To ensure children get the best possible education, today’s teachers require the help of a teaching assistant. It’s an interesting career path with many responsibilities. Under the guidance of a teacher, you will help conduct lectures and evaluate the student’s advancement, and more.
It is a responsible position that at times can be challenging, but you will be rewarded many times over, knowing that you are making a difference in someone’s life. As a teaching assistant, you’ll be well on your way to a career in education with many opportunities!
What Does A Teaching Assistant Do?
A teaching assistant has many jobs and responsibilities. These include -
- As a teaching assistant — to synchronize instructional efforts — you will be working closely with classroom teachers, helping with the lessons, homework, and student evaluations.
- To facilitate an understanding of the materials, your duties will include anything from setting up displays — including scientific and art exhibits (such as show and tell models and apparatus) to arranging other educational paraphernalia.
- Under the guidance and direction of the teacher — you will help deliver lessons and assignments through presentations, and discussions, as well as through other methods such as role-playing, and helping children in their show and tell activity.
- Another important role is that of tutoring — working with children separately or in small groups, helping them to understand the assignments and to strengthen the learning concepts presented by the teacher.
- You will be involved in all aspects of the teaching experience — from handing out the learning materials and coordinating assessments and homework assignments, to evaluating and scoring assignments and tests (using answer sheets and electronic rating devices)!
Is This Career Right For You?
If you have a passion for education, a love of sharing information, and a desire to improve the lives of others, the teacher’s assistant program is a perfect fit for you! It can be challenging at times, but with patience, adaptability and imagination, it can be just as rewarding too. As long as you know you will be shaping future minds to create a better world!
Where Are The Jobs?
There are many opportunities for teaching assistants all across Canada! Not only is this role in high demand in colleges and universities, but there are also a variety of learning environments you can choose to work in. For example, primary and secondary private/public schools and daycare centres require assistance in teaching their students.
Where Can You Study?
Here are just some of the colleges that offer a teacher’s assistant program. Contact your local campus to get more information on start dates, program length, admissions requirements and more:
Are There Any Student Aid Programs?
Education can get expensive. But don’t worry. If you’re planning to enrol yourself in a teacher’s assistant program, you can always resort to student funding to ease the burden of finances. Here are some options available:
There are more funding options available based on the state and school you choose to study in.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s natural to have more questions about the role and prospects of a teacher’s assistant. We’ve answered a few for you -
What do you need to become a teacher’s assistant?
To become a teacher’s assistant in Canada, you need to complete a 10-month-long college program in either teaching assistance or educational assistance. Additionally, you could also finish the same in a social science program. If you plan to work with students with special needs, you will have to have specialized training as well as experience.
How much does a teacher’s assistant earn?
On average, teaching assistants make about $49,277 per annum. However, this can go up to $82,000 depending on the school, your experience and other such factors.
