School District of Philadelphia / Decatur, Stephen School / Special Education Assistant

Job-title file

Special Education Assistant

Provide administrative support — record-keeping, scheduling, correspondence, and customer service.

24 employees hold this title in Decatur, Stephen School. Median total compensation for the role is $36,587, below the department median of $78,792.

Employees: 24
Total payroll: $836.5K
Role median: $36,587
Agency median: $78,792
Comparison: Below

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$27,447$37,962+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 24 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

Special Education Assistant pay vs. the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Across all employers in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area, the median wage for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary — about 26,990 people — is $36,080. Decatur, Stephen School pays a median base salary of $36,587 for this role, 1% above that figure — about the 53rd percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Decatur, Stephen School sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$26,870

$32,220

$36,080

$40,010

$46,470

Decatur, Stephen School median · $36,587

The bar is the range of annual wages for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary across every employer in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Decatur, Stephen School’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

And across the country

Nationwide, the median wage for Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary — about 1,420,350 people — is $36,780. Decatur, Stephen School’s median base salary is in line withthat national figure, about the 49th percentile of pay for the occupation nationally.

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$27,150

$31,060

$36,780

$45,360

$50,040

Decatur, Stephen School median · $36,587

Local and national wages differ for reasons beyond how well a job pays — cost of living, the mix of employers, and local demand for the occupation all move the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD range relative to the national one.

Median total compensation for this role at Decatur, Stephen School is $36,587, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare departments

This role across School District of Philadelphia

Special Education Assistant is held in 219 School District of Philadelphia departments. In Decatur, Stephen School, the median of $36,587 ranks #52 of 219.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Masterman, Julia R. High School

$39,910 · 2

Edison, Thomas a High School

$37,962 · 22

Alexander, Sadie T.M. Upenn Partnership School

$37,962 · 9

Bartram, John High School

$37,962 · 9

Conwell, Russell H. School

$37,962 · 2

Bodine, William W. High School

$37,962 · 2

Crossan, Kennedy C. School

$37,962 · 7

Comly, Watson School

$37,962 · 12

Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush

$37,962 · 3

Academy for the Middle Years at Northwest

$37,962 · 1

Central High School

$37,962 · 4

Elkin, Lewis School

$37,962 · 3

Median total compensation for the Special Education Assistant role in other School District of Philadelphiadepartments (highest first). Each bar links to that department’s page for this role.

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Michelle Bucher

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$37,962

Base pay: $37,962
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $37,962
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Michelle Bucher holds the role of Special Education Assistant at Decatur, Stephen School. In 2026, their total compensation was $37,962. Union affiliation: Pft.

Megann Carey

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$37,962

Base pay: $37,962
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $37,962
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

At Decatur, Stephen School, Megann Carey serves as a Special Education Assistant. Their 2026 pay totaled $37,962. Union affiliation: Pft.

Karen Dudick

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$37,962

Base pay: $37,962
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $37,962
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

At Decatur, Stephen School, Karen Dudick serves as a Special Education Assistant. Their 2026 pay totaled $37,962. They are represented by Pft.

Paula Finley

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$37,962

Base pay: $37,962
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $37,962
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Paula Finley works as a Special Education Assistant for Decatur, Stephen School. Paula earned $37,962 in 2026. Their bargaining unit is Pft.

Collen Foster

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$37,962

Base pay: $37,962
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $37,962
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Collen Foster works as a Special Education Assistant for Decatur, Stephen School. Collen earned $37,962 in 2026. Their bargaining unit is Pft.

Kevin Gallagher

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$37,962

Base pay: $37,962
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $37,962
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

At Decatur, Stephen School, Kevin Gallagher serves as a Special Education Assistant. Their 2026 pay totaled $37,962. Their bargaining unit is Pft.

Jennifer Jaje

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$37,962

Base pay: $37,962
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $37,962
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Jennifer Jaje is a Special Education Assistant at Decatur, Stephen School. 2026 total compensation came to $37,962. Union affiliation: Pft.

Elizabeth Kitchenman

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$37,962

Base pay: $37,962
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $37,962
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Elizabeth Kitchenman works as a Special Education Assistant for Decatur, Stephen School. Elizabeth earned $37,962 in 2026. Union affiliation: Pft.

