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Substitute paraprofessional vs teacher assistant

The differences between substitute paraprofessionals and teacher assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a substitute paraprofessional has an average salary of $28,914, which is higher than the $27,103 average annual salary of a teacher assistant.

The top three skills for a substitute paraprofessional include instructional support, math and classroom environment. The most important skills for a teacher assistant are CPR, child care, and mathematics.

Substitute paraprofessional vs teacher assistant overview

Substitute ParaprofessionalTeacher Assistant
Yearly salary$28,914$27,103
Hourly rate$13.90$13.03
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs46,06077,358
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

What does a substitute paraprofessional do?

The man who is highly acclaimed working in the education field is simply known as the substitute paraprofessional. These professionals are education workers who help licensed teachers in student administration.

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.

Substitute paraprofessional vs teacher assistant salary

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

Substitute ParaprofessionalTeacher Assistant
Average salary$28,914$27,103
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $35,000Between $21,000 And $34,000
Highest paying CityPacifica, CACoventry, RI
Highest paying stateWashingtonRhode Island
Best paying companyBoston Public SchoolsUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industryGovernmentFinance

Differences between substitute paraprofessional and teacher assistant education

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

Substitute ParaprofessionalTeacher Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 49%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityDuke University

Substitute paraprofessional vs teacher assistant demographics

Here are the differences between substitute paraprofessionals' and teacher assistants' demographics:

Substitute ParaprofessionalTeacher Assistant
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 15.4% Female, 84.6%Male, 21.5% Female, 78.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 8.2% White, 60.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%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 substitute paraprofessional and teacher assistant duties and responsibilities

Substitute paraprofessional example responsibilities.

  • Obtain finger print clearance card, CPR and first aid certify.
  • Help students with strategies to assist them with studying, reading and math.
  • Assist teachers with math, literacy and science centers and chaperone field trips.
  • Assist in a variety of classrooms throughout the district with children who qualify for para support
  • Provide care for kids in grades k-12 in a fun, safe environment after school.
  • Assist students with reinforcement activities in areas such reading, mathematics and language arts, etc.
  • 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

Substitute paraprofessional vs teacher assistant skills

Common substitute paraprofessional skills
  • Instructional Support, 15%
  • Math, 9%
  • Classroom Environment, 9%
  • Mathematics, 8%
  • Classroom Management, 7%
  • Para, 7%
Common teacher assistant skills
  • CPR, 18%
  • Child Care, 14%
  • Mathematics, 10%
  • Art Projects, 7%
  • Instructional Materials, 5%
  • Learning Environment, 5%

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