I work with other organizations and after school programs to bring free PBS SoCaL resources to parents, teachers, and students. Our department does a lot of work with community outreach events. I assist with these. I also set up and conduct studio tours where I discuss careers in media and hold workshops for school groups. I give support in any area for the entire Education department.
CAREER
Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$35,550
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
0% (little or no change)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education Do
Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.
Other Job Titles Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education May Have
Classroom Aide, Educational Assistant, Instructional Assistant, Kindergarten Assistant, Paraeducator, Paraprofessional, Preschool Aide, TA (Teacher Assistant), TA (Teaching Assistant), Teacher Aide
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Current Student, Aspiring Teacher
As I said, I'm still a student, but my imagined "great day" includes teaching several classes, encouraging students to take ownership of their education. I would hope, as much as possible, to create a discussion based learning environment. Furthermore, I would hope to meet with several students individually if they need, because I believe solid student-teacher relationships creates a safe, warm educational community. This leads to safe vulnerability, and ultimately, the best learning.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- 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.
- Teach social skills to students.
- Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
Most common level of education among people in
this career: High school diploma or equivalent (27%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Some college, no degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Associates
Bachelor
Education, General
Graduate
International and Intercultural Communication
Current Student, Aspiring Teacher
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
English Language and Literature, General
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Problem-solving, multi-tasking, flexibility, creativity; these are all very good skills to have in any job.
Current Student, Aspiring Teacher
In all the small teaching and tutoring jobs I've had so far, and from what I've heard from others, the most important skills are a sense of empathy, passion--both for your subject and for teaching it--, open-mindedness, flexibility, patience, and persistence. Beyond these "personality skills," because I do believe that they're developed skills, the best way to learn how to manage a classroom of students is to do it. It's rough the first couple times, but this is, ultimately, how to learn.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Current Student, Aspiring Teacher
Build solid relationships with your teachers. I went to a small high school that made these sorts of relationships easier, but I think with a little effort you can do it anywhere. Having these great relationships with my teachers has not only provided me with a much appreciated sense of mentorship, but also has provided me with some fantastic models of how I want my classroom environments to operate and feel.
College Students
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
