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Learning assistant vs teacher assistant

The differences between learning assistants and teacher assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a learning assistant has an average salary of $28,576, which is higher than the $27,103 average annual salary of a teacher assistant.

The top three skills for a learning assistant include mathematics, math and student learning. The most important skills for a teacher assistant are CPR, child care, and mathematics.

Learning assistant vs teacher assistant overview

Learning AssistantTeacher Assistant
Yearly salary$28,576$27,103
Hourly rate$13.74$13.03
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs14,67477,358
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

What does a learning assistant do?

A learning assistant is often also known as a student assistant who is tasked with different school divisions. They are responsible for preparing and writing weekly accomplishment reports, taking down notes in a training program or meeting, as well as managing discussions and interacting with students and school officials if there are other activities to be done. Meaning, this career is for someone who has a sufficient communication skill, research-oriented and actively participates in a lot of discussions.

What does a teacher assistant do?

Teacher assistants are responsible for aiding teachers in their needs inside the classroom. They help teachers prepare for lessons in class, set up equipment, distribute educational materials to students, and monitor the progress of the students. Teacher assistants also help in managing the children in the classroom, as well as providing the necessary assistance a child may need. This may include helping with the lessons by going table to table, assisting in writing exercises, and tutoring kids one-to-one. Teacher assistants are required to have patience, flexibility, and classroom management skills.

Learning assistant vs teacher assistant salary

Learning assistants and teacher assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Learning AssistantTeacher Assistant
Average salary$28,576$27,103
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $38,000Between $21,000 And $34,000
Highest paying CityCambridge, MACoventry, RI
Highest paying stateMassachusettsRhode Island
Best paying companyGoogleUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industryEducationFinance

Differences between learning assistant and teacher assistant education

There are a few differences between a learning assistant and a teacher assistant in terms of educational background:

Learning AssistantTeacher Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborDuke University

Learning assistant vs teacher assistant demographics

Here are the differences between learning assistants' and teacher assistants' demographics:

Learning AssistantTeacher Assistant
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 41.9% Female, 58.1%Male, 21.5% Female, 78.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 8.5% White, 58.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 21.1% Asian, 7.8% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between learning assistant and teacher assistant duties and responsibilities

Learning assistant example responsibilities.

  • Lead discussion sections for students to understand concepts including introductory quantum theory and statistical thermodynamics as well as their applications.
  • Tutor students in calculus, general chemistry and biochemistry
  • Tutor students in algebra, trigonometry, life-science base calculus, chemistry and basic genetics
  • Educate undergraduate students on math and computer technology especially on using the computer software to do their math assignments
  • Used blackboard to input student grades.
  • Grade students' homework and answer questions of algorithms
  • Show more

Teacher assistant example responsibilities.

  • Lead chemistry recitations, prepare lessons, and coordinate student problem solving sessions.
  • Manage student supervision in various environments including classrooms, halls, cafeterias, schoolyards, gymnasiums, and field trip locations.
  • Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
  • Help clients with ADL's.
  • Assist MH/MR clients with ADL's.
  • Substitute teacher grades from k-5.
  • Show more

Learning assistant vs teacher assistant skills

Common learning assistant skills
  • Mathematics, 13%
  • Math, 9%
  • Student Learning, 9%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Academic Support, 6%
  • Computer Lab, 6%
Common teacher assistant skills
  • CPR, 18%
  • Child Care, 14%
  • Mathematics, 10%
  • Art Projects, 7%
  • Instructional Materials, 5%
  • Learning Environment, 5%

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