Teacher assistants work under
a licensed teacher’s supervision
to give students of all ages
additional attention and instruction,
either one-on-one or in small groups.
Teacher assistants—
also called teacher aides
and paraprofessionals—
monitor students’ progress,
and help them to learn the material
that teachers present.
Assistants may grade tests
and check homework,
or for young children at childcare centers,
they may supervise playtime,
and help with feeding and basic care.
Some teacher assistants work
only with special education students.
Assistants may adapt material
to the student’s learning style
and help with understanding,
while for students with more severe disabilities,
teacher assistants help with basic needs,
such as eating and personal hygiene.
With young adult students
who have disabilities,
assistants may teach skills
necessary for finding a job
or living independently after graduation.
Some teacher assistants
supervise students in a specific location,
such as computer labs, recess,
or in the lunchroom.
Part-time schedules are common
for teacher assistants,
sometimes including riding the bus
with students before and after school.
Many work the nine-month school year,
though some also work summers.
Teacher assistants have a high rate
of illnesses and injuries.
Teacher assistants typically need
to have completed at least
two years of college coursework,
or an associate’s degree.