Teaching Assistant Job Description

A teaching assistant job description is more complex than many might expect. The perceptions some may have are that teaching assistants are merely glorified babysitters. Teaching is no doubt the noblest of professions, and a job which lays the responsibility of guiding the generations to come in the hands of the educated and enlightened few.  Teachers often find themselves in need of help with duties which lean more toward preparation and working directly with the students.

The teaching assistant job description includes handling research, finding interesting methods to inspire and help students understand the lesson better. These ideas and concepts take a lot of groundwork and effort to implement. They require preparing slides and handouts; creating charts; gathering ingredients for a project; organizing material and more.

A teaching assistant, often simply called a teacher aide, is expected to be proactive in helping the students with questions and preparing the classroom for the next lesson or project. The help they provide the teacher includes closing out the day’s class and preparing for the next. A required characteristic of a good teacher assistant is good organization skills as well as someone who is patient with children. A teaching assistant job description requires them to be able to communicate ideas clearly for the age group in the assigned class. The teaching assistant should know the code of ethics of the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC). Many schools also prefer if the teaching assistant is SENCO (Special Education Needs Coordinator) trained or bilingual.  They are expected to have first aid training and should respond well to emergencies. Aside from enjoying a general level of physical fitness, the primary physical requirements are usually just the ability to lift at least 40 pounds. Also, they should be flexible and are expected to be able to climb stairs and have good mobility if they are working with younger children.

The duties included on a teaching assistant job description are helping to implement a syllabus and schedule for students on a daily basis. They need to supervise a classroom in the absence of the lead teacher and create an appropriate environment where students are enthused to learn. They are expected to keep the classroom supplies well-stocked. They should guide children in the area of good habits, personal hygiene and with social skills. A teaching assistant should observe and report to the lead teacher any students who are facing difficulty in learning or having behavioral problems. An assistant also attends seminars, staff meetings and conferences. Also, the general cleanliness of a classroom falls under the purview of the assistant teachers.  They also have to assist lead teachers in implementing individual programs for students needing extra help. A teaching assistant works with students by tutoring them individually or in small groups to ensure they understand and master concepts better. They also help supervise students on field trips and guide children on the use of equipment and monitor them for safety. The teaching assistant helps the general staff while loading and unloading the school bus, assist librarians, and keep the record of the attendance.

A teaching assistant job description spotlights the need for someone for someone with the ability to always be patient with the students no matter what their behavior and is very well organized. Having a well trained teaching assistant is a great asset for the teacher, improving the learning environment for the students. Most simply put, a teaching assistant’s main duty is to assist the teacher in whatever manner possible.