Teachers Aide

Teacher’s aides (also called teacher’s assistants) provide help to teachers during the workday.  Not only does a teacher’s aide provide solid assistance to the actual teacher, but an aide is also an additional resource for children who may be struggling or falling behind in class work, reading comprehension, or even social skills.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Teacher’s Aide?

Below are some duties that are typically performed by teacher’s aides:

• Clerical tasks, such as typing, filing, or photocopying assignments
• Playground and lunchroom attendants (depending on where they are employed)
• Instructional assistance, under the guidance of the teacher
• Work with students individually or in small groups
• Help prepare equipment
• Help students with computer programs
• Tutoring and one-on-one help with projects and homework
• Grade tests or homework
• Stock supplies
• Keep attendance records
• If working in a special education classroom, a teacher’s aide may be asked to help with the physical needs of children with disabilities (for example, feeding or toileting)

Where Does a Teacher’s Aide Typically work?

Teacher’s aides can work in a variety of settings, though they are educational in nature. These include preschools, day care centers, middle schools, high schools, special needs centers, in both the private and public sector.

What is the Work Schedule of a Teacher’s Aide Like?

Approximately 40 percent of teacher’s aides work part time. Many work a teacher/school schedule, meaning they may have holidays, as well as the summers off. This should be taken into consideration before choosing a teacher’s aide career, as you will most likely need to supplement your income.

What Type of Education and Training Does a Teacher’s Aide Require?

A standardized test is required by all aspiring teacher’s aides. On the job training is usually provided. Teacher’s aides with a college degree or related coursework may find it easier to find jobs in this field.

Teacher’s Aide Salary Information

The salary of teacher’s aides vary, depending on education, years of experience and the setting in which you work. The following statistics were taken from the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics and are based on 2009 estimates:

• 1,275,410 Teacher’s Aides were employed in 2009
• Annual wages ranged from $15,000 – $35,000
• Annual average salary for specific industries:
  • Elementary and Secondary schools = $24,500
  • Child Day Care Services = $20,480
  • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools = $28,840
  • Individual and Family Services = $22,450
  • Junior Colleges = $28,560
  • States with the highest number of teacher’s aides include Vermont, Connecticut, Kansas, New Hampshire and New York
  • Top paying states for this position are Alaska, California, Rhode Island, Washington and Connecticut
  • Most full-time teacher’s aide positions include health coverage, retirement and other benefits

Teacher’s Assistant Job Outlook Facts

• There is expected to be a 10 percent increase in Teacher’s Aids positions between the years of 2008 and 2018
• Programs for non-native English speakers and special education require a child to have more individual attention.  They tend require a greater number of teacher assistants.
• States have required schools to have greater accountability over the past few years.  This can lead to the need for teacher assistants to help prepare students to take standardized tests.
• Job prospects are good for the future, meaning the number of jobs is likely to increase.
• There is an increased need for teacher’s aides who have experience with the special education population and who can speak a foreign language.

With the increased demands of teachers, it is likely that this is a career that will experience marked growth in years to come. Becoming a teacher’s aide can be a rewarding experience and just might be the right job for you.