How To Become A Teacher Assistant

Stan T.Career, Requirements

How Long Does It Take, What Degree Do You Need, and More

Teacher Assistants

Teacher Assistants perform duties that are instructional in nature or deliver direct services to students or parents. Serve in a position for which a teacher has ultimate responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

Salary
$31500
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Post-secondary certificate
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Table of contents
  1. Summary
  2. Steps to become one
  3. Popular degree levels
  4. How long does it take

Summary

Degree Associate’s Degree or Certificate
Degree field Early Childhood Education and Teacher Assistant
License or certification Required in some states
Duration to become one 1 to 2 years
Difficulty to become one Medium

Teacher Assistants need to complete at least two years of college, earn an Associate’s Degree, or obtain a paraprofessional certificate. Common majors for this career include Early Childhood Education and Teacher Assistant. Some states require Teacher Assistants to pass an exam and earn a certificate while some employers require certifications in CPR and first aid.


Teacher Assistants Requirements

Step 1: Volunteer as a Student Teacher Aide or Tutor Students

Aspiring Teacher Assistants can start practicing for their chosen career by volunteering as a Student Teacher Aide. Some High School Teachers assign one or more aides to assist with classroom activities during the semester. Common tasks may involve record keeping, setting up AV equipment, or assisting with the distribution of learning materials.

If a Student-Teacher Aide position is not available, students can gain relevant experience by tutoring other students. Individuals who plan on working in pre-K through elementary education may choose to tutor younger children while those who intend to work at high schools may tutor their peers.

Step 2: Review State Requirements for Teacher Assistants

Before choosing to earn a certificate or an Associate’s Degree, aspiring Teacher Assistants should review the requirements for their state. The requirements are typically set by the state’s board of education.

In most states, a Teacher Assistant needs to earn an Associate’s Degree, earn a certificate, or pass a basic skills test administered by the state. Individuals who earn a degree or meet the 60-hour requirement, typically do not need to take the skills test.

For example, in California, a Teacher Assistant can start working after earning a degree or passing a skills test. In states where an Associate’s Degree is not required, the path to becoming a Teacher Assistant may not take as long.

Step 3: Consider Earning a Paraprofessional Certificate

Some employers only require Teacher Assistants to hold a paraprofessional certificate. Many technical schools and community colleges offer an Educational Paraprofessional Certificate of Achievement. The certificate may take a year or less to earn, depending on the program.

Step 4: Earn an Associate’s Degree

An Associate’s Degree may be necessary for states and employers that require more than just a paraprofessional certificate. The most common educational requirement for Teacher Assistants is two years of college or an Associate’s Degree.

Aspiring Teacher Assistants may major in Early Childhood Education. Some community colleges use different names for the same program, such as Teacher Assistant and Instructional Assistant. Childhood Development Associate (CDA) is another common name for the program.

Along with qualifying students for careers as Teacher Assistants, an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education may meet the requirements for becoming a Preschool Teacher or a Childcare Worker.

Teacher Assistant programs lead to an Associate of Science Degree. The courses typically include practical and academic subjects. Classroom management, child development, literacy, and educational psychology are a few of the core courses commonly included in these programs.

Students learn more about the latest teaching strategies and important child development milestones. The coursework may include lessons on nutrition, childhood behavior, and parent engagement.

Most Teacher Assistant programs also include general education coursework, such as classes in math, history, communication, and composition.

Step 5: Earn CPR and First Aid Certification

Many employers require Teacher Assistants and other school employees to hold certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid skills. Earning these certifications requires the completion of a training course.

The American Heart Association and the American Red Cross hold training courses throughout the country. The American Safety and Health Institute also offers first aid and CPR training. Most courses only require a single afternoon of training.

Step 6: Pass the State Skills Test

Some states require Teacher Assistants to pass a skills-based test. The test determines the candidate’s knowledge of reading, math, writing, and teaching strategies.

In some states, the testing requirement is waived for those who meet the educational requirements, such as an Associate’s Degree or a certificate. However, New York and several other states require the test for all Teacher Assistant positions.

For example, in New York, a Teacher Assistant must pass the NYSTCE Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS). The skills tests are typically computer-based and include multiple-choice questions.

Step 7: Look for Teacher Assistant Positions

After completing the educational requirements and earning CPR and first aid certifications, aspiring Teacher Assistants should begin looking for work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 70% of Teacher Assistants work for public elementary schools and secondary schools. Eight percent work for private schools and 10% work for daycare services.

What degree do most Teacher Assistants have

Post-secondary certificate

We did a survey to ask other Teacher Assistants what degree they had when they first became one. Here are the results.

Post-secondary certificate
30.84%

Certificate
23.39%

High School Diploma
20.96%

How long does it take

1 to 2 years

Becoming a Teacher Assistant typically takes one to two years, depending on the educational requirements of the state. Some states only require a paraprofessional certificate, which often takes one year to earn. However, it is more common for states to require two years of college or a two-year Associate’s Degree.


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