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Teaching Assistant Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated October 8, 2025
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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7 min read

A Teaching Assistant (TA), or Education Assistant, provides additional support to students and assists the Lead Teacher in executing instructional and non-instructional responsibilities. Their duties include reinforcing the Lead Teacher’s content by reviewing teaching materials with individuals or small groups of students and correcting assignments.

Teaching Assistant duties and responsibilities

A Teaching Assistant’s role varies depending on their environment. In some institutions, they supervise students during recess or lunchtime, while in others, they help in the management of specialized software.

Teaching Assistants who work at a university help professors grade papers and offer classes to small groups of students who want to review content from the larger lectures. At the elementary to high school levels, they sometimes cover for a Lead Teacher in their absence. Some of their other duties and responsibilities include:

  • Support and reinforce lessons by providing supplemental one-on-one or group instruction with lesson reviews for students
  • Track student grades and take practical steps to ensure academic progress meets the recommended standard
  • Set up all required equipment and materials needed to help teachers prepare lessons, track attendance, grade students, and perform administrative tasks
  • Provide ancillary supervision to students during class, between classes, lunch, recess, field trips, class outings, or industrial tours
  • Correcting students’ behaviour by enforcing school and class rules
  • Working closely with lead teachers to identify student issues and developing appropriate strategies for solving them effectively

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Teaching Assistant Job Description Examples:

Example 1

We are looking for candidates with strong academic/math skills interested in working with children, those who enjoy helping children achieve academic success.
  • Applicants must: Be proficient in Mathematics and English.
  • Past Kumon students and/or experience is an asset.
  • Be looking for a long term commitment; this is not a temporary position.
  • Enjoy working with children of all ages.
  • Have excellent oral, written language and communication skills.
  • Be well mannered and polite; staff members are expected to set good examples for the students.
  • Be mature, punctual and reliable.
  • Must be available Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00 pm - 7:30 pm. There is a possibility of additional day time hours as required.
  • Staff members are expected to have a reliable means of transportation to and from the centre.


Responsibilities:
  • Instructing students through their classwork.
  • Reporting student progresses and difficulties to the instructor.
  • Grading students' classwork and homework using an answer book.
  • Recording scores of classwork and homework into the computer program.
  • Prepare student files for class.
  • Develop speed and accuracy in grading worksheets.
  • Promote a quiet class and orderly environment.
  • Provide appropriate praise and encouragement to students.
  • Assist other staff during class down-time.
  • Help keep the centre tidy, clean and ready for class.
  • Experience: High school math (excellent skills)

Job Type: Part-time
Part-time hours: 3-10 per week

Salary: $14.60-$15.50 per hour

COVID-19 considerations:
Sanitizing, disinfecting and cleaning procedures.



Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Bowmanville, ON L1C 0N1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)


Work Location: In start date: 2023-09-01

Example 2

About Us:

We’re a newly established Montessori School located in the Newmarket area, established in 2022, serving students ages 3 to 12. This is a unique opportunity to become an integral part of a small and dedicated team. Our ambition is to achieve AMI Montessori Certification, a distinction held only by a select number of schools in the Central York Region, encompassing Oak Ridges, Aurora, Newmarket, and East Gwillimbury. Currently, we hold the status of an Applicant school with the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators.

Regalo Montessori Private School is currently seeking additional Elementary Classroom Support - Lead Assistantto join our team, working with the Lead Elementary Teacher.

The ideal candidate will work under our lead teacher's direction to provide a dynamic and engaging Montessori education to our students. You will play a crucial role in facilitating a prepared environment, guiding students in their academic and personal growth, and fostering a sense of community within the classroom.


Key Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with the lead teacher to plan and implement Montessori curriculum and activities.
  • You will supervise and work with individual and small groups of students as directed by the Lead Teacher. This will include helping the children to gather appropriate materials for follow-up work and projects, as well as guide them in an organized manner.
  • Prepare and maintain an organized and stimulating classroom environment (cleaning, organizing, executing schedules/routines, administration)
  • Guide and support students in their individual learning journeys, promoting independence and self-discipline.
  • Participate in school events and ongoing training in Montessori education
  • Support the wider school environment in the daily routine, including supervision of ages 3 to 12.


Key Qualifications:
  • Previous educational experience with Children aged 3 to 12 is a mandatory qualification.
  • Elementary Montessori Orientation Course - Online (Or willingness to obtain).
  • Successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check completed, and Valid CPR certification are required prior to your start date.


If you exhibit a positive attitude, flexibility, and enthusiasm, combined with a dedication to educating children , we wholeheartedly encourage you to share your resume with us.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday



Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree (preferred)


Work Location: In start date: 2024-08-26

Example 3

The Clover School Junior Midtown Campus

3180 Bathurst St.

Attn: Tracy Durisin, Vice Principal

Phone: [phone number] ext 219

Web: [website]

Position: Montessori Teaching Assistant (RECE)

The Clover School is a well-established CCMA accredited Montessori school located in Toronto, Ontario. We are the school with heart. As a school we know that connection, trust and love are the key to a successful learning relationship. The ‘Clover’ symbol represents the four pillars that motivate everything we do at The Clover School:

Mind

We encourage openness, curiosity, questioning, exploration and fearless discovery.

Heart

We model a lifestyle and environment that values courage, compassion, kindness, patience, tolerance, and understanding; towards each other and the world.

Health

We believe in mindful and healthful living that includes smart nutrition, physical exercise and the development of emotionally strong individuals with healthy self-images and respect for their bodies.

Soul

We champion connecting to nature through quiet reflection. We encourage meditation, art, music, dance and walks in the woods.

SO…

We are inviting highly motivated and engaging educators who share the same vision, passion for learning, teaching and student growth. We hold our teachers to high standards and actively seek to develop a professionally stimulating and growth-oriented work environment. We look forward to expanding our team of diverse educators who are at the core of our success.

We are now looking for exceptional assistant teachers (RECE) to work with young children aged 2 - 5 years old. We only hire professionals who have the determination to be positive and inspirational role models for our students. The Clover School values continual professional development and are willing to invest in the right people. This is a full-time position starting in late August. Eligible candidates must have experience, enjoy working with children, and be ready to give their all!

Our compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and education.

Successful applicants will possess at minimum:
  • RECE, ECE or equivalent
  • Experience with the Montessori method an asset
  • Self-motivated with a positive, happy disposition
  • High-energy level
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills (in English)
  • Proven problem solving and decision-making skills
  • Good organizational and planning skills
  • A clear police record check (vulnerable sector)
  • Valid Standard First Aid and CPR (level C) certificate

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $17.00-$25.00 per hour

Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift

COVID-19 considerations:
All TPH health guidelines are being met.

Education:
  • DCS / DEC (required)

Language:
  • English start date: 2022-08-29

Example 4

The mission of Campbell College is to provide exceptional career and technical training through a commitment to educational excellence strengthened by quality instruction, a positive learning environment, and the integration of emerging technologies to enable students to achieve their potential, participate in new employment opportunities, and continue to be lifelong learners.

Our Vocational Training Programs are very unique, and we stand out from other schools. We believe in traditional instructor-led training integrated with guided hands-on skills practice, and one-on-one support is always available. Technical skills are very important, we also concentrate equally on communication and interpersonal skills.

Overview

We are seeking qualified Teaching Assistants to join our Educational Assistant Diploma program*. *You will be responsible for engaging and supporting students with their classroom learning and provide individualized support to students in need.

