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A teacher assistant helps teachers with clerical, instructional and supervisory tasks in the classroom. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. employed 1.3 million teacher assistants in 2008.
Duties
Teacher assistants make photocopies, help grade homework and assist in small group educational activities. Teacher assistants also supervise students during recess and lunch periods.
Requirements
A high school diploma is needed to begin working as a teacher assistant. Schools look favorably upon candidates who have a college degree or coursework in childhood development. Teacher assistant applicants must pass a background check.
Salary
According to the BLS, in May of 2008, teacher assistants earned an average annual salary of $22,200.
Benefits
Schools may offer full-time teacher assistants health benefits; however, up to 40 percent of teacher assistants work part-time according to the BLS.
Considerations
Schools may offer more job opportunities to teacher assistants who work with special needs children or who speak a foreign language fluently.
Career Outlook
The BLS predicts that teacher assistant jobs will grow by 10 percent through 2018.
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