Teacher Assistant Job Description
What Does a Teacher Assistant Do?
A teacher assistant is a person who provides support to a teacher in the classroom with tasks such as grading assignments, preparing teaching materials, helping with classroom control, and providing additional instructional support. They also may be responsible for taking attendance, helping with field trips, and attending teacher meetings.
Teacher Assistant Job Description Example
Missoula Kids Care is excited to offer a rewarding teaching assistant opportunity to the right candidate. We are seeking a motivated, reliable, and enthusiastic individual to join our team of talented daycare professionals. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing comprehensive classroom support to create an inviting and educationally stimulating environment to foster the growth and development of our students.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist the lead teacher in developing and implementing daily lesson plans
- Encourage an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration
- Monitor student behavior and provide redirection as necessary
- Assist in preparing and cleaning up the classroom
- Maintain an organized, safe, and welcoming learning environment
- Interact with children in a positive and encouraging manner
- Assist with outdoor activities, outdoor activities, and field trips
- Participate in meetings, trainings, and other daycare activities
Work Hours and Benefits:
Our teacher assistant position is Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm, with some flexibility in scheduling. In addition to a competitive salary, we provide generous paid time off, as well as health, dental, and vision benefits for eligible employees.
Qualifications:
- 2+ years of classroom experience
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
- Passion for working with children
- Ability to be self-directed, organized, and multi-task
- Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle
Training and Education:
A minimum of an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Development or Education is required. Knowledge of the core curriculum and first-aid certification would also be beneficial.
If you want to join a supportive team and provide outstanding care to our students, please submit your resume and cover letter to us. We look forward to hearing from you!
What to Include on a Teacher Assistant Resume or Job Posting
Common teacher assistant responsibilities
- Assisting teachers in preparing lesson plans and materials.
- Supervising students in the classroom and during activities.
- Helping to maintain a safe and orderly classroom environment.
- Assisting with grading assignments and tests.
- Tutoring students in small groups or one-on-one.
- Assisting with the implementation of IEPs and other special education plans.
- Helping to manage student behavior and discipline.
- Assisting with the organization of field trips and other school activities.
- Helping to maintain student records and attendance.
- Assisting with the setup and cleanup of the classroom.
Qualities & traits
- Patience: A teacher assistant must be patient and understanding when working with students of varying backgrounds and abilities.
- Communication Skills: A teacher assistant must be able to effectively communicate with both students and teachers.
- Organization: A teacher assistant must be organized and able to prioritize tasks.
- Flexibility: A teacher assistant must be flexible and able to adapt to changing situations.
- Creativity: A teacher assistant must be able to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems.
- Interpersonal Skills: A teacher assistant must be able to build relationships with students, teachers, and parents.
- Problem Solving: A teacher assistant must be able to identify problems and come up with solutions.
- Leadership: A teacher assistant must be able to take initiative and lead when necessary.
What a typical day looks like for a teacher assistant
Teacher assistants help assist the teachers and students with daily activities. They typically provide academic, administrative, and social support in the classroom setting. Tasks they may perform on a day-to-day basis include preparing instructional materials, helping with interactive lessons, grading assignments, monitoring student work, providing one-on-one instruction, and supervising lunchroom, playground, and hall activities. They often help record attendance, assist with organized recess activities, help solve student disciplinary issues, and arrange for substitute teachers when needed. Additionally, teacher assistants may serve as a classroom organizer and record-keeper, inputting grades and organizing student folders.
Compatible jobs and work history
Teacher assistants provide support for teachers in the classroom, and often act in a similar role to teaching assistants, paraprofessionals, or instructional aides. Although experience in these roles can be beneficial, there are a wide range of other jobs that can provide the experience and skills necessary to be a successful teacher assistant. These roles can be found in a variety of industries and range from roles in the customer service industry to roles in the educational field.
- Teacher Aide or Tutor
- Childcare or Daycare Provider
- Educational or Instructional Support Specialist
- Customer Service Representative
- Administrative Assistant
- Personal Care Attendant
- Social Services Support Worker
- Program Coordinator
- Youth Services Worker
- Coaching or Mentoring Professional
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