How to Be a Teacher's Aide

A teacher's aide is one job position that exists in most states, although today's job market may refer to a teacher's aide as a teacher's assistant, instructional aide or para-educator. Regardless of the title, a teacher's aide may be responsible for assisting and monitoring students, providing clerical help for the teacher and in some cases, working one-on-one with a special needs student that is being introduced into a mainstream classroom. Educational requirements to be a teacher's aide vary from state to state and can range from a high school diploma, to an associate's degree, to predetermined courses depending on state requirements.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Visit the human resources department of the school system for which you wish to apply to learn their requirements for becoming a teacher's aide.

2. Complete any necessary courses or training to become eligible to apply to be a teacher's aide.

3. Learn how to operate a copier, laminating machine, GBC binding machine, calculator, computer and a die cutting machine. Knowledge of each of these office machines may be required of a teacher's aide. The more proficient use one has, the better.

4. Complete any courses offered by a local community college such as early childhood development, childhood education and adolescent psychology.

5. Obtain an application for that school system.

6. Complete the employment application. Be sure to list any experience with children such as babysitting, church youth groups, assisting with coaching or Girl/Boy Scouts.

7. Return the application with a cover letter and/or resume.

8. Follow-up by calling every week (if hiring), or every other week (if not hiring).

Tips & Warnings

• Be certain to ask how long applications are kept on file and the actions necessary to keep your application in the active state.

References

• Obtain teacher's aide instruction online.

Resources

• Complete description of teacher's aides responsibilities.

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