A teaching assistant supports teachers who are working in a classroom environment.
According to the United States Department of Labor, the job market for teaching assistants is expected to continue to grow due in part to the rate of turnover in this field. Both full-time and part-time work is available as a teacher's assistant. Teaching assistants generally work in classrooms where they may assist students or complete clerical work for teachers. The education requirements for teaching assistants vary.
Education Requirements
In some cases a high school diploma may be all that is necessary to become a teaching assistant. However, many schools hiring teaching assistants prefer that applicants have some college training in the education field, while others require applicants to hold an associate's degree. This is often the case with Title 1 schools.
Degrees for Teaching Assistants
Those seeking to go to school to become a teaching assistant should look for schools that offer either an associate's degree or a certificate program for teaching assistants. In most cases, those students who complete this coursework can opt to continue their studies to receive a full teaching degree. If they already have a teaching assistant position, they may be eligible to receive tuition reimbursement to earn their teaching degree.
Teacher's Aide Associate's Degree Programs
Several colleges in the United States offer teacher's aide associate's degrees via both online and in-person study. Colleges that presently offer a program in teaching assistantship (also noted as "paraprofessional education") include: University of Phoenix, Liberty University, Ashford University, Kaplan University, The University of Montana, University of Arizona, Michigan State University, San Diego State University, St. John's University, New York University, California Polytechnic State University, Oklahoma State University, Western Michigan University, University of Minnesota and East Carolina University.
Community Colleges
In addition to programs offered at traditional four-year colleges, you local community college may offer either an associate's degree program or a teaching assistant certificate program that will qualify you to work as a teaching assistant at schools in your area.
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