What is a Teacher Assistant?
If you’re considering a career in education but unsure about your goals, becoming a teacher assistant is a great place to start. Have you ever walked into a classroom that’s a little chaotic and think to yourself how does one teacher manage it all? In many cases, they’re not alone. Behind many well-run classrooms you’ll find certified teacher assistants, non-certified teacher assistants, paraprofessionals, and more being placed in classrooms to assist teachers.
At Horizon Staffing Solutions we specialize in connecting schools across New York with talented education professionals. One of the most in demand support roles we fill are teacher assistants and certified teacher assistants in New York. In this blog, we are going to break down what a teacher assistant is and what they do.
What is a Teacher Assistant?
A Teacher Assistant, also known as a TA, works under the lead teacher and helps in a variety of ways. TA’s are educational professionals that are responsible for assisting in additional support and instruction in the classroom. Teachers that have a TA in the classroom is extremely helpful as it allows the lead teacher to focus more time on classroom instruction. The responsibilities of Teacher Assistants are both instructional and clerical. TA’s may work with students in small groups or individually, depending on the needs of the classroom or the lead teacher.
Teacher Assistant Responsibilities
Teacher assistants are the lead teachers right hand. Therefor, the responsibilities of a TA range greatly. Some of the day-to-day tasks a TA might handle include:
- Assisting with classroom instruction
- Supervising students during lunch, recess, or field trips
- Preparing materials and organizing supplies
- Supporting small group or one-on-one instruction
- Helping with classroom management and behavior
- Providing additional support to students with learning differences
The specific duties will vary depending on school setting, grade level, or the unique needs of the classroom you are assigned to. Regardless, across the board, the role is rooted in support, structure, and student success.
Teacher Assistant vs Certified Teacher Assistant
Depending on where you reside, it may be required to obtain a certification in order to work as a teacher assistant. For this blog, we are going to focus on teacher assistant requirements in New York. For those striving to become a teacher assistant in NY, it may benefit you greatly to immediately go for your teacher assistant certification. Although it is not a requirement to have a certification in order to work as a TA in New York, many school districts only hire certified TA’s.
The key differences between a certified teacher assistant and a non-certified TA is that those who are certified have had more specific training and knowledge regarding the role. Typically, certified TA’s are also eligible to do slightly more in a classroom than a non-certified TA. For example, a certified teacher assistant may provide instructional support and work directly with students whereas non-certified TA’s focus more on clerical and non-instructional tasks. Not only does a certification allow you to practice more of the instructional responsibilities, but it also typically benefits you with the ability to get a higher salary and stand out amongst other applicants.
How To Become a Teacher Assistant in NY
If you’re considering this career path, here’s what you’ll typically need to get started in New York:
- High School diploma or equivalent
- New York State Teaching Assistant Certification (Level I to Level III)
In order to obtain a certification, you’ll need to apply for one of the NY teacher assistant certifications. This usually requires passing the Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS) exam and completing workshops in child abuse reporting, school violence prevention, and DASA (Dignity for All Students Act) training.
- Experience working with children
No matter if it’s through volunteering, summer camps, or classroom observation hours, hands-on experience is key.
Conclusion
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to return to the education field, Horizon Staffing Solutions can help you find the right teacher assistant job in NY. We partner with districts across New York and specialize in placing TA’s in classrooms where they can thrive. If you’re interested in applying for a TA job in New York, simply fill out our online application, check out our current open jobs, or contact us today! Our team is here to help guide you every step of the way.
