Qualifications Needed as a Teacher Assistant
Assisting a teacher in his or her classroom is a high calling for someone interested in the education arena. In this position, you are called upon as secretary, tutor, consultant, and yes - teacher. In order to be prepared for this position, it will take a small amount of education, some research, and plenty of backbone.
In order to be considered as a teacher assistant, you must have at least a two-year degree, a passing score on a paraprofessional test, or at least working on your Bachelor’s degree during that current school year. This is so you will be a theoretically, functional employee at that school. Some concepts taught in college such as psychology 101, basic writing, basic math, and social sciences will be applicable to this field as many times the teacher can not help two students at once. You may be asked to conduct a small reading group and help certain children with their math. This is why obtaining your degree is so important.
Second, research your state’s requirements for becoming a teacher assistant. For instance in the state of Virginia, you must either have a two-year degree or have a Bachelor’s in related field in order to be considered as a teaching assistant. Normally, they would allow those students currently possessing at least 30 to 60 college credits to become teacher assistants as this will increase your salary. Other states however, you’d have to do some research on the requirements. Daycare assistants have typically the same requirements as a regular teacher assistant except with different duties.
Third, you must realize that the teacher you will be assisting may not be just like you. These teachers may have run classes for years and may clash with your innovative ideas and personality. A brand new teacher may try to rely on you too much and in turn you become used and not fully operating in your chosen skill and talent as a teacher assistant. Also, you may be in a class where the students constantly misbehave. In order to get past these hurdles, grow a backbone by using these tips:
1) On first day of the job, have a one on one with the teacher and get a feel for him or her. Really soak in their ideas for the classroom and how they “run” things.
2) Be very observant. Carry yourself with confidence and know that you are there for a reason. That is, to help the students.
3) Be prompt in all that you do. Come to work on time (early is better), if you must go the extra mile to help a student or the teacher. Do so.
4) Remember: It’s a job that you wanted and worked hard to get. Show yourself and others that you are an asset to that school.
Becoming a teacher’s assistant is the best thing you can do for your future career as a teacher. You will have possessed knowledge and skill sets to help you deal with the many roles a teacher plays in a child’s life.
For further research:
Teachers Count:http://www.teacherscount.org/wannateach/how.shtml
Degree Finders:http://www.degreefinders.com/education-articles/careers/how-to-become-a-teacher-assistant.html
