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What is a bilingual teacher assistant and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Diana Jones

A bilingual teaching assistant performs various support tasks for bilingual teachers. Their duties typically include preparing teaching materials, assisting with lesson plans, conducting research, grading students' work, taking attendance, making copies, and running other errands that the bilingual teacher may need to be done.

Depending on their level of training, a bilingual teaching assistant may also deliver lectures and serve as a substitute teacher in case the bilingual teacher is not available. They also provide assistance to students who may need additional help with the coursework.

As the job title suggests, a bilingual teaching assistant needs to be fluent in more than one language. In terms of education and licensure, they need to have a relevant degree and may also need a teaching license. Experience, on the other hand, is not always required as this is an entry-level role that is also a training ground for teaching assistants.

Bilingual teaching assistants make around $28,000 per year. When they gain enough experience, they can apply for official teaching jobs which pay a lot higher.

What general advice would you give to a bilingual teacher assistant?

Dr. Diana JonesDr. Diana Jones LinkedIn profile

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

General advice: I would encourage graduates to find a mentor who can guide them in their careers, stay on top of the latest technology, not be too hard on themselves, be flexible, be team players, be present, and care about their students.
ScoreBilingual Teacher AssistantUS Average
Salary
2.3

Avg. Salary $29,114

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.5

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.08%

Asian 7.14%

Black or African American 8.62%

Hispanic or Latino 25.17%

Unknown 4.29%

White 53.69%

Gender

female 84.35%

male 15.65%

Age - 45
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45
Stress level
4.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
5.4

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Bilingual teacher assistant career paths

Key steps to become a bilingual teacher assistant

  1. Explore bilingual teacher assistant education requirements

    Most common bilingual teacher assistant degrees

    Bachelor's

    48.3 %

    Associate

    22.5 %

    High School Diploma

    12.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific bilingual teacher assistant skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Instructional Materials14.88%
    Office Equipment13.71%
    Mathematics11.35%
    English Language7.16%
    Language6.82%
  3. Gain additional bilingual teacher assistant certifications

    Bilingual teacher assistant certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific bilingual teacher assistant certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for bilingual teacher assistants include Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI).

    More About Certifications
  4. Research bilingual teacher assistant duties and responsibilities

    • Lead chemistry recitations, prepare lessons, and coordinate student problem solving sessions.
    • Assist ESL teachers with everyday classroom management, activities, projects, and grading.
    • Work with under privilege kids in mathematics, reading and writing.
    • Translate and participate in IEP meetings with parents and school psychologist.
  5. Prepare your bilingual teacher assistant resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your bilingual teacher assistant resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a bilingual teacher assistant resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable bilingual teacher assistant resume templates

    Build a professional bilingual teacher assistant resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your bilingual teacher assistant resume.
    Bilingual Teacher Assistant Resume
    Bilingual Teacher Assistant Resume
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    Bilingual Teacher Assistant Resume
    Bilingual Teacher Assistant Resume
    Bilingual Teacher Assistant Resume
    Bilingual Teacher Assistant Resume
    Bilingual Teacher Assistant Resume
    Bilingual Teacher Assistant Resume
  6. Apply for bilingual teacher assistant jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a bilingual teacher assistant job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first bilingual teacher assistant job

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Average bilingual teacher assistant salary

The average bilingual teacher assistant salary in the United States is $29,114 per year or $14 per hour. Bilingual teacher assistant salaries range between $23,000 and $36,000 per year.

Average bilingual teacher assistant salary
$29,114 Yearly
$14.00 hourly

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How do bilingual teacher assistants rate their job?

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Bilingual teacher assistant reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Pros

Kids, teaching lessons, co-teachers, hours, weekends off, salary, holidays off, summers off, paid sick and personal days

Cons

Administration, observations, being told what to teach and HOW to teach it, expecting us to participate in things we might not want to or have the time for, staff meetings with no substance


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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022
Cons

nothing I like everything

Pros

I enjoy working as a teacher aide because of the children I love doing it


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Cons

Some students' non-challant attitude towards learning.

Pros

Ability to share knowledge and guide students in learning new things.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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