Teacher Aides
At a Glance
- Provide assistance to teachers in the classroom
- Some perform clerical duties
- Usually have summers off
- Training ranges from a high school diploma to an associate degree
- May need a license
Career summary
Teacher aides provide teaching and clerical support for classroom teachers.Teacher aides may also be called teachers' instructional or educational assistants, instructional aides, educational paraprofessionals, and paraeducators.
Teacher aides help children learn lesson material. Some aides work with groups of children, while others work with a single student. Aides may listen as students read or help them find information. Teacher aides provide extra attention to students who are having trouble in school.
Some teacher aides prepare lesson plans for subjects such as math or science. Many teacher aides grade homework and tests. Under the direction and guidance of teachers, aides may sometimes instruct children.
Teacher aides assist and supervise students in lunchrooms, on school grounds, and on field trips. In high schools, teacher aides supervise study halls, libraries, and computer labs.
Some teacher aides work with students who have disabilities or special needs. They may:
- Feed students
- Teach personal care skills to students
- Help students move between classrooms
- Give prescribed medicines to students
Aides help students who speak English as a second language. They may help students and families who have financial needs locate social services in the community. Aides help with student behavior problems and report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.
Teacher aides are usually required to take courses or training to keep their skills up to date.
Teacher aides provide clerical support by preparing class handouts and setting up audio-visual equipment for presentations. They make sure equipment is working properly. Other clerical duties include:
- Keeping attendance and health records
- Typing tests
- Stocking supplies
- Managing classroom equipment
- Organizing parent-teacher meetings
Related careers
This career is part of the Education and Training cluster of careers.
Related careers include:
- Adult and Vocational Education Teachers
- Child Care Workers
- Dietetic Technicians
- Elementary School Teachers
- High School Teachers
- Middle School Teachers
- Personal and Home Care Aides
- Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers
- Public Health Educators
- Residential Counselors
- Social and Community Service Managers
Job duties
Task list
The following list of tasks is specific to teacher aides.
- Tutor students who need help understanding classroom lessons.
- Prepare lesson plans for teachers to review.
- Lead classroom exercises.
- Correct and grade homework and exams.
- Monitor lunchrooms, schoolyard, and hallways. Help students board and get off school buses.
- Assist special needs and at-risk students and their families.
- Update student files and health and attendance records.
- Prepare student handouts and audiovisual materials.
- Organize parent-teacher meetings.
- Update skills by taking courses.
- Enforce school policies and rules.
- Maintain computers in classrooms and labs, and assist students with hardware and software use.
Common work activities
Teacher aides perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.
- Assist and care for others
- Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
- Establish and maintain relationships
- Teach others
- Get information needed to do the job
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Work requirements
Working conditions
In a typical work setting, teacher aides:
Interpersonal relationships
- Have a high level of social interaction. They work with students and teachers.
- Communicate by face-to-face discussions on a daily basis. They also write e-mail, letters, and memos, but less often.
- Sometimes deal with conflict situations in which children might be angry or rude.
- Are responsible for the health and safety of children in their care.
- Often work as a part of a team of teachers.
Physical work conditions
- Mostly work indoors in classrooms, but sometimes work outdoors in schoolyards and on field trips.
- May be exposed to sounds and noise levels that might be loud or distracting.
- Are exposed to diseases and infections.
- Work very near others, often within inches.
Work performance
- Must be accurate and be sure that the job is complete. Errors or oversights may delay student learning.
- Sometimes make decisions that affect children and teachers. They usually consult a teacher before deciding a course of action.
- Set some of their daily tasks and goals independently, but usually seek direction from a supervisor.
Hours/travel
- May work full time or part time.
- Usually work nine months during the year and have summers off. May work in summer school.
- Work a set schedule.
Physical demands
Teacher aides frequently:
- Walk or run for long periods of time.
- Stand for long periods of time.
It is important for teacher aides to be able to:
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Understand the speech of another person.
- See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
It is not as important, but still necessary, for teacher aides to be able to:
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
- Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
- Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
- Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
- Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
- Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Skills and abilities
Teacher aides need to:
Communicate
- Understand spoken information.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Listen to others and ask questions.
- Read and understand work-related materials.
- Understand written information.
Reason and problem solve
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
- Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
- Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
Manage oneself, people, time, and things
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Work with people
- Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
- Teach others how to do something.
- Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
- Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
- Look for ways to help people.
Education and training
Educational programs
The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.
Programs of study directly related to this occupation
Other programs of study to consider
- Child Development
- Counseling Psychology
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Early Childhood Education and Teaching
- Education, General
- Educational and Instructional Technology
- Elementary Education and Teaching
- Office Support
- Special Education
Training
To work as a teacher aide, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
- complete at least two years of college courses or have an associate degree.
Education after high school
Education requirements for teacher aides vary widely. Teacher aides who mainly do clerical work need only a high school diploma or equivalent. If you want to work with children, most schools require you to complete at least two years of college courses or have an associate degree.
Helpful college courses include counseling, early childhood education, and special education. Teacher aides who speak a second language, such as Spanish, are in great demand.
Work experience
Experience working with children as a summer camp counselor or a babysitter may help you get a job as a teacher aide.
On-the-job training
Teacher aides who do clerical work usually receive training on the job from an experienced worker. Training covers computer and other equipment use and orientation to school policies. This type of training may last up to a month.
Helpful high school courses
In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.
You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:
- Child Development
- Computer Applications
- Psychology
- Public Speaking
- Teacher Assisting
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.
