With all that a teacher has to do to provide quality instruction, it seems impossible to give every task the time and attention it deserves. Employed in day cares and elementary, middle and high schools, teacher's assistants help lessen a teacher's burden.
Qualifications
A teacher's assistant or paraprofessional acts as the classroom manager. This can be either a volunteer or paid position. Generally, only a high school diploma is needed, though in some instances a CDA (child development associate) degree or other special certification may be requested.
Duties
Teacher's assistants have a wide range of duties. They help with the more clerical aspects of the classroom, from recording grades to typing and filing. They act as another set of eyes and ears for the teacher, disciplining and reporting any behavioral issues. During lunch and recess, they monitor the cafeteria and playground. They are also responsible for keeping the classroom clean, well-maintained and safe. When working with smaller children, they see to the cultivation of good personal hygiene habits, as well as toilet training.
Special Needs
In working with children with special needs, further education and training is often necessary to accommodate the child's physical or learning disabilities.
In many cases, a teacher's assistant will be assigned to a student requiring more individualized attention. It is the assistant's job to carry out the teacher's instructions for the child in accordance with the curriculum, help in completing class work and other projects, monitor and correct the student's behavior, and assist in grooming and other basic life skills.
Follow the Teacher
While a teacher's assistant may teach some lessons and provide classroom help, they are always answerable to the head teacher. Rarely do they write lesson plans or organize activities on their own initiative.
Demand
Teacher's assistants are in steady demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in this field is expected to increase, particularly for those with at least two years of college or other vocational training.
Tags: teacher assistant, Teacher assistants, working with