How long does it take to become a Teacher Aide?

It takes 2 years of professional experience to become a teacher aide. That is the time it takes to learn specific teacher aide skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education. If you include the normal education requirements to complete a college degree, then it takes 5 to 7 years years to become a teacher aide.

Why do you want to work in a school environment?

"I want to work in a school environment because I am committed and dedicated to bettering the education and learning of the students in this school, I want to have a positive impact on the lives of students and the community, and I enjoy working with other educational professionals" is a good answer to this interview question.

How To Become A Teacher Aide: What It Is and Career Path

What is a teacher aide and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Diana Jones

A Teacher Aide assists a classroom teacher in dealing with a large number of children. He/She or she helps engage children's attention through one-on-one activities or group exercises. These are part of the integral lesson plan created by the teacher. They might be involved in helping the teacher design the lessons and activities or provide support for dealing with children with special needs.

Teacher aides help manage outdoor games and physical activities or assist with extra activities such as physiotherapy. Sometimes they are responsible for extra classes, like teaching a foreign language. They administer medication to students who need it and help with requests regarding personal hygiene.

Part of the responsibilities of a teacher's aide is to monitor and discuss the child's progress with the parents and other teachers.

What general advice would you give to a teacher aide?

Dr. Diana Jones

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.

ScoreTeacher AideUS Average

Salary

2.3

Avg. Salary $29,480

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.5

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.36%

Asian 8.18%

Black or African American 10.12%

Hispanic or Latino 20.32%

Unknown 4.63%

White 55.39%

Gender

female 82.55%

male 17.45%

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

Key steps to become a teacher aide

Explore teacher aide education requirements

Most common teacher aide degrees

Bachelor's

38.6 %

High School Diploma

26.2 %

Associate

21.5 %

Start to develop specific teacher aide skills

Skills	Percentages
Child Care	20.64%
CPR	12.37%
Mathematics	11.60%
Learning Environment	8.56%
Classroom Environment	6.15%

Gain additional teacher aide certifications

Teacher aide 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 teacher aide certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for teacher aides include Advanced First Aid & CPR and First Aid Certification.

More About Certifications

Research teacher aide duties and responsibilities

Work closely with co-teacher to manage and co-teach curriculum to a large group.
Promote oral language, ensure a safe classroom environment, positive student interaction, and effectively implement lessons in kindergarten.
Certify in blood borne pathogens training and CPI train.
Call upon to assist with CPI interventions and control.

Prepare your teacher aide resume

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

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