Tallo logoTallo logo

Teacher Assistant

Quick Facts

Median Salary$37,024
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+24.20%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Teacher Assistant assists classroom teachers by providing extra individual attention and instruction to students. Helps teachers with recordkeeping, preparation for lessons and activities and supervising students. May work with special education students, or work in a school library or computer lab; may be called teacher aide or paraprofessional.


Core Tasks:

  • Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.
  • Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.
  • Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
  • Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
  • Teach social skills to students.
  • Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.
  • Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, supervised role-playing methods, or by reading aloud.
  • Clean classrooms.
  • Observe students' performance, and record relevant data to assess progress.
  • Organize and label materials and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their eye levels and perceptual skills.
  • Organize and supervise games and other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, and social development.
  • Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
  • Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.
  • Conduct demonstrations to teach skills, such as sports, dancing, and handicrafts.
  • Prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations.
  • Distribute teaching materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils, to students.
  • Type, file, and duplicate materials.
  • Laminate teaching materials to increase their durability under repeated use.
  • Requisition and stock teaching materials and supplies.

What to expect as a Teacher Assistant

1Earn a High school or GED Diploma

49% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Teacher Assistant related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

23026 openings for Teacher Assistants

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Teacher Assistant. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.