Teacher assistants have a vital role in today’s classroom. In the sometimes turbulent world of education, TAs are a welcome source of support for teachers. At the same time, students depend on teacher assistants to provide the additional attention they need to thrive. With low barriers to entry, affordable education, and opportunities for advancement, it’s an excellent entry point into the education field. If any of these factors pique your interest, read on to find out how to become a teacher assistant.
Article Navigation: What Does a Teacher Assistant Do? | How to Become a Teacher Assistant | Time & Cost | Education Requirements | How to Choose an Online Teaching Assistant College | Teacher Assistant Skills | Licensing & Certification | Career Information | Professional Associations | FAQs | Become a Teaching Assistant Online
What Does a Teacher Assistant Do?
The main goal of an assistant teacher is to help an instructor in the classroom. They do this by assisting with instruction, grading assignments, or managing the class. TAs can work with any grade level, from preschool to college. Generally, a teaching assistant job description may look different depending on the age group they’re working with. Still, the core duties will remain the same.
TAs can have job titles such as teacher aide vs. teacher assistant or paraprofessional. The titles you see depend on the state or district where you work. Practically, these titles are different names for the same job.
Some of these titles can also refer to a student assistant, especially in high school or college settings. Student assistants may be volunteers or paid employees. Their tasks are generally menial and require no higher education or experience. This position differs from the professional career path discussed in this article, so avoid confusing the two.
How to Become a Teacher’s Assistant
The road to becoming a teaching assistant is neither difficult nor time-consuming if you know your state’s teacher assistant education requirements. Below, we’ll look at the steps to become a teacher assistant.
Step One: Complete a Degree
The first thing you need to do is complete a degree program in education or a related field. Many kinds of programs fit the bill. That means you should choose one that meets your needs and goals. Here are a few options to consider:
High School Diploma
Some teacher assistant requirements include a minimum of an associate’s degree, but not all. However, a high school diploma or GED may be sufficient for some positions. This is especially true of private and charter schools. Some positions may require applicants without a college degree to meet other requirements, such as those below. Check with local job listings and state guidelines to see if this path works for you.
- Valid scores from one or more tests, such as an ACT WorkKeys assessment
- The equivalent of 48 college credit hours from an accredited school, or
- A portfolio showing relevant work experience.
Associate’s Degree
An associate's degree is preferred for most teaching assistant jobs. Degrees in education or a related field are the most helpful. This degree usually requires two years of study. Accelerated programs are available, however, and can be completed in as little as one year.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor's degree is not required to become a TA. In fact, TAs with bachelor’s degrees only earn slightly more than those with associate degrees. However, obtaining a bachelor’s can benefit you in several ways. A bachelor’s degree can equip you with specific skills beyond those learned in an associate’s degree, setting you up for success beyond your role as a TA. You’ll need the advanced skills and credentials gained in a bachelor’s degree to earn opportunities for advancement. Licensed teachers, student counselors, and administrative roles like principal require higher education. A bachelor’s degree is the best step in this direction.
Certificates
In addition to state certification (discussed in more detail below), teacher assistants can earn certificates to sharpen their skills. These certificates are not always required but can set you apart from other candidates when applying for positions.
Step Two: Consider an Internship
While an internship is not required to become a teacher assistant, it has several benefits, such as earning students college credit. They provide opportunities to network with other teachers and TAs. They also allow you to work with professional teachers in the field, gleaning hands-on experience and knowledge that is hard to come by in a college classroom. Internships are beneficial for more specialized degrees, such as early childhood education. All of these factors make internships an attractive feature on your resume.
Step Three: Get Paraprofessional Certification or Licensure
Every state has different licensing or certification requirements for teacher assistants. These can range from taking a two-hour test to completing a multi-part training over the course of weeks. However, sometimes, certification requirements can be met as part of on-the-job training. Check with your state’s resources to find out how to get licensed or certified.
Step Four: Apply for Teaching Assistant Jobs
Once you’ve completed the first three steps, it’s time to start applying. You can find teacher assistant job postings on popular job sites like Indeed or Monster. Additionally, some states have government sites specifically for education job listings. Make sure your resume is up to date, and take advantage of resources offered by your state and professional organizations.
