Teacher's Aide Qualifications
High school graduation has snuck up on you; in just a few months you must take that step into whatever comes next. The more you think about it, the more sure you are you want to work with children. Looking back, you remember that Ms. Davis, the aide in second grade, changed your life by not only helping you to master reading; she helped you learn to love books. The idea intrigues you and you decide to look into the qualifications for becoming a Teacher's Aide.
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Facts
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Qualifications continue to grow increasingly rigorous. At one time, Teacher's Aides required little more than a high school diploma; now all Title 1 schools and most districts require aides to have at least an Associate's Degree and at minimum some actual work experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. Teacher's Aides must pass comprehensive English and Math tests prior to employment and qualified applicants must also undergo an extensive background check and submit to drug testing.
Significance
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Qualified Teacher's Aides make important contributions to the education of America's children. They lower the teacher-to-student ratio, which not only frees the teacher to teach but provides students with greater opportunity for one-on-one help and encouragement. The presence of a qualified aide in the classroom often results in fewer disruptions, improved overall discipline, a more focused learning environment and improved test scores.
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Preparation
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Obtain an Associate's Degree; focus on Liberal Arts and Early Childhood Education. If you already have your degree, enroll in continuing education classes with the same focus.
Volunteer at area schools and community centers to acquire the necessary experience. Accepting an internship or part-time work at a daycare or pre-K are also excellent ways to expand your resume.
Duties
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Managing behavior and helping children with their studies represent only a small part of the varied duties of a qualified Teacher's Aide. Aides are often responsible for grading papers, making copies and other administrative tasks. They are also asked to move furniture, decorate classrooms and provide physical assistance to disabled students.
Considerations
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Remember: a qualified Teacher's Aide position can be very demanding physically. In addition, aide positions are often part-time. The average pay is about 13 dollars an hour, and insurance and other benefits are rarely available. In many school districts, Teacher's Aides don't win permanent assignments at the beginning of their careers; they must be flexible, as their work location is subject to change daily.
Potential
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Working as a Teacher's Aide is often only the beginning for those who are motivated to continue expanding their education and qualifications. Many aides go on to become teachers and administrators and others strike out as entrepreneurs operating childcare and pre-K centers.
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