Michigan Teacher Assistant Certificate Requirements

<p>Teacher assistants, also included as paraprofessionals in Michigan regulations, aid teachers in providing personalized support and attention to students who require it. Assistants are not required to obtain certification in Michigan, and they must be under supervision at all times. Those working in Title 1 schools have additional requirements. Learn more about these requirements as well as general responsibilities and salary information below. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Education Required</b></td><td> High school diploma or equivalent</td></tr> <tr><td><b> General Requirements</b></td><td> Background check</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Title 1 Requirements</b></td><td> 60 hours of coursework, associate's degree, or state testing</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b> </td><td> Assist licensed teachers with classroom management, provide personalized assistance to students in need, provide tutoring, and conduct activities involving parents. Bilingual teacher assistants may provide translation services to students as needed.</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Average Salary (2018)</b> </td><td> $27,570*</td></tr> <tr><td><b> Job Growth (2016-2026) </b></td><td> 8% (assistant teachers nationwide)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics </i></p> <h3 id="section---JobDescription">Job Description</h3> <p>Teacher assistants play an important role in the classroom. When a student requires extra support, it is often the teacher assistant who provides it. They can work one-on-one with a student or in small groups. In some cases teacher assistants may act as translators for students who do not speak English as a first language. Additionally, assistants may aid in the instruction of how students can properly utilize the school's library and computer labs. </p> <h3 id="section---Certification">Certification</h3> <p>The state of Michigan does not offer certification or licensing for teacher assistants. Teacher assistants work under the supervision of a certified teacher. However, those who wish to work with students who require a translator may wish to seek out certification in a needed language by an appropriate agency. </p> <h3 id="section---RequirementsForTeacherAssistants">Requirements for Teacher Assistants</h3> <p>Michigan only requires a high school diploma and background check for those who wish to work as a teacher assistant, but individual school districts may have their own set of requirements. Background checks include fingerprinting and a criminal history check. </p> <h3 id="section---RequirementsForTitle1Schools">Requirements for Title 1 Schools</h3> <p>Federal regulations require that schools who receive Title I funds hire teacher assistants with at least two years of college education or an associate's degree. The individual's college education and/or associate's degree must have included at least 60 credit hours of instruction. If the applicant can demonstrate the ability to assist in teaching reading, writing, and mathematics by passing the Basic Skills Test MTTC or ETS Parapro Assessment, he or she can also work at a Title I school as a teacher assistant. </p> <h3 id="section---Supervision">Supervision</h3> <p>Teacher assistants always work under the direct supervision of a certified teacher. They are not permitted to instruct a class on their own as they lack the necessary qualifications. However, they may provide instruction which is in support of instruction given by a class or student's regular teacher. Additionally, teacher assistants are only permitted to instruct students in small groups outside of regular, teacher-led instruction for limited periods of time as long as the certified teacher knows where the teacher assistant and students are during this time.</p>