Assistant Teacher Job Description Sample

Assistant Teachers usually work under a teacher’s supervision to offer students additional supervision and mentoring. They work and interact with students and thereby help support the training and new educational material prepared by teachers. Some teacher assistants work with special education students and offer them the extra attention required to identify weak areas and adapt to the classes.

What are the primary responsibilities of an Assistant Teacher?

• Offer students the individual attention required to support classes given by the teachers
• Enforce discipline and maintain order in the classroom
• Assist teachers with maintenance of attendance records and mark sheets
• Help teachers in preparing training materials and learning activities for the classes
• Keep an eye on students during lunch, field trips and other breaks
• Offer extra assistance to children with special needs
• Motivate the students to study
• Attend parent teacher meetings and offer feedback

How much can an Assistant Teacher earn?

On average, Assistant Teachers earn approximately $10.79 per hour (Source: indeed.com).   According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Assistant Teachers earn an average annual salary of $24,900.

What are the education and entry requirements for an Assistant Teacher?

Educational requirements for Assistant Teachers may vary from one school to another depending on location and the role involved. While some institutions require applicants to have a high school diploma, most ask for a college or associate’s degree. Assistant Teachers who work with special needs children are often expected to pass some certification exam.

What are the qualities required to become a successful Assistant Teacher?

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to follow established work schedule
• A knack for tact and diplomacy
• Excellent interpersonal skills (to interact with a variety of people)
• Patience (to working with children of different abilities)
• Creativity (to teach the lessons according to the student's learning style)
• Ability to multi-task

What are the pros and cons of being an Assistant Teacher?

Pros:

• You don’t need an advanced degree (High school diploma or GED certificate would suffice for some jobs)
• Lower pay when compared to similarly educated professionals
• No discrimination
• Promising job prospects
• You develop people skills by interacting with others
• Helping others learn gives you job satisfaction
• Creative nature of work
• Boosts your leadership qualities

 Cons:

• You may have to deal with disgruntled parents
• You are expected to play second fiddle to the teachers
• Emotional stress
• High competition for full-time positions

Work environment and career outlook

 Most teacher assistants work part time in preschools, elementary, middle, and high schools as a stop-gap arrangement before climbing to teacher roles. Apart from helping with educational activities, they are also expected to supervise the kids during breaks, trips and extracurricular activities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of these professionals is expected to grow 9 percent from 2012 to 2022.