Time & Cost: Paraprofessional Certification
Becoming a teacher assistant is affordable and doesn’t take much time beyond earning a degree. In brief, the National Center for Education Statistics reports the average cost of tuition and fees for a two-year institution was $3,621 in 2020.
Other factors can further reduce the cost of your degree. Online degrees, for example, are an incredibly flexible and affordable option. You can earn an associate’s degree in as little as one year with an accelerated degree program. Full-time or part-time students can expect to spend two or three years earning their degree.
Besides earning an associate’s degree, there are other ways to meet hiring requirements. Many states provide the option to take an assessment, such as the ACT WorkKeys test or the ParaPro Assessment. The cost of these tests will depend on your state and what institution is administering the test. Generally, however, you can expect to pay $80 to $85 in fees. These tests take about two to four hours to complete, not including time spent studying and preparing.
Keep in mind that more costs may surface on the path to becoming a teacher assistant. Most states, for instance, will charge a fee to process your license application. Application fees can cost upwards of $100. Also, you will likely need to purchase study materials for tests or books for college classes. Remember to use the resources available to you: apply for scholarships and financial aid, or pay attention to job listings that provide on-the-job training. Above all, with preparation and care, meeting the requirements to become a teacher assistant doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming.
Teacher Assistant Education Requirements
Education requirements for teacher assistants are flexible. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree, however, will provide the best foundation for your career. For teacher assistants, degrees in education or psychology are most helpful. Both of these general fields of study will fulfill teacher assistant education requirements. Find some common degrees and specialties below.
Education Degree Online
Education is the most common degree for a teacher assistant. You can expect to take gen ed classes and specialized courses in your career. These specialized courses cover education subjects, including topics such as classroom management and teaching pedagogy. They also include lessons on specific teaching subjects, such as social studies, the arts, and STEM. An associate of education will cover the fundamentals you need as a teacher assistant, while a bachelor’s will give you more in-depth knowledge on these topics. A degree in education is the most straightforward path to advancement. It can set you up nicely for other jobs, like being a licensed teacher or administrator.
GetEducated's Picks
- Bay Path University Associate of Science in Early Childhood Leadership
- Campbellsville University Associate of Science in Education
- Brenau University Associate of Arts in Elementary Education
Child Development Degree
Child Development is an excellent choice for future TAs interested in working with younger students. In addition to gen ed classes, you’ll take classes on child development, infant and toddler development, language acquisition, and family and community relationships. An associate in child development will set you up for success as a teacher assistant. On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree will allow you to dive deeper into subjects like child psychology and behavior. Advancement opportunities with this degree include becoming a licensed teacher, a student counselor, and a child behavior specialist.
GetEducated's Picks
- Fisher College Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education
- East Mississippi Community College Associate of Arts (AA) - Early Childhood Education Emphasis
- Bay Path University Associate of Science in Early Childhood Leadership
Elementary Education Degree Online
Elementary education is similar to an education degree but emphasizes working with students from birth through age eight. In addition to gen ed and education classes, expect coursework focusing on literacy, health promotion, and best practices for elementary education. An associate in elementary education will make you an excellent TA, especially in preschool and elementary school settings. A bachelor’s will set you up with advancement opportunities like becoming a licensed teacher or administrator.
GetEducated's Picks
- East Mississippi Community College Associate of Arts (AA) - Elementary Education Emphasis
- Brenau University Associate of Arts in Elementary Education
- American Public University System Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Care & Education
Special Education Degree Online
Special education is a great choice for teacher assistants interested in working with kids with special needs. In addition to gen ed classes, coursework topics include children with different abilities, creating individualized learning plans, and assistive technology. An associate in special education will cover the foundations you need to succeed as a teacher assistant. A bachelor’s will cover these topics in-depth and prepare you to advance to a role like a special education teacher.
GetEducated's Picks
- East Mississippi Community College Associate of Arts (AA) - Special Education Emphasis
- Rasmussen University Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education / Special Needs
- Lehigh Carbon Community College Associate in Applied Science in Paraprofessional/Special Education
How to Choose an Online Teaching Assistant College
It’s possible to meet all the requirements to become a teacher assistant online. The viability of this option may depend on the state you live in and the resources available to you, but it’s worth considering. Many quality, accredited associate’s and bachelor’s degrees are online. Alternative requirements, like a state-specified skill assessment, may be administered online or in person. Also, you can mitigate living, transportation, and material costs by meeting any of these requirements online, in part, or in full.
