How to be a Good Teacher Assistant

Member

By doban
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (4 Ratings)

A teacher assistant is a critical part of the school and classroom. If you are a teacher assistant or just want to be one, this article will show you how to be a good teacher assistant and help students.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Establish a rapport with your teacher and make sure that you know exactly what their expectations are.
Make sure that you know what they need you to do and what their priorities are for you. Take notes so that you don't have to ask more questions than necessary. Also know what things the teacher would be receptive to you helping with and if there are things that they only want to do themselves. If you are not sure what a teacher assistant job looks like or what tasks you might need to do, look at the links under the "resources" section below the steps in this article.
Step 2

Take pride in your work and make sure that every task is done with accuracy.
In education, teacher assistants often work in special education classrooms or in other classes that have a lot of paperwork that becomes legal documentation per federal laws. The paperwork is read by parents and can even be audited by state authorities. Therefore, make sure that every detail is attended to.
Step 3

Be a good role model for students.
This means professional dress and conduct. This also means demonstrating respect for education, for your teacher, and for them. It also means making sure that a aura of professionalism is present at all times. Also, know that you should be friendly and approachable, but that there is a definite line that has to be drawn because you are an educator and a role model. You are not their peer and cannot be their buddy.
Step 4

Take initiative!
If you have completed that requested tasks there is always something else that you can do to be helpful. Never sit at your desk and not do anything unless that is what your teacher has asked you to do (I'm not sure that would ever happen). There may be students who need extra help, papers to grade. etc.