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: