Teacher Aide, who are also known as teacher assistant and instructional aides, provide instructional and clerical aide to teachers. This allows teachers more time to focus on the educational needs of students. A teacher assistant is able to assist the teacher in providing students with individual tutoring. By using the teacher’s lesson plans, assistants primarily aid students who are in need of extra help. It is also the responsibility of the teacher assistant to provide supervision during activities like lunch, recess, and on fieldtrips.
Most teacher assistants provide a combination of instructional and clerical duties. Under the direction and guidance of the teacher, assistants provide instructional reinforcement to children. They work individually or in small groups with students to review classroom instruction, listen to reading groups, or assist answering questions. In higher levels of education, teacher assistants specialize in a particular subjects, like math or science, in order to tutor students in the most effective way.
Some teacher aides provide clerical aid solely. These duties would include, monitoring nonacademic settings (such as the playground and lunchroom), grading tests and homework, typing, and filing. Many clerical teacher assistants are responsible for maintaining health and attendance records, stocking supplies, and keeping inventory on classroom equipment.
Special education teachers and students are often in need of additional help throughout the school day. This has meant that a majority of assistants work exclusively with students with special needs. Schools are becoming more inclusive and are integrating special education students into the general population. This has created a demand for more individualized attention. A teacher aide helps to assess the progress of students by observing their performance and recording relevant data. Some of the duties of an assistant working with special education could include: attending to students who are disabled or that have specific needs, to those who speak English as a second language, or to those who need remedial education.
Positions are also available for teacher aides that choose to work with infants and toddlers or at childcare centers and preschools. In addition to assisting in educational instruction, assistants are also responsible for providing nutrition and may also assist in supervising at playtime. It is also possible to assist infants, toddlers, and young adults who suffer from mental or physical disabilities. Assistants will work with the teacher or the therapist to play games with the students to encourage physical and behavioral growth.
Teacher aides who are fluent in foreign languages offer many benefits to schools and students. The ability to help children of foreign countries adapt and learn is essential. Assistants who are able to help aid students who are learning English as a second language are in high demand.
The educational requirements for teacher aides vary depending on the State and the specific school district. Some districts simply request a high school diploma while others require some college education. Most schools, however, are preferring assistants with more college education. If an aide chooses to partake in more instructional responsibilities, adequate training and education are required. If an assistant chooses to simply provide clerical services, then lower requirements are needed.
In Title I schools, which are schools with a large population of students from low-income households, it is necessary to adhere to mandatory Federal regulations pertaining to teacher assistants. It is required that aides meet one of three requirements: hold a 2-year or higher degree, have a minimum of 2 years of college, or pass a rigorous State or local assessment.
Community colleges offer 2-year programs specializing in preparing graduates to work as teacher assistants. These classes are designed to simulate an actual classroom environment. It is important that assistants have a thorough understanding of class materials and instructional methods. Organization and operation methods for schools and classrooms are also important tools. Computer skills are a must, as well as being familiar with operating audiovisual equipment.
It is also not uncommon for a teacher assistant to be trained on the job. Many schools simply require previous experience working with children. It is also important to note that many schools require applicants have a valid drivers license and undergo a background check.
In order to effectively communicate progress of students, further instruction and simple day-to-day events to teachers and students, it is important that teacher assistants have strong verbal and written skills. Although assistants do lead students in the primary lesson, they are needed to further assist students who may be experiencing difficulties. Patience in this profession is definitely a virtue. Assistants will be working with students from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. It is imperative that assistants provide students with accurate and fair information and guidance.
Additional training may also be needed for teacher assistants who want to work with students who are in different stages of learning English. There is a major demand for people who are willing to possibly further their education to help children become more acclimated to the English language. By simply taking a foreign language course at a community college, assistants increase their chance for employment and become more beneficial to school districts.
Individuals who pursue careers as teacher aides will come across wide ranges in salaries. Approximately 4 out of 10 assistants work on a part-time basis. Those working part time earn considerably less than those working full-time. However, about 16 percent of full-time aides still work less than 40 hours a week. This is based on the average school day. Many assistants are parents who choose to work during the time their kids are in school. Assistants in traditional schools work a 9-10 month school year and receive time off for holidays and winter, spring, and summer breaks. Extra hours are available to those aides that choose to help out in after school programs and during summer school.
Advancement opportunities are available to assistants who are more experienced and participate in continuing education courses. It is not uncommon for a school district to provide aides with time off of work and with tuition reimbursement in order to establish a higher education. These factors have the potential to increase an assistant’s job title and salary. Most schools that offer a tuition reimbursement program simply require the individual to teach as an assistant for a certain length of time. This works well for both parties. School districts receive educated and committed teacher’s assistants and the assistants are guaranteed job placement upon graduation.
The average salary for individuals seeking employment as teacher assistants fluctuates depending on the state. The area in which an assistant works, whether with a special education teacher, a general education teacher, a Title I teacher, or another area of specialty can also impact the annual salary. In addition, those working in public schools tend to earn more than those working in day cares or preschools. Here are some examples of average salaries:
California $20,490 per year
New York $18,950 per year
Texas $14,220 per year
Illinois $17,440 per year
Florida $15,341 per year
Many people who choose a career as a teacher assistant do so because it works conveniently with their schedules and the needs of their families. Along with an annual salary, most teacher assistants that work full time are eligible for full medical benefits. In some school districts, teacher assistants also belong to the union and, therefore, are able to negotiate salaries and benefits through this third party.
If it is the ultimate goal of an individual to one day becomes a teacher, becoming a teacher assistant seems like a logical first step. The experience will undoubtedly propel them into a higher bracket, earning more money. The idea of tuition reimbursement is also a great way to get an education while being assured a fulfilling career.