Accreditation
It is crucial to make sure your online degree is accredited. Having an accredited degree ensures that you’re eligible for licensure. An accredited degree will also set you up to build on your degree in the future if you pursue more higher education. Accredited degrees are of higher quality and are more likely to be recognized by professional organizations and employers.
The accreditation process for education programs is rigorous. It involves self-study by the institution, peer review, and a final stamp of approval from a regional accrediting organization. These regional accrediting organizations are audited and approved by organizations such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the American Council of Education, which are composed of member institutions like universities and colleges.
In addition to regional accreditation, which is at the school level, certain degree programs will opt for additional programmatic accreditation. This type of accreditation is sometimes required for your education to meet licensing standards. There isn’t one programmatic accrediting organization that’s universally recognized by states when it comes to getting licensed as a teacher assistant.
Regardless, you’ll still need your chosen school to hold proper institutional accreditation to guarantee a quality education, ensuring better opportunities for advancement and pay. When considering a degree, confirm its accreditation by researching using tools like GetEducated’s degree database.
Teacher Assistant Skills
Both formal and informal experience is recognized when applying for teacher assistant jobs. Formal experience, like college credit hours or internships, can count towards teacher assistant certification in some states. Informal experiences, such as childcare, tutoring, or volunteering, can help build skills vital to being a successful TA. Even if you have no experience, this career is within reach. States like New York or Wisconsin allow schools to hire teacher assistants with little experience or training, provided they complete on-the-job training during their employment. Teacher assistant skills are learned best via hands-on experience. These skills include classroom management, teamwork, patience, and empathy.
A good teacher assistant will have some key skills and qualities. These include both “soft” skills and “hard” skills. Some valuable soft skills include:
- Good listening skills
- Communication skills
- Empathy
- Patience
Some technical skills include:
- Competence in essential subjects like math and reading
- Familiarity with computers and other classroom technology
Finally, it’s essential to enjoy key elements of the job. Teamwork, working with kids, and creating an ideal learning environment will all be constants in this job. You’ll go far as a teacher assistant if you’re passionate about these things.
Teaching Assistant Certification & Licensing
Every state has a different way of ensuring teaching assistant qualifications. Some states have one or more licenses or certifications that you must earn before applying for a job in that state. Others have alternative paths with various requirements to achieve paraprofessional certification. It’s important to check with your state’s resources to learn what they require. Generally speaking, here are some licenses or certifications you may need:
Title I
Title I schools have a high amount of students from low-income families and benefit from additional funding provided by the federal government. Both teachers and teacher assistants must meet higher standards if they work for a Title I school. But depending on the state you live in, you may be able to meet all the requirements online. Due to a federal mandate, teacher assistants working in Title I schools must:
- Have an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited post-secondary institution, or
- Have completed two years (48 credit hours) of post-secondary education, or
- Demonstrate proficiency in appropriate skills and subjects by passing a state-approved test.
Special Needs Education
Many schools have programs designed to help students with special needs. Suppose you already have a relevant degree, such as an associate of special education. In that case, you may only need to apply for an additional license. Otherwise, you may have to meet additional requirements. These requirements may include completing workshops, earning additional certifications, or completing on-the-job training.
Teaching Assistant Certification
Some states, such as New York and Texas, require all teaching assistants to acquire and maintain one or more levels of teaching assistant certification. Certification requirements vary by state but usually entail completing workshops, taking a state-administered test, and applying or reapplying for licensure. Check with your state’s resources to find out what they require.
Examples
New York
Assistant teacher jobs NYC require a state-issued Teaching Assistant certificate. There are four levels issued: Levels I, II, III, and Pre-Professional. To be qualified, prospective TAs need to complete the New York State Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (NYSATAS).
