Career and School Info for Teacher Assistants

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Degrees and Schools

Some community colleges and vocational schools offer one to two year certificate or associate's degree programs designed for aspiring teacher assistants. These classes are helpful in preparing graduates for employment, or providing further education to current teacher assistants. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required to enroll in these programs.

Classes

Courses for teacher assistants usually include:

• childhood development
• developing curricula and instructional materials
• technology in the classroom
• cultural diversity
• instruction and communication techniques
• academic record keeping
• working with children who have disabilities, for whom English is a second language, or other special needs

Courses in additional languages such as Spanish can open up more job opportunities.

Online Classes and Programs

Educational programs for teacher assistants or aides are well-suited for online learning. Combining virtual classroom time and independent study, they provide flexible and convenient options for students. These programs typically do not offer internship or job placement opportunities offered by many on-campus programs.

Employment Requirements

In many cases, a high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement for teacher assistants. A degree or completed coursework can increase employability, as can work experience in child care or education.

To work in Title 1 schools (where most students are from low-income households), teacher assistants are required to have a minimum of two years of college or pass a rigorous assessment.

On-the-job training is common, helping teacher assistants become familiar with school system procedures, policies and curricula.

How to Evaluate Schools

Degree programs for teacher assistants or aides should be evaluated for:

• Curricula and focus - How much emphasis is placed on instructional techniques, development of curricula and working with students who have special needs? Do courses include forward-thinking instructional techniques and training on in-demand educational technologies?
• Accreditation - Has the program been accredited by an academic oversight organization? ?
• Class structure and amenities - What is the student-teacher ratio in most classes? Does the program offer assistance in finding internships?
• Financial aid and expenses - Does the school help students take advantage of financial aid options such as student loans, grants and scholarships?
• Graduate success - Over the previous several years, how many students found employment as teacher assistants upon graduation?

Teacher Assistant Job Description

Creating an effective learning environment in a classroom filled with 20-40 children is a challenge every day. While teachers focus on developing lesson plans and teaching the curricula, they rely on the support of teacher assistants to give individualized attention to their students and keep things running smoothly. While some teaching assistants (also called teacher aides, instructional aides, paraprofessionals or paraeducators) provide only non-teaching support by monitoring playgrounds or lunchrooms, most work directly with students in class as well.

The responsibilities of most teacher assistants include:

• Working with students individually or in small groups
• Reinforcing teachers' lesson plans through practice and review
• Grading papers and recording grades
• Working with students on computers using educational software
• Preparing homework and instructional materials
• Assisting students with disabilities or other special needs
• Setting up and maintaining equipment
• Creating instructional displays or exhibits
• Supervising students in hallways, cafeterias, outdoors and on field trips
• Keeping records of attendance and health
• Stocking supplies, typing, making copies and other administrative tasks

Most teacher assistants work in primary or secondary schools (public and private), but some work in child care centers and preschools. Almost half of all teaching assistants work part time.