Teacher assistants provide invaluable support to classroom teachers who would otherwise shoulder heavy clerical and educational burdens on their own. Assistants hail from all walks of life. Some are people preparing for a teaching career, working part-time in the classrooms of elementary and secondary schools while they attend a college training program. Or, they may be retired professionals who have a commitment to the educational welfare of the young.

On the job, about half of employed teacher assistants work part time, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They may prepare lessons, administer tests or projects in arts and science, grade papers, keep records and supplies, supervise schoolyard play, and help teachers with tutoring or remedial assignments.

Teacher assistants take jobs in public and private schools, pre-schools, preschools, summer camps, child care centers, churches and synagogues, and community centers. Some only work the nine-month public school calendar; others work at summer schools.

While educational and certification requirements vary from state to state, most school districts demand a two-year degree for all teacher assistant candidates to match federal requirements for low-income student funding. Community colleges and private trade schools offer certification and associates degree training programs tailored for teacher assistants.

The BLS reports that 1.3 million teacher assistants held jobs in 2004, most of them in pre-schools and at the elementary-school level. Assistants who have a second language or have taken formal training to work with special education or disabled students will be in especially high demand.

Online Degrees in Teacher Assistant

PCDI

What Professional Career Development Institute began by offering just one professional real estate appraisal course in 1987 has grown so large that it is now divided into two divisions: John Madison High School for high school programs and Ashworth College for all its higher and continuing education course offerings. More than 50 career programs are featured at PCDI including everything from jewelry repair to carpentry to sports psychology to writing children's books. more

Teacher Assistant Degrees Offered:

Teacher Assistant
The only prerequisite for this course is a high school diploma or GED. This program will give you a solid foundation in teacher assisting. Trained teacher assistants with the right preparation, skills, and credentials may work in preschools, grammar schools, special education programs, and youth organizations nationwide. You’ll be prepared to pursue some of these opportunities in a field filled with variety, challenge, and excitement.

Send me info about these online teacher assistant degrees

Penn Foster Schools

Penn Foster Schools, the largest accredited school of independent home study, offers more than 80 distance education career diploma programs. Students enrolled in these programs have the option of studying online, in print, or through a combination of the two. In addition, Penn Foster Schools offers high school diplomas and 22 different associate degrees. more

Teacher Assistant Degrees Offered:

Teacher Aide
Learn the skills necessary for becoming a Teacher Aide through this program. Train quickly and conveniently for this rewarding career. You’ll learn classroom communication skills, major instructional techniques, technology’s role in the classroom, and how to assist students with special needs.
Teacher Aide
Learn the skills necessary for becoming a Teacher Aide through this program. Train quickly and conveniently for this rewarding career. You’ll learn classroom communication skills, major instructional techniques, technology’s role in the classroom, and how to assist students with special needs.

Send me info about these online teacher assistant degrees

Most Requested Programs for Education

The booming education and health sector offers many jobs that involve working with children. For more information on online education degrees, review our program listing and decide which path is right for you.

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