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How to Write a Teacher Assistant Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Teacher Assistant, or a Teaching Assistant, helps Teachers and Counsellors instruct students and complete other tasks. Their duties include assisting students with assignments individually or in small groups, creating and implementing lesson plans, and keeping records of student progress.

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Teacher Assistant duties and responsibilities

Teacher Assistants prepare classrooms for students by setting up video or computer equipment, making sure students and teachers have the supplies they need, and grading tests and homework. Some Teacher Assistants also help students with special needs using sign language or Braille. Some duties and responsibilities in a Teacher Assistant job description may include:

  • Teaching good studying and note-taking skills, giving tips on how students can set goals for themselves, and advising approaches to answer test questions
  • Distributing study guides and other teaching materials
  • Operating computers, printers, webcams, and other equipment
  • Recording information about students or groups of students and their lesson plans and progress
  • Keeping the classroom and other areas neat, clean, and organized
  • Supervising students during lunch, recess, field trips, and other situations
  • Working in the school’s office or library when needed
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Teacher Assistant Job Description Examples:

What does a Teacher Assistant do?

Teacher Assistants help keep students motivated and interested in the subjects they teach, assist with student assignments, and check their finished work. Teacher Assistants usually work in preschools and elementary schools, but some work in secondary schools, colleges, or graduate schools. Teacher Assistants who work with younger kids help teach a variety of subjects. Some teach older children and adults, and they may also specialize in one or more topics. Teacher Assistants are essential for helping Teachers instruct students effectively.

Teacher Assistant skills and qualifications

Successful Teacher Assistants have friendly, patient personalities and the ability to interact with many different types of people. They are professional and polite while offering constructive feedback to students and making the topics they teach seem interesting. Teacher Assistants must be willing to research new information to keep up with changing technologies and teaching techniques. Some top skills and qualifications for Teacher Assistants include:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Basic math skills
  • Deep knowledge of test preparation processes and the subjects they teach
  • Good time management skills
  • Ability to solve problems and adapt to unexpected situations
  • Strong understanding of child development

Teacher Assistant experience requirements

Ideal Teacher Assistant candidates should have some experience working with children. Candidates with prior Teacher Assistant experience are preferable, but this is not necessary for entry-level positions. Teacher Assistant candidates are usually required to pass a background check and drug screening.

Teacher Assistant education and training requirements

Most Teacher Assistant jobs require a high school diploma or GED, but some require a degree or certificate and on-the-job training as well. Teacher Assistant programs usually take about a year to complete. Some Teacher Assistant jobs also require certification in CPR and first aid, while others may prefer people with Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification. Teacher Assistant jobs at universities require a bachelor’s degree, and most Teacher Assistants in this environment are students in graduate school.

Teacher Assistant salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average Teacher Assistant in Canada earns $19.00 per hour. This will vary depending on several factors such as location and level of experience.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Teacher Assistant isn’t exactly what your business is looking for, some similar job description samples include:

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Teacher Assistant job description FAQs

What is a typical day like for a Teacher Assistant?

To write an appealing Teacher Assistant job description, include an overview of the school or business and its culture, history, and values. Mention the main responsibilities of the new Teacher Assistant, such as department they’ll be working in, the curriculum they’ll be helping with, and any extracurricular requirements you may have. Also, include the ages of the students and the skills, training, and experience levels required for the new Teacher Assistant.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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