Ideal candidates must have a passion for teamwork, a commitment to student development and success. Candidates who are eager to take on a role with a variety of responsibilities are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities
  • Respond to student inquiries and provide feedback to students in a respectful and timely manner
  • Attend classroom sessions from one of the Edmonton Campuses
  • Participate in small group exercises
  • Stimulate student interest, enthusiasm, and encourage student engagement
  • Reinforce learning (but not deliver/or repeat materials, e.g., for students who miss class)
  • Emphasize relevant course content, provide examples to reinforce learning, direct students to additional resources
  • Share industry-related knowledge, expertise, and passion with the students
  • Provide guidance and support to adult learners
  • Ensure students have access to relevant course materials (e.g. upload and update course materials on Moodle, return marked assignments, etc.)
  • Upholding the policies and regulations of the programs
  • Giving projects and assignments to the students
  • Correcting test papers, grading and posting grades in a timely manner
  • Distributing learning materials to the students
  • Providing additional teaching support for slower learners
  • Building a strong relationship with the students
  • Reporting student progress, attendance and grades
  • Performing other administrative tasks around the school as needed.

Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field of study required
  • Experience in using a learning management system (LMS) and other classroom technologies an asset
  • Proven excellent English proficiency (oral and written)
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
  • Patience and the ability to work well with diverse groups of students
  • Ability to follow directions and work collaboratively with the lead instructor
  • Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced classroom environment
  • A positive attitude and presentable appearance
  • Ability to solve problems
  • Good interpersonal skills and organizational skills
  • Demonstrate multicultural sensitivity and awareness
  • Ability to manage time effectively
  • Strong work ethic.

If your education credentials are from outside of Canada, please include Canadian equivalency report from IQAS or WES.

Please note that only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Benefits:
  • On-site parking
  • Paid time off
Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed



Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Edmonton, AB T6H 5S4: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:
  • teaching: 1 year Location: In person
Our mission

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What does a Teaching Assistant do?

Teaching Assistants create a focused learning environment by providing students with supplemental information, grading their performance, tracking attendance, and enforcing school and class rules. Some of them work in specialized environments such as laboratories or libraries to manage equipment and learning materials. Some work with special education students in regular or special classes, helping them adapt to new learning materials or environments.

Teaching Assistant skills and qualifications

Due to the nature of their work, Teaching Assistants need a mix of social skills, including being generous, kind, cooperative, patient, helpful, caring, empathic, friendly, and diplomatic. Besides being sociable, Teaching Assistants also need the following skills:

  • Strong interpersonal skills to ease interactions with several stakeholders, including administrators, students, teachers, and parents
  • Excellent communication skills to discuss student progress with teachers and parents
  • High levels of patience to handle every student regardless of varying abilities, background, or special needs
  • Abundant creativity and resourcefulness so they can break down tough lessons into simple pieces of information that students can easily understand
  • Specialized knowledge in various areas, including necessary information technology skills, first aid skills, and laboratory knowledge in relevant subjects
  • High flexibility and openness to change for working on various new activities

Teaching Assistant experience requirements

Teaching Assistants usually have a year or more of experience or relevant academic qualifications. Those needed for specialized roles such as Laboratory Teaching Assistants, Computer Assistants, or Special Needs Teaching Assistants should have three to five years’ experience or more. Although previous experience is desirable, individuals with the right skill set, enthusiasm, and education can also be successful. For college and university Teaching Assistants, you may wish to hire one of your past or present students who is passionate about the subject and can explain it in-depth to others.

Teaching Assistant education and training requirements

For Teaching Assistants working with students in elementary to high school classrooms, a college diploma in education or higher certification is generally required. However, for post-secondary Teaching Assistants, they must be enrolled at the institution and working towards their undergraduate, masters, or doctorate degree. You may hire a Teaching Assistant from outside the school, but the Dean must approve them. For Teaching Assistants expected to fill more specialized roles, such as helping special needs children, look for candidates with specialization in that field.

Teaching Assistant salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, average pay for a Teaching Assistant in Canada is $21.92 per hour. This amount may vary depending on the school, its location, and the experience of the candidate.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Teaching Assistant is not quite what you’re looking for, other job descriptions that may suit your needs include:

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Teaching Assistant job description FAQs

Two chefs, one wearing a red headband, review a laptop and take notes at a wooden table in a kitchen setting.

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