Teacher Assistant

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Related roles: Educational Assistant, Instructional Assistant, Paraeducator, Paraprofessional, Teacher Aide,Before/Afterschool Program Aide

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Similar Titles

Educational Assistant, Instructional Assistant, Paraeducator, Paraprofessional, Teacher Aide, Before/Afterschool Program Aide

Job Description

Teachers have incredibly busy jobs, which is why many need help. A Teacher Assistant helps licensed teachers in a variety of ways. They act as classroom rule enforcers, modeling proper social skills while ensuring students stay well-behaved and on-task. They lend a hand preparing classrooms, setting up equipment, and getting materials ready for an upcoming lesson. They observe students and offer tutoring assistance to individuals and small groups during activities, answering questions, or giving guidance as needed. 
 
Also known as paraprofessionals, teacher aides, instructional aides, or education assistants, they may be required to supervise students during periods outside of the classroom. Such times can include when students are roaming the halls, eating lunch in cafeterias, working out at the gym, or traveling during field trips. In addition, teacher assistants keep diligent records, offer their teacher supervisors insights into student needs and behaviors, and assist with lesson planning and development. 

Rewarding Aspects of Career
  • Working with students and having a direct impact on their lives
  • Helping to ensure students have a positive educational experience
  • Playing a critical role in assisting those with unique needs
2018 Employment
1,380,300
2028 Projected Employment
1,435,700
The Inside Scoop
Job Responsibilities

Working Schedule
 
A Teacher Assistant generally works between Monday through Friday; ~37% work part-time. Some may be in charge of supervising students on school buses during trips to and from school, which may extend duty hours.
During periods when school is out (i.e., summer and holiday breaks), there may not be work. However, certain teacher assistants do work year-round.

Typical Duties

  • Assist teachers in the preparation of lesson and activity materials
  • Organize activities aimed at developing specific skills 
  • Set up audio/visual or computer equipment 
  • Provide extra “eyes on” students during class 
  • Enforce classroom rules and model proper behavior
  • Record student performance and offer insights to the teacher when necessary
  • Keep track of attendance and assist with calculating grades
  • Supervise students when the teacher is away, or when students are out of the classroom (i.e., in the halls, cafeterias, gym, at recess, or on field trips)
  • Mentor individual students or assist small groups to offer personalized guidance with assigned tasks
  • Offer additional support to students facing unique learning challenges
  • Additional Responsibilities
  • Substitute during periods of the primary teacher’s absence 
  • Collaborate with peers on creating and improving student programs
  • Work with teachers and parents to review student progress
Skills Needed on the Job

Soft Skills

  • Ability to work independently
  • Compassion, logic, and objectivity 
  • Empathy and patience
  • Desire and aptitude to help others succeed
  • Strong communication skills, including active listening 
  • Keen organizational skills
  • The ability to monitor and assess student behavior
  • Resourcefulness and leadership
  • Resilience and composure 
  • Skills for coordinating and instructing activities
  • Informed social and cultural awareness 
  • Sound judgment and decision-making, sometimes under pressure

Technical Skills

  • General familiarity with computers (PC or Apple)
  • Knowledge of visual presentation equipment (such as video magnifiers, televisions, etc.) 
  • Knowledge of printers, scanners, and photocopy equipment
  • Microsoft Office, Google apps, Macintosh software
  • Using various school database automation systems 
  • Familiarity with educational software designed for K-12 students
Different Types of Organizations
  • Private and public schools
  • Childcare centers
  • Religious and volunteer organizations
Expectations and Sacrifices

Teacher Assistants must exhibit high degrees of patience and enthusiasm while working in dynamic classroom environments. They are expected to model exemplary behavior at all times and maintain composure while addressing challenges such as inappropriate student behavior or emergency situations. They should be well-prepared for all planned lessons and activities, as well as unplanned contingencies. Teacher Assistants must be equipped to ensure the safety and well-being of students they are tasked with watching over. 

Current Trends

Becoming a fully-licensed teacher can be a challenge. Many Teacher Assistants are interested in gaining exposure to the work conditions teachers face, before making a lengthy and perhaps expensive commitment to seek licensure in their state. Teacher Assistants can gain practical background experience, which serves them well if they decide to invest in the process of becoming a teacher. 
 
After working as a Teacher Assistant, it is not uncommon for a person to decide that being a teacher is not the perfect fit for them. Others, however, will discover they do want to take the necessary steps to advance. Many are simply happy to remain as Teacher Assistants with lower wages than full teachers, but also less scope of responsibility.    

What kind of things did people in this career enjoy doing when they were younger…

Many enjoyed the learning experiences from their own K-12 days. They want to return to the classroom, but on the “other side” of things. Instead of being a student, they want to help mentor and nurture students this time around. Teacher Assistants tend to be active and lively, enjoy social interactions, and both mental and physical challenges.
 
