Teacher Assistant
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What Teacher Assistants Do
Teacher assistants work with a licensed teacher to give students additional attention and instruction.
Duties
Teacher assistants typically do the following:
- Reinforce lessons by reviewing material with students one-on-one or in small groups
- Follow school and class rules to teach students proper behavior
- Help teachers with recordkeeping, such as taking attendance and calculating grades
- Get equipment or materials ready to help teachers prepare for lessons
- Supervise students outside of the classroom, such as between classes, during lunch and recess, and on field trips
Teacher assistants also are called teacher aides, instructional aides, paraprofessionals, education assistants, and paraeducators.
Teacher assistants work with or under the guidance of a licensed teacher. Reviewing with students individually or in small groups, teacher assistants help reinforce the lessons that teachers introduce.
Teacher assistants may provide feedback to teachers for monitoring student progress. Some teacher assistants meet regularly with teachers to discuss lesson plans and students’ development.
Some teacher assistants work only with special education students. When special education students attend regular classes, these teacher assistants help them understand the material and adapt the information to their learning style. Teacher assistants may also work with students who have severe disabilities in separate classrooms. They help these students with basic needs, such as eating or personal hygiene. Teacher assistants may help young adults with disabilities to learn skills necessary for finding a job or living independently after graduation.
Some teacher assistants help in specific areas. For example, they may work in a computer laboratory, helping students use programs or software. Others may work as cafeteria attendants, supervising students during lunchtime.
Teacher assistants in childcare centers work with a lead teacher to provide individualized attention that young children need. They help with educational activities, supervise the children at play, and help with feeding and other basic care.
Work Environment
Teacher assistants held about 1.3 million jobs in 2022. The largest employers of teacher assistants were as follows:
| Elementary and secondary schools; local | 73% |
| Child day care services | 10 |
| Elementary and secondary schools; private | 9 |
Teacher assistants may spend some time outside, when students are at recess or getting on and off the bus. They may need to lift the students at certain times.
Injuries and Illnesses
Teacher assistants sometimes get injured on the job. They actively work with students, including lifting and otherwise assisting special education students, which can place them at risk for injuries such as strains.
Work Schedules
Most teacher assistants work full time, although part-time work is common. Some monitor students on school buses before and after school. Many teacher assistants do not work during the summer; however, some work in year-round schools or assist teachers in summer school.
Getting Started
How to Become a Teacher Assistant
To enter the occupation, teacher assistants typically need to have completed at least 2 years of college coursework.
Education
Teacher assistants in public schools need at least 2 years of college coursework or an associate’s degree. Those who work in schools with a Title 1 program (a federal program for schools that have a large proportion of students from low-income households) must have at least a 2-year degree, 2 years of college, or pass a state or local assessment.
Associate’s degree programs for teacher assistants prepare participants to develop educational materials, observe students, and understand the role of teaching assistants in working with classroom teachers.
Some teacher assistants have a bachelor's degree in fields such as education and psychology.
Most states require teacher assistants who work with special-needs students to pass a skills test.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Some jobs may require staff to have certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.
Advancement
Teacher assistants may become a kindergarten and elementary school teacher, middle school teacher, high school teacher, or special education teacher upon obtaining additional education, training, and a license or certification.
Job Outlook
Employment of teacher assistants is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032.
Despite limited employment growth, about 151,000 openings for teacher assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Teacher assistants’ employment opportunities may depend on school districts’ budgets. Schools may be more likely to eliminate positions for teacher assistants when there is a budget shortfall, and they may be more likely to hire teacher assistants when there is a budget surplus.
Contacts for More Information
For more information about teacher assistants, visit
National Education Association
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of teacher assistants.
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Career and Technical Education Teachers |
Career and technical education teachers instruct students in various technical and vocational subjects, such as auto repair, healthcare, and culinary arts. |
Bachelor's degree | $61,450 |
|
Childcare Workers |
Childcare workers attend to children's needs while helping to foster early development. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $28,520 |
|
High School Teachers |
High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market. |
Bachelor's degree | $62,360 |
|
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers |
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects in order to prepare them for future schooling. |
Bachelor's degree | $61,620 |
|
Library Technicians and Assistants |
Library technicians and assistants help librarians with all aspects of running a library. |
See How to Become One | $35,280 |
|
Middle School Teachers |
Middle school teachers educate students, typically in sixth through eighth grades. |
Bachelor's degree | $61,810 |
|
Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides |
Occupational therapy assistants and aides help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. |
See How to Become One | $63,450 |
|
Preschool Teachers |
Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than age 5 who have not yet entered kindergarten. |
Associate's degree | $35,330 |
|
Special Education Teachers |
Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. |
Bachelor's degree | $62,950 |