What Training is Needed to Become a Teacher Aide?

<p>Since being a teacher aide is an entry-level position, you don't need a whole lot of <a href="https://learn.org/directory/category/School_Administration/Teacher%27s_Aide_Education.html">education</a> and experience to jump right in. </p> <p>Specifics do vary among states and individual school districts, with some requiring more formal training than others. </p> <h3 id="section---EducationAndTraining">Education and Training</h3> <p>At a minimum, teacher aides have a high school diploma or the equivalent. In some schools, this is all you need. </p> <p>Many teacher aides also have an associate degree or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Teacher_Aide_Certification_and_College_FAQs.html">certificate</a> in education or a related discipline, such as child development. </p> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_teachers_aide_training_requirements.html">Training</a> is typically on-the-job, although many school districts also have training programs available. </p> <p>Teacher aides generally have basic office skills and handling computers, copiers, and similar technology. </p> <p>Some experience working with children is also beneficial because it shows that you understand how to deal with and relate to them. </p> <h3 id="section---JobDuties">Job Duties</h3> <p>During an average day, a teacher aide works under the direction of the teacher, completing whatever tasks the teacher requests. </p> <p>Teacher aides may also be responsible for watching students in the classroom and enforcing discipline where necessary. </p> <p>When students are working on assignments, the teacher aide often moves around the room, giving extra help where needed. </p> <p>The teacher aide also helps the teacher with basic classroom recordkeeping, such as taking attendance or grading assignments. </p> <p>Some teacher aides specialize on the needs of particular students and work in small groups to help those students achieve their goals. </p> <h3 id="section---WorkEnvironment">Work Environment</h3> <p>Teacher aides may work either full-time or part-time. Most work in public schools, although they also work in private institutions and daycares. </p> <p>Most teacher aides work in a single classroom, but some work for a full grade level and rotate among several classrooms. </p> <p>Teacher aides who specialize might work specifically on reading or other tasks for students with special needs. </p> <p>In some schools, a teacher aide is assigned specifically to special education students who are attending regular classes. </p> <p>In this context, the teacher aide focuses on those students and provides them extra support so they can keep up with the rest of the class. </p> <h3 id="section---AveragePay">Average Pay</h3> <p>A <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Salary_FAQs.html">teacher aide's salary</a> is around $29,360 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). </p> <p>Postsecondary teacher aides tend to earn more than others, averaging around $41,900 a year. </p> <p>Top paying states for teacher aides include Washington, California, Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, and Connecticut. </p> <p>Since most teacher aides work in public schools, their pay is dependent on state education budgets. </p> <h3 id="section---JobOutlook">Job Outlook</h3> <p>The BLS projects that employment of teacher aides will grow 5% from 2021 to 2031. </p> <p>This growth rate is about as fast as average for all occupations in the country, with an estimated 153,700 annual job openings. </p> <p>Because most teacher aides work in public schools, demand and job growth is dependent on state education budgets. </p> <p>When there's a budget crisis, teacher aide positions tend to be eliminated in favor of teacher positions. </p> <p>Below, we'll explain the steps you can follow to become a teacher aide. </p> <h2 id="section---Step1GetYourHighSchoolDiplomaOrTheEquivalent">Step 1: Get Your High School Diploma or the Equivalent</h2> <p>While specific requirements vary, all schools require teacher aides to at least have a high school diploma or the equivalent. </p> <p>In high school, take any classes that are available in child development or working with kids to gain knowledge about working with kids. </p> <p>You might also be able to volunteer as a tutor for kids in elementary or middle school as a high school student. </p> <p>Working as a tutor helps you gain skills teaching younger children and is especially helpful for working with kids who have special needs. </p> <h2 id="section---Step2ConsiderAnAssociateDegree">Step 2: Consider an Associate Degree</h2> <p>Many teacher aides have an associate degree or certificate in education or child development. </p> <p>These programs are often specifically designed to train teacher aides to assist teachers in the classroom. </p> <p>Some school districts also offer certificate programs that educate prospective teacher aides about school policies and programs. </p> <p>While specific requirements differ from school to school, an associate degree will definitely set you apart from other applicants. </p> <h2 id="section---Step3GainExperienceWorkingWithChildren">Step 3: Gain Experience Working with Children</h2> <p>At a minimum, schools want to see that you have experience working with children around the same age as those in the classroom. </p> <p>For example, if you want to be a teacher aide in elementary school, look for a volunteer or part-time position with kids that age. </p> <p>In addition to working in a childcare, after school, or summer camp context, you might also consider babysitting or tutoring. </p> <p>If you want to work with children who have <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Teaching_Special_Education_FAQs.html">special needs</a>, try to get experience working specifically in that context. </p> <h2 id="section---Step4GetOnTheJobTraining">Step 4: Get On-the-Job Training</h2> <p>Even if you earn an associate degree or certificate, the bulk of your training as a teacher aide happens on the job. </p> <p>Each teacher is going to have their own expectations for their teacher aide. You'll need to be adaptable to work with different teachers. </p> <p>Specific schools also have their own policies and procedures that you'll learn about while working. </p> <p>Some school districts have apprenticeship programs for teacher aides that help set your career on the right path. </p> <h2 id="section---BecomeATeacherAideToday">Become a Teacher Aide Today</h2> <p>By earning your associate degree and gaining experience working with kids, you'll be well on your way to becoming a teacher's aide.</p>