CBBC News

The Teacher Assistant program (pending approval), which is developed by the Department of Education & Early Childhood Development is now ONLY 24 weeks!

Do you love working with children? Have you thought of becoming a teacher but are not sure whether to take the plunge? You may want to consider training as a teacher assistant before you make up your mind.

Plus, in only 24 weeks you can be job-ready in this in-demand field!

Working with kids of all ages isn’t always easy, but it’s also extremely rewarding. We all have a teacher or someone who worked in our schools as a kid who was special to us. That one person who took a bit of extra time and made us feel loved and supported. That person can be you!

Teacher Assistants work under a teacher’s supervision to give students additional attention and instruction. Assistants may also help students with research skills, or help teachers by grading tests, checking homework, and taking attendance.

There are lots of varied day-to-day tasks for a teacher assistant and many opportunities for them within a school or grade level. For example, some teacher assistants work only with special education students. These students often attend regular classes and teacher assistants help them understand the material and adapt the information to their learning style. With students who have more severe disabilities, assistants may work with them both in regular classes and in separate classes. Teacher assistants may help these students with basic needs, such as feeding or personal hygiene. With young adults, they may help students with disabilities learn skills necessary for them to find a job after graduation.

It’s also possible to specialize within a subject or area of learning. For example, as a teacher assistant, you may work in the computer lab, teaching students how to use computers and helping them use software. Or you may work as recess or lunchroom attendants, supervising students during these times of the day.

The job

Although most teacher assistants work in elementary, middle, and high schools, others work in preschools and other childcare centres. Often, one or two assistants work with a lead teacher to give the individual attention that young children need. They help with educational activities. They also supervise the children at play and help with feeding and other basic care.

Basic daily tasks for a teacher assistant include

• Work with the lead teacher to monitor the class schedule.
• Assist teachers with lesson preparation by getting materials ready and setting up equipment.
• Revise lesson material with students individually or in small groups.
• Ensure the classroom environment is safe and clean.
• Oversee students during non-classroom times including in-between classes, during lunch, and on field excursions.
• Collaborate with lead teachers to recognize issues students are facing and recommend solutions.
• Document student progress and communicate with parents to keep them informed.
• Help lead teachers to create lesson plans.
• Comply with state, school, and class rules and regulations.
• Attend all training classes, parent conferences, and faculty meetings.

This is a job where you need to be ‘on’ all the time. Kids don’t stop just because you’re having a bad day or don’t feel like being peppered with questions all day long. It takes a special person to go into education and people who do tend to be social individuals. These are people who are kind, generous, cooperative, patient, caring, helpful, empathetic, tactful, and friendly. They excel at socializing, helping others, and teaching.

It’s time to change your life. It’s time for an education from CBBC Career College.

Get a leg up in the job market NOW (don’t wait!). We would love to chat with you more about becoming a teacher assistant. To learn more and to connect with us, visit the teacher Assistant Program page here. We look forward to chatting with you more about this exciting program (and your new career opportunities!).