Melissa Romero

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$37,962

Base pay: $37,962
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $37,962
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

At Decatur, Stephen School, Melissa Romero serves as a Special Education Assistant. Their 2026 pay totaled $37,962. Their bargaining unit is Pft.

Francis Schmeltzer

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$37,962

Base pay: $37,962
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $37,962
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Francis Schmeltzer works as a Special Education Assistant for Decatur, Stephen School. Francis earned $37,962 in 2026. They are represented by Pft.

Bethanne Schultz

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$37,962

Base pay: $37,962
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $37,962
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

At Decatur, Stephen School, Bethanne Schultz serves as a Special Education Assistant. Their 2026 pay totaled $37,962. They are represented by Pft.

Takeasha Delancy

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$37,962

Base pay: $37,962
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $37,962
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Takeasha Delancy works as a Special Education Assistant for Decatur, Stephen School. Takeasha earned $37,962 in 2026. They are represented by Pft.

Christine Dalton

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$35,212

Base pay: $35,212
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $35,212
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Christine Dalton holds the role of Special Education Assistant at Decatur, Stephen School. In 2026, their total compensation was $35,212. Their bargaining unit is Pft.

Denise Lathrop

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$35,212

Base pay: $35,212
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $35,212
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Denise Lathrop is a Special Education Assistant at Decatur, Stephen School. 2026 total compensation came to $35,212. They are represented by Pft.

Sara Whitehouse

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$35,212

Base pay: $35,212
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $35,212
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Sara Whitehouse works as a Special Education Assistant for Decatur, Stephen School. Sara earned $35,212 in 2026. Union affiliation: Pft.

Isabelle Shepherd

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$33,452

Base pay: $33,452
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $33,452
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

At Decatur, Stephen School, Isabelle Shepherd serves as a Special Education Assistant. Their 2026 pay totaled $33,452. Their bargaining unit is Pft.

Kaylee Donahue

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$31,545

Base pay: $31,545
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $31,545
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

At Decatur, Stephen School, Kaylee Donahue serves as a Special Education Assistant. Their 2026 pay totaled $31,545. Their bargaining unit is Pft.

Nicole Miller

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$31,545

Base pay: $31,545
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $31,545
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Nicole Miller is a Special Education Assistant at Decatur, Stephen School. 2026 total compensation came to $31,545. Union affiliation: Pft.

Deborah Townsend

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$31,545

Base pay: $31,545
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $31,545
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Deborah Townsend works as a Special Education Assistant for Decatur, Stephen School. Deborah earned $31,545 in 2026. They are represented by Pft.

Riley Weldon

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$31,545

Base pay: $31,545
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $31,545
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Riley Weldon holds the role of Special Education Assistant at Decatur, Stephen School. In 2026, their total compensation was $31,545. They are represented by Pft.

Gabrielle Dambrosio

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$31,545

Base pay: $31,545
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $31,545
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Gabrielle Dambrosio is a Special Education Assistant at Decatur, Stephen School. 2026 total compensation came to $31,545. Union affiliation: Pft.

Caroline Harris

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$28,326

Base pay: $28,326
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $28,326
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Caroline Harris holds the role of Special Education Assistant at Decatur, Stephen School. In 2026, their total compensation was $28,326. Their bargaining unit is Pft.

Kristen Lawrence

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$28,326

Base pay: $28,326
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $28,326
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Kristen Lawrence holds the role of Special Education Assistant at Decatur, Stephen School. In 2026, their total compensation was $28,326. Their bargaining unit is Pft.

Tracy Hoover

Special Education Assistant/Decatur, Stephen School

2026 total comp

$27,447

Base pay: $27,447
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $27,447
Union / bargaining unit: Pft
Pay basis: Salaried

Source-specific fields

Home Organization: 8420
Organization Level: Elementary-Middle
Run Date: Apr 1, 2026
School Year: 2025-2026

Tracy Hoover is a Special Education Assistant at Decatur, Stephen School. 2026 total compensation came to $27,447. Union affiliation: Pft.