Teachers Aide Career Overview
Working in the field of education as a teachers aide, or teachers assistant, requires more than just the love of children and a desire to work with them every day. If you’ve got that much going for you already and are trying to decide whether or not a career as a teachers aide is right for you, here’s some help. By taking a look at some very important points,
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Teachers aide expected salary
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Teaching assistant job description
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Teachers aide career outlook
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Teachers aide training options
you’ll have the information you need to decide if this rewarding job is right for you.
Teachers Aide Salary
According to the latest reports by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top 10% averaged $34,000 annually, while the lowest 10% averaged just over $15,000. The middle 50% of teachers aides nationwide earned anywhere between $17,610 and $28,180 annually. Keep in mind the lowest figures are due to the fact that many teachers assistants work part time and have been averaged into these statistics.
Teachers Aide Job Description
As a teachers aide, your duties will depend greatly upon your place of employment. University and college level teachers aides will have a completely different daily agenda than the pre-school aide.
General duties expected of most teacher’s assistants include the following:
- Providing support to the teacher, in the form of instruction and one-on-one tutoring of the students
- Providing administrative/clerical assistance, such as filing, taking attendance, and sending out reminder emails to parents. This will allow the teacher to have more time for planning lessons and instructing the students.
- You will also assist in teaching the students based on lesson plans, and help ensure the students receive the individual attention they require to help further their education.
- You may also be asked to supervise students throughout the school during lunch breaks, recess, field trips, and to and from activities outside of the main classroom, such as music, art, and physical education.
- You may also grade assignments, record grades, stock supplies, and make copies of materials.
As a teachers assistant, you will always provide a combination of clerical and instructional support, working with teachers and students, rather than one or the other.
Teachers Aide Career Outlook
The number of positions in the field of education is expected to grow by 10% by 2018, close to the national average of overall job growth. The career outlook for a teachers aide is best for those who have at least two years of college education, have training in special education, or are trained in speaking at least one, if not more, foreign languages. As with any career, the more skills you have, the more employable you become.
As a teachers aide, you’ll be eligible for positions in both public and private schools at all levels. These include pre-school, day care facilities, religious organizations, universities, and even community centers. The most common positions are found in elementary, middle, and high schools.
Teachers Aide Training Options
Those interested in becoming a teachers aide have several different training options available. Some positions are available with just a high school diploma, but those with a two year degree will likely find the most favorable conditions for employment. Certificate programs are also available for those looking for a middle ground. According to Education Portal, programs are available online and at traditional universities such as the following:
- New York University
- Kaplan, University
- Strayer University
- Brigham Young University
- Kanas State University
Though most teachers aides work part time, this is an ideal position for individuals weighing out the possibility of a career as a teacher.
We hope this overview has given you some food for thought. If you are currently studying to become a teachers aide, or are already working in the field of education, please leave us a comment. We’d love to hear from you!