How To Get A Job As A Teacher’s Assistant
Teacher’s Assistants are a vital part of the education system. They work in classes from preschool to high school, including all the specializations.
Today’s teachers are burdened by paperwork, testing, communications, meetings, training sessions, and the wishes and demands of present day youth and their parents. The teacher, who has a well-trained experienced Teacher’s Assistant, is fortunate indeed.
There is an ongoing demand for well-educated, experienced Teacher’s Assistants. This is an excellent job for both males and females.
Anyone wanting to become a Teacher’s Assistant, must be physically fit, respectful, patient, detail oriented, even-tempered, hard-working, non-judgmental, and able to take and follow directions, cheerfully and promptly. Teacher’s Assistants must have excellent communication skills, and they must be good multi-taskers. They must be fond of children, but that is not enough. They must be dedicated to the education of children, understanding the impact it has on the future of the individual child and society.
Teacher’s Assistants work under the constant and direct supervision of the classroom teacher. Because of the work done by Teacher’s Assistants, the classroom teacher has more valuable time to devote to planning and teaching.
The duties of Teacher’s Assistants vary, depending on the age, mental and physical ability of the children with which they work, and the grade in which they are employed. Before the students arrive, the teacher in charge will assign duties to the Assistant. Duties may involve supervision in the schoolyard, in the hallways, in the lunch room, and on field trips. In the classroom, duties may involve working with individuals or small groups to reinforce material previously taught by the teacher. Teacher’s Assistants, or T.A’s, may mark papers, listen to children read, or read to the class, set up the classroom for the day, prepare teaching materials, keep records, clean and tidy, and do clerical work. They may help young ,or physically-challenged students, with dressing, toileting, or eating.
Teacher’s Assistants must remember that they are part of the ‘support’ staff. They must always defer to the teacher in charge. If they have any concerns or suggestions, they must not voice these when children are present. This must be done before, or after, school hours.
Education
If you wish to become a Teacher’s Assistant, get all the experience you can with children of all types and all ages. Baby sitting is not enough. Volunteer in a preschool, nursery school, elementary school, or high school. If you have decided where you want to seek employment, make sure you get lots of experience in this area. Observe, ask questions, and remember the qualities a good Teacher’s Assistant will need.
While in high school, take course in English, computers, mathematics, science, and a second language. Take any available in child care. If you hope to work in a specialization such as science, or mathematics, take extra courses in this specialization.
Take training in first aid and CPR. This is an asset for any Teacher’s Assistant.
Some school boards only require their Teacher’s Assistants to have a high school diploma. On-the-job training will be carried out in the school in which they are employed. Potential employees may need to pass a background check or a suitability exam.
Be aware, that more and more school boards will only hire individuals with at least a certificate, and preferably, an associate degree in child development and education. It takes one year of training to get a certificate and two years to get an associate degree. This training can be obtained from colleges, or junior colleges.
Requirements for Teacher’s Assistants vary from state to state so make sure you understand fully the requirements of the state in which you wish to seek employment. Get the best education you can afford, as this will make you a more desirable employee.
Teacher’s Assistants, who wish, may obtain more eduction and eventually become teachers.