They must also complete three workshops covering subjects like child abuse, school violence prevention, and the Dignity for All Students Act. After completing these steps, TAs can apply for state certification. For example, if you have never held NYSATAS certification before, you must meet the requirements for Level I. On the other hand, if you have a year of experience as an NYS-certified teacher, you can proceed to Level 3 Teaching Assistant certification. Depending on which level of certification one has, periodic renewal may be required as well. You can find the information for New York teacher assistant certification online.
Texas
In Texas, teacher assistants (known in this context as educational aides) must be hired by a school district before applying for the first of three Education Aide certificates. The first certificate requires a high school diploma or GED and relevant experience working with kids and parents. Two subsequent certifications, Education Aide II and III, may be obtained by:
- Meeting additional experience requirements,
- Meeting college credit requirements, or
- Showing expertise in one or more areas.
Assistant Teacher Career Information
Teacher Assistant Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median teacher assistant salary was $29,360 as of May 2021. So how much does a teacher assistant make an hour? About $14.12 on average.
Teaching Assistant Responsibilities
Above all, teacher assistants must be organized and responsible for helping teachers keep everything on track. TAs mainly focus on assisting the teacher, but they may occasionally teach a lesson themselves. So what are the duties and responsibilities of a teaching assistant?
- Grading papers
- Helping with homework
- Supervising students
- Preparing materials for class
- Taking over instruction when asked
Teacher Assistant Interview Questions
A great way to prepare to apply for jobs as a teacher assistant is to go through some practice teacher assistant interview questions. Employers will generally ask you about your experience, resume, and strengths/weaknesses. Additionally, you can expect some more specific field-related questions like these:
- What do you like about working with students?
- Why is the role of a teacher assistant important?
- What are the most important skills for a teacher assistant to have?
- What are you doing to improve your skills as a teacher assistant?
Some practical skills to include on your resume include soft skills like empathy, patience, and communication skills. You may also include some hard skills, like organization and classroom management.
What is a TA in College?
If you want to jumpstart your career with vital experience, then consider becoming a graduate teaching assistant. Graduate teaching assistants assist professors and other faculty members by reviewing papers, organizing class schedules, and even teaching some classes. Graduate students working on an advanced degree generally occupy teaching assistant college positions, which can be an advantageous choice for education majors.
Teaching Assistant Similar Professions
Being a teacher assistant will put you in the vicinity of several interesting careers. For example, childcare workers, teachers, library technicians, and media assistants are all neighboring fields. Drawing on these fields can help expand your role as a TA or provide advancement opportunities down the road.
Assistant Teacher Professional Associations
Joining a professional association can help you network and improve in your field. To illustrate, below are some associations that may provide helpful resources on your journey to becoming a TA.
FAQs
What do you need to become a teacher assistant?
In most states, in order to become a teacher assistant, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Earn an associate’s degree
- Earn a certain amount of college credit hours
- Pass a state-specified assessment
- Provide a portfolio demonstrating relevant work experience
What does a TA do?
A TA works alongside certified teachers. They specifically help students achieve academic success in individual and group settings.
What’s the difference between teacher aide and teacher assistant?
First, let’s answer what does a teacher’s aide do: Aides help with the organizational flow of a classroom and might assist with student safety under a teacher’s instruction. On the other hand, a teacher assistant can take over instruction, have a distinct knowledge of behavioral issues, and work with students individually and in small groups.
Is being a TA good for your resume?
In short, yes! Getting a job as a teacher assistant is an excellent way to enter the education field. Working as a TA will provide you with valuable hands-on experience that employers value. Teacher assistant positions that provide on-the-job training or certification opportunities look especially good on a resume.
Is being a teaching assistant worth it?
Being a teacher assistant has great qualities. The education requirements for becoming a teacher assistant are flexible and affordable. TAs can work almost anywhere, and many states offer license reciprocity. Finally, being a teacher assistant will provide a foundation of experience that may lead to opportunities for advancement, such as becoming an instructor or administrator. The answer to this question will ultimately depend on your needs, values, and goals. Still, for many prospective students, the answer is: yes!
Become a Teaching Assistant Online
After reading this article, you now know how to become a teacher assistant. As we’ve seen, becoming a TA is affordable and doesn’t take a lot of time. For the most part, completing some or all of your requirements online makes things even better. If this challenging and rewarding job appeals to you, then what better time to get started? Use GetEducated’s resources to find the right online degree for you.