans in assigned subject areas and submit outlines to teachers for review.AI can speed this up on its own
• Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, supervised role-playing methods, or by reading aloud.AI can speed this up on its own
• Take class attendance and maintain attendance records.AI can speed this up on its own
• Assist librarians in school libraries.AI can speed this up with extra software
• Observe students' performance, and record relevant data to assess progress.AI can speed this up with extra software
• Organize and label materials and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their eye levels and perceptual skills.AI can speed this up with extra software
• Prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations.AI can speed this up with extra software · Seen in real AI use
• Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.AI can speed this up with extra software · Seen in real AI use
• Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.AI can speed this up with extra software · Seen in real AI use
• Assist in bus loading and unloading.Little or no AI speed-up
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.Little or no AI speed-up
• Carry out therapeutic regimens, such as behavior modification and personal development programs, under the supervision of special education instructors, psychologists, or speech-language pathologists.Little or no AI speed-up
• Clean classrooms.Little or no AI speed-up
• Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.Little or no AI speed-up
• Distribute teaching materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils, to students.Little or no AI speed-up
• Employ special educational strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory.Little or no AI speed-up
• Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.Little or no AI speed-up
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.Little or no AI speed-up · Seen in real AI use
• Instruct students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and self-sufficiency, such as hygiene, safety, or food preparation.Little or no AI speed-up
• Laminate teaching materials to increase their durability under repeated use.Little or no AI speed-up
• Organize and supervise games and other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, and social development.Little or no AI speed-up · Seen in real AI use
• Participate in teacher-parent conferences regarding students' progress or problems.Little or no AI speed-up
• Prepare classrooms with a variety of materials or resources for children to explore, manipulate, or use in learning activities or imaginative play.Little or no AI speed-up
• Provide assistance to students with special needs.Little or no AI speed-up
• Provide disabled students with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as restrooms.Little or no AI speed-up
• Requisition and stock teaching materials and supplies.Little or no AI speed-up
• Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.Little or no AI speed-up
• Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification or positive reinforcement.Little or no AI speed-up

Questions about teaching assistants, special education and AI