Teaching Assistant - myFootpath

Teaching Assistant Basics
Teaching Assistants, sometimes referred to as teacher aides, instructional aides, or para-educators, devote their time to helping teachers in the classroom. They might work in a teaching role and attend to the students who need extra help.

They might also perform administrative duties, such as grading or preparing lesson supplies, so the teacher herself may spend more time teaching and helping students. With the work they perform, teaching assistants can mean all the difference to a child who needs extra help, but must split the teacher’s time with 30 other students.

Teaching assistants may work in primary or secondary schools; they may work with one teacher or specialize in a certain type of student population. Two of the most common examples are students for whom English is a second language and special education students.

For those students who do not speak English fluently, teaching assistants will often converse with the student in her native language and help her to assimilate in the classroom.

For special needs students, the assistant not only will help with lessons but also with any physical needs a child may have, such as walking or eating. Many teaching assistants work in secondary positions outside of classroom as lunchroom or recess monitors and may also be called upon to chaperone during field trips.

How to get an Education Degree
Most teaching assistants need only a high school diploma and valid driver’s license to begin working—they learn their skills through on-the-job training. Many will advance more quickly, however, with some college work, especially if it is in childhood development.

To work in Title I schools (schools with large numbers of high risk children) teaching assistants must have more education and/or experience.

Most teaching assistants pursue a Bachelor’s degree in education to reach their goal of being a teacher.

Featured Online Schools for an Education Degree:

• Capella University (Graduate) – Request Information
• Kaplan University (Associate, Bachelor & Graduate) – Request Information

Compatible Personality Traits
Enjoys working with children, excellent communicator, patient, creative, empathetic, team player, persistent, good in stressful situations, trustworthy.

Salary Expectations for a Teaching Assistant
The average salary for teaching assistants is $22,200 a year, with the middle fifty percent earning between $17,610 and $28,180. Those employed full-time may earn benefits, but most work only part-time. Since most teaching assistants have only a high school diploma or at most, 2 years of college, many school districts will offer financial assistance for them to finish school in exchange for a period of employment in the district afterward.

Job Outlook for a Teaching Assistant
Job prospects for teaching assistants are generally good in the coming years. Because of the high turnover rate, there will be need to replace those who leave the field or rise into full-time teaching position.

Regions with fast growing populations, such as the South and West, will have the most open positions. Those teaching assistants who speak another language or who specialize in working with special education students should have the best prospects.

Teaching Assistant Associations and Resources
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

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Source: bls.gov/oco/ocos153.htm