They may have volunteered or worked as counselors, coaches, trainers, or care providers in a range of areas. Some have personal experiences helping those who grapple with learning disabilities. They come from diverse backgrounds and most have a strong desire to work towards cultural and socioeconomic improvements within the educational system and beyond. 

Education and Training Needed
  • Education and training requirements vary based on state, school type, and personal career goals
    • Public schools typically require two years of college or an associate’s degree, with courses in relevant areas
    • Title 1 schools (i.e., those receiving federal funding) require a two-year college degree or applicable certificate, by federal mandate 
    • Private or charter schools may only require a high school diploma
    • Applicable state licensure may be needed
  • Strong reading, math, and writing skills may be required, depending on the district 
  • CPR and/or First Aid certifications may be needed; these are required to be kept current
  • Expect skills tests if working with special needs youth
  • Awareness of and a commitment to diversity and equality in schools 
  • Internships, in some cases, can be helpful
  • At least basic familiarity with computers, tablets, office software, and Internet research
  • Familiarity with a second language is often beneficial
Things to look for in an university
  • Associate’s degree offerings in assistant teaching, paraprofessional education, early childhood development, or associated areas
  • If your state requires additional certification, check to see if the associate’s program includes courses for that as well
  • Consider specialization areas (such as special education), if offered and related to the career you want to pursue
  • The school should be accredited, meaning it has undergone a quality assurance process to ensure it’s providing high caliber education
  • Consider the cost of tuition, discounts, and local scholarship opportunities (in addition to federal aid)
  • Think about your schedule and flexibility, when deciding whether to enroll in an on-campus, online, or hybrid program
List of Teacher Assistant Programs

There are over 200 Teacher Assistant programs currently available in the US, many of which are accredited and offered on-campus, online, or via hybrid courses where some coursework is done online. 

Things to do in High School and College
  • High school teachers are often the perfect people to ask for guidance and mentorship
  • Ask if your school offers opportunities to volunteer; any experience "behind-the-scenes" is beneficial to understanding teachers' daily routine and how the school operates
  • If your high school offers them, consider taking courses that can help prepare you for future college courses related to pedagogy, developmental psychology, special education, assessment methods, and behavior management
  • Hone up on your reading, math, and writing skills
  • Expand your knowledge of concepts related to diversity and social justice standards within K-12 settings, as these are critical current topics
  • Look for volunteer or paid opportunities outside the school, such as with youth organizations, religious activities, for-profit businesses, or other places where interaction with children is part of the role 
  • Network often and keep a list of contacts, including email addresses
  • As you gain experience, find roles that demand you to exhibit leadership skills and perform duties with increased responsibilities and less oversight
How to land your 1st job
  • Document details of everything you do, for future use on your resume and/or college applications. A Word document or Google Doc is a great way to keep track of things (just make sure to keep a backup!)
  • The more efforts you’re able to put in during high school and college, the better your chances of having a great resume
  • Use quantifiable results on your resume, when possible (data, statistics, and numbers, such as how many students you were responsible for in a role)
  • In addition to courses taken and any volunteer or paid work you’ve done, make sure to list any other practical experience you have of working with children, including internships
  • Stay connected to your network and ask for leads on upcoming job openings
  • Stay up-to-date on the latest developments; things change quickly in the education world
  • Apply for open positions found on Indeed.com, EdJoin.org, and other job-seeking sites
  • Ask relevant network connections to write recommendation letters, or request their consent (in advance) to list them as references
  • During interviews, demonstrate awareness of trends related to eLearning 
  • Clearly articulate your enthusiasm for working with youth and explain why you are the best candidate 
  • If you are contacted after an interview to provide references, do so and then give those references a heads-up so they can expect to be contacted
How to Climb the Ladder
  • Extra education, training, certification, or licensure can lead to more opportunities
  • Demonstrate sincere caring and compassion for children, with a focus on improving their educational progress 
  • Continue work towards a specialization area by taking advanced courses when ready
  • Become the go-to expert on diversity and social justice standards
  • Keep exploring opportunities in-and-out of the school, with an eye on building your reputation and experience with leadership, management, and oversight of events  
  • Grow your professional network and start mentoring others
  • Join professional organizations and read relevant trade publications that will expand your awareness of topics
  • Serve on high-visibility school and district committees and make an impression
  • Polish your social and organizational skills to perfection
  • Strengthen relationships with students, staff, teachers, and administrators
  • Be a passionate advocate and mediator for students and student rights
  • Build the trust of students, parents, and communities; stay aware of the range of issues affecting them
  • Get creative! Learn fresh new ways to teach subjects and keep students motivated, such as eLearning, blended learning, flipped classrooms, and other techniques 
  • Join mailing lists of education centers and attend conferences and workshops
  • Never stop learning new things!
Plan B
  • Complete courses to maximize job opportunities and earnings potential
  • Finish your bachelor’s and obtain licensure to become a full teacher
  • Consider similar occupations, such as career and technical educator, childcare work, library technician, occupational therapy

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