Teacher Assistant

A teacher assistant position encompasses more than just following the assigned teacher’s directions. In many ways, this position includes many of the same responsibilities a regular teacher position requires. Taking an aptitude test is a good way to find out if a person is ready for a teacher assistant position.

Academically, teacher assistants prepare supporting materials such as charts, maps, graphs and other learning aids. In some cases, teacher assistants are assigned particular subjects to teach so they also prepare lesson plans and activities, which the teacher will then review and approve before implementation. This position also includes small group work or individual tutoring, particularly for students with special needs, such as English Language Learners, students with learning disabilities and special education students who are being mainstreamed. Teacher assistants also do additional modeling of skills for students. They observe students and keep notes on these observations, which can later be used as part of the assessment process or during parent-teacher conferences.

They help a teacher maintain and decorate the classroom environment by updating bulletin boards, properly displaying student work around the room, labeling and organizing the room. They are also usually responsible for the upkeep of materials, such as laminating posters and charts to protect them from heavy use, as well as for requisition of materials throughout the year. They assist students in handling materials and technology, so that students will not be injured and will learn to avoid damaging the materials. Teacher assistants will usually also help students during the use of computer time with both the hardware and software.

Teacher assistants can take attendance, distribute and collect materials, escort students to and from special classes such as gym and art, the school cafeteria for lunch, or to and from the bus during arrival and dismissal. They can stay with the students during special classes and during recess, helping to oversee the students and even organizing games and activities for them. They can be responsible for collecting money and permission slips for school trips and projects. They can also be responsible for escorting students to the bathroom, particularly physically disabled students who might need the help.

Finally, teacher assistants are also responsible for some administrative responsibilities such as typing reports or project instructions, filing and copying as requested by the teacher. If a person is interested in teaching, some career assessment might help the person decide if being a teacher assistant is right for them.