The greater focus on school quality and accountability in recent years also is likely to lead to an increased demand for teacher assistants. Growing numbers of teacher assistants may be needed to help teachers prepare students for standardized testing and to provide extra assistance to students who perform poorly on these tests.

Teacher assistants who instruct children have duties similar to those of preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers, special education teachers, and school librarians.

However, teacher assistants do not have the same level of responsibility or training. The support activities of teacher assistants and their educational backgrounds are similar to those of childcare workers, library technicians, and library assistants.

Teacher assistants who work with children with disabilities perform many of the same functions as occupational therapy assistants and aides. Teacher assistants, also known as paraprofessional associates or instructional aides, 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.

Most teacher assistants perform a combination of instructional and clerical duties. They generally provide instructional reinforcement to children, under the direction and guidance of teachers. They work with students individually or in small groups—listening while students read, reviewing or reinforcing class lessons, or helping them find information for reports. At the secondary school level, teacher assistants often specialize in a certain subject, such as math or science.

Many teacher assistants work extensively with special education students. As schools become more inclusive, integrating special education students into general education classrooms, teacher assistants in general education and special education classrooms increasingly assist students with disabilities. They also provide personal attention to students with other special needs, such as those from disadvantaged families, those who speak English as a second language, or those who need remedial education. Teacher assistants help assess a student’s progress by observing performance and recording relevant data. Teacher assistants also work with infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or other disabilities.  Under the guidance of a teacher or therapist, teacher assistants perform exercises or play games to help the child develop physically and behaviorally.

Some teacher assistants work with young adults to help them obtain a job or to apply for community services for the disabled. Approximately four in 10 teacher assistants work part time. However, even among full-time workers, nearly 40 percent work less than eight hours per day. Teacher assistants work in a variety of settings—including private homes and preschools, and local government offices, where they would deal with young adults—but most work in classrooms in elementary, middle and secondary schools.

• For detailed career information, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook: www.bls.gov/oco.
• Click here to view curriculum guide

Educational Opportunities in Teacher Assistant/Paraprofessional Associates

Associate of arts in teacher education— paraprofessional
The associate of arts in teacher education will be awarded to a student who successfully completes the Paraprofessional Licensure program of studies. Conferral of the associate of arts degree in teacher education in the paraprofessional area of concentration requires a 2.5 minimum grade point average in all education cluster courses (ECED, EDCT, and PSYH) and meeting the attendant requirements of the State of Ohio and Lorain County Community College to establish good moral character. Successful completion will qualify the student for state licensure as an educational paraprofessional associate.

Other Teacher Education Opportunities

Certificate of completion-early childhood teacher or administrator
An early childhood education certificate of completion has been designed for those students who wish to be employed as a teacher or teacher’s aide in a preschool/daycare, or in-home setting. These courses meet the course requirements Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services to be an early childhood education teacher. These courses may be applied towards an associate of arts degree in teacher education--early childhood emphasis.

Associate of arts in teacher education— early childhood education
The associate of arts in teacher education will be awarded to a student who successfully completes the early childhood education licensure program.

Associate of arts in teacher education— transfer program
The associate of arts in teacher education will be awarded to a student who successfully completes the transfer for K-12 licensure. Conferral of the associate of arts degree in teacher education in the transfer area of concentration with a 2.5 minimum grade point average in all education cluster courses (ECED, EDCT, and PSYH) will permit transfer with junior year standing to a four-year college or university with an approved program in teacher education.

Related Educational Opportunities through LCCC’s University Partnership

Ashland University

Bachelor of Science in Education
Early Childhood Intervention Specialist (Grades Pre K-3)
The Ashland education program is based on current research, effective practice and dynamic collaborative relationships among Ashland faculty, pre-K through 12th-grade teachers and administrators.

Bachelor of Science in Education
Early Childhood Licensure (Grades Pre K-3)
The Ashland education program is based on current research, effective practice and dynamic collaborative relationships among Ashland faculty, pre-K through 12th-grade teachers and administrators.

Bachelor of Science in Education
Middle Childhood Licensure (4-9)
The Ashland education program is based on current research, effective practice and dynamic collaborative relationships among Ashland faculty, pre-K through 12th-grade teachers and administrators.

Bachelor Plus in Graduate Education for Teacher Licensure
The Bachelor Plus program is a graduate program designed to provide initial teacher licensure to people who hold bachelor degrees from accredited colleges or universities in fields other than education.

The Bachelor Plus Program is fully state approved and leads to teacher licensure by the Ohio Department of Education. Some course work earns graduate credit. However, some undergraduate courses are necessary in each program teaching area.

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