What Training Is Needed to Become a Teacher Aide?
Do you want to help educate others? Are you good at working with children and young adults? Do you want to be part of an educational team? If you answered yes, consider becoming a teacher aide or teacher assistant. Learn what kind of training is needed for this position by reading below. Schools offering Teaching Assistant degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Teacher Aide Defined
As a teacher aide, also known as a teacher assistant, you'll assist teachers with educational tasks such as creating and following lesson plans or supervising a classroom. You'll perform routine tasks such as keeping classroom records, grading papers, issuing and supervising tests, overseeing recess periods and setting up instructional equipment.
Education
There are several educational paths to become a teacher aide. First, you'll need a high school diploma or general education equivalent. Then, you'll need to obtain educational experience such as a college degree or an educational certificate program that allows you to teach. A college degree is preferred.
Associate's and bachelor's degrees programs for teacher aides may include majors in education, child development, elementary education and communication. You'll learn about topics such as communication skills, child and language development, classroom management, sociology principles, psychology and education technology. Tuition reimbursement programs may be available at some schools.
Job Training and Other Qualifications
On-the-job training is necessary for many teacher aides to familiarize yourself with the school system. Also, you'll learn about the tasks you'll be performing along with how to properly interact with faculty and students.
You'll need to know how to operate audiovisual equipment such as televisions, video recorders and DVD players. Knowledge of computers is recommended to perform computer-based educational programs and administrative tasks.
To work with children, you'll need to complete a background check and possess a valid driver's license. Having bilingual skills, especially in Spanish, is desirable in diversified classrooms. You may be working with students from different cultures and backgrounds. You'll need patience and fairness in working with children.
Job Outlook and Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that teacher aides are expected to see favorable job prospects (www.bls.gov). Job growth is expected to increase by ten percent from 2008 to 2018. Job prospects are best if you're willing to work with students who possess disabilities or who are non-English speakers.
The BLS reported the mean annual wage for teacher aides in May 2009 was $24,280. Teacher aides who were in the top 10% of wage estimates had yearly incomes of at least $35,350.
Colleges, state government and trade schools were the top paying industries for teacher aides. The top paying states included Alaska, California, Rhode Island, Washington and Connecticut.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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