Things to know
Employers look for applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent when hiring teacher aides who do clerical work. Aides who work in the classroom may be required to have completed college courses or have an associate degree. Employers prefer applicants who have experience working with children.
Employers look for applicants with good communication and writing skills. Knowledge of a second language such as Spanish is very helpful in getting a job. Employers may require applicants to take a written exam and submit to a background check.
Some school districts may require workers to obtain a valid first-aid certificate and take HBV (Hepatitis B) and AIDS/HIV training. Many employers look for applicants with some computer experience.
Tips
Courses in early childhood education and child development, psychology, and education are helpful. Volunteer work with school-aged children in your local district provides valuable experience. Bookkeeping and organizational skills are helpful. Substituting as an aide is a good way to get experience and be hired full time.
Licensing/certification
In Washington, teacher aides must meet their school district employer's education or examination requirements for employment. These requirements generally follow Federal guidelines. Workers who have regular unsupervised access to children are required to pass a criminal background check. For information on State certification options see the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction website .
#2/18/20
Job listings
Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.
To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .
Wages
For aides in public schools in Washington, the average base salary is $38,797 per year (including part- and full-time workers).
#Updated OSPI info from School District Personnel Summary Report, Table 7 4/9/12 lh & 5/7/13, 4/13/15 cj. lh 4/11/16. OSPI 4/3/17, 3/12/19 cj.
Teacher assistants (SOC 25-9041)
| Location |
Pay Period | |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% |
25% |
Median |
75% |
90% |
||
| Washington | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | $25,980 | $29,480 | $34,430 | $39,010 | $46,300 | |
| Bellingham | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | $28,692 | $33,022 | $36,046 | $39,070 | $41,368 | |
| Bremerton-Silverdale | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | $27,656 | $33,387 | $36,789 | $40,191 | $46,147 | |
| Clarkston-Lewiston | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | $21,051 | $25,428 | $30,309 | $36,176 | $39,734 | |
| Kennewick-Richland | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | $25,605 | $28,162 | $32,146 | $36,612 | $39,397 | |
| Longview | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | $25,476 | $27,655 | $31,667 | $35,984 | $38,776 | |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | $27,579 | $31,661 | $35,707 | $39,196 | $41,320 | |
| Olympia-Tumwater | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | $26,366 | $31,419 | $35,163 | $38,535 | $40,971 | |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | $27,629 | $32,275 | $37,250 | $43,500 | $50,121 | |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | $25,648 | $27,440 | $30,440 | $35,929 | $41,412 | |
| Vancouver | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | $25,212 | $29,455 | $34,838 | $39,072 | $44,925 | |
| Walla Walla | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | $24,969 | $26,776 | $31,287 | $35,984 | $38,976 | |
| Wenatchee | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | $25,318 | $27,640 | $31,405 | $36,369 | $39,802 | |
| Yakima | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | $26,812 | $29,268 | $33,137 | $37,304 | $39,840 | |
| United States | Hourly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) |
| Monthly | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |
| Yearly | $18,670 | $21,940 | $26,970 | $34,190 | $41,020 | |
(1) Wage estimate is not available.
Wages depend on duties performed. Those with teaching responsibilities earn higher wages.
Benefits may include health insurance and sick pay. Some school districts pay tuition and provide time away from the job to get more training. Some teacher aides are covered by a union contract. They may have a retirement plan and other benefits.
Because teacher aides usually work a ten-month year, their wages are reported annually.
Employment and outlook
Washington outlook
The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.
Teacher Assistants (SOC 25-9041)
| Location | Current employment | Growth over 10 years | Annual openings | |
| This occupation |
All occupations |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 47,228 | 16.9% | 16.1% | 6,753 |
| Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties | 2,049 | 17.3% | 13.4% | 294 |
| Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties | 2,578 | 3.5% | 8.6% | 281 |
| Benton and Franklin Counties | 2,210 | 18.3% | 15.0% | 323 |
| Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties | 1,688 | 12.1% | 11.9% | 220 |
| Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties | 3,849 | 18.4% | 15.2% | 564 |
| Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties | 3,925 | 18.9% | 14.1% | 580 |
| Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties | 3,016 | 17.7% | 14.6% | 437 |
| King County | 12,944 | 19.5% | 19.6% | 1,935 |
| Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties | 2,564 | 18.3% | 13.8% | 375 |
| Pierce County | 4,386 | 17.1% | 15.2% | 630 |
| Snohomish County | 3,405 | 19.0% | 12.4% | 505 |
| Spokane County | 3,087 | 10.1% | 13.9% | 387 |
| United States | 1,380,300 | 4.0% | 5.2% | 153,900 |
National employment
Most teacher aides work at elementary, middle, and high schools.
Major employers:
- Public and private schools
- Child care centers
National outlook
Demand for this occupation is growing about as fast as average. Student enrollments are expected to continue to grow. There are more special education students and students who speak English as a second language. Teacher aides work mainly with these two groups of students. School budget cuts may increase the number of pupils in each classroom. All these factors increase the need for aides.
Many job openings occur as people leave the occupation for other jobs.
Other resources
American Federation of Teachers555 New Jersey Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.879.4400
Council for Exceptional Children
3100 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 600
Arlington, VA 22201-5332
888.232.7733
National Education Association
1201 - 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.833.4000
References
Career cluster
Career path
- Social
O*Net occupation
O*Net job zone
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.
DOT occupation
Holland occupational cluster
- Social/Conventional/Artistic
COPSystem
- Service Skilled