Teacher assistants provide instructional and clerical support for classroom teachers, allowing teachers more time for lesson planning and teaching. Teacher assistants tutor and assist children in learning class material using the teacher's lesson plans, providing students with individualized attention. Teacher assistants also supervise students in the cafeteria, schoolyard, and hallways, or on field trips. They record grades, set up equipment, and help prepare materials for instruction. Teacher assistants also are called teacher aides or instructional aides. Some assistants refer to themselves as paraeducators or paraprofessionals.

While the majority of teacher assistants work in primary and secondary educational settings, others work in preschools and other child care centers. Some teacher assistants work with young adults to help them obtain a job or to apply for community services for the disabled.

Teacher assistants held almost 1.3 million jobs in 2004. Nearly 3 in 4 worked for State and local government education institutions, mostly at the preschool and elementary school level. Private schools, child care centers, and religious organizations employed most of the rest. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that the demand for Teacher Aides will rise 23% by the year 2012. That means a numerous opportunities for you to find work doing a job that you can be proud of.

Educational requirements for teaching assistants vary by State or school district and range from a high school diploma to some college training, although employers increasingly prefer applicants with some college training. Federal regulations require teacher assistants with instructional responsibilities in Title I schools -- those with a large proportion of students from low-income households -- to meet one of three requirements: hold a 2-year or higher degree, have a minimum of 2 years of college, or pass a rigorous State or local assessment.

Educational Paraprofessional (Teacher's Aide) - ASIS
The Associate of Science in Interdisciplincary Studies (ASIS) with Educational Paraprofessional emphasis combines the strong foundation of interdisciplinary studies with specialized skills that will enable students to be effective paraprofessionals in the classroom, child care center, or any other setting where instructional aides may be needed. This program provides the relevent knowledge and skills for effectively instructing students of all ages and abilities.

Program topics include:

• Child Development and Learning
• Classroom Management
• Reading Methods
• Survey of Special Needs
• Math Methods
• Assisting ESL Learners

Kaplan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Teacher Aide - Diploma
In as little as 5 months, you can earn your diploma as a Teacher's Aide. Penn Foster's Teacher Aide program will train you at home for a rewarding career.

Our program will teach you:

• Classroom communication skills
• Major instructional techniques
• Technnology's role in the classroom
• How to assist students with special needs

Penn Foster Career School is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools and The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).