The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for teacher's assistants will increase by 10 percent through 2018. As a result of this growth, the bureau predicts the creation of 134,900 new jobs in the field for those with the right qualifications.

Types

The qualifications to become a teacher's assistant vary based upon school type. This is because the federal government has placed mandates on what are known as Title One schools, a designation given to a public school where more than half of the students are classified as low-income.

Post-Secondary Education

In Title One schools, the federal government requires teacher assistants to have a post-secondary education. For other public schools and private schools, no such regulation exists, and schools may consider applicants with only a high school diploma, though many prefer those with at least some coursework in child development.

Time Frame

Title One school teacher's assistants must complete either a two-year associate's degree in education or finish two years of a bachelor's degree program. Without meeting these requirements, assistants at Title One schools must pass a lengthy state-issued examination, reported the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Skills and Experience

Skills necessary for the work of teacher's assistants include patience, the ability to follow direction, to work as a team and communicate with children and adolescents. Most schools require teacher's assistants to have some experience working with children whether in a child care center or as a babysitter.

Other Requirements

Most schools perform criminal background checks and child abuse clearance checks before hiring teacher's assistants. Some schools also require assistants to have valid driver's licenses, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Source:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Teacher Assistants