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Teacher Assistant

Job Title and Job Description

Teacher Assistant

Work as a 1:1 aid for a child with emotional disturbance. In my case, the individual is labeled as Bi-Polar. You go from class to class with the individual, assisting them in day to day functions (ie completing classwork, staying on task, etc.)

What are some related career opportunities and job titles in your company or in your career area?

In NYS you can become a certified Teacher Assistant. It requires 48 college credit hours and the passing of an examination. Anyone, in general, can become a teacher assistant with a GED or High School Diploma.

What education or training did you have to prepare for this career?

I am working as a teacher assistant while finishing my education. I began with an internship at an institution for adolescent females who were court placed, then worked there following high school and throughout my undergraduate degree work.

What education or training do you recommend for students today who want to enter this field?

A great understanding of special needs, people and how they function. An Associate?s Degree in Education, Special Ed, Psychology, or Sociology would provide a great foundation.

When you were in high school, did you know that you would enter this field?

No--I hated school! Now, I am working on a dual masters degree (MSW--Social work and MA in Criminal Justice) I am a great student and ENJOY class!

Skills Profile

Skills UsedRating (5=Most Important thru
1=Not Important)		Comments
Artistic 2-Less Important2-Less Important 
Athletic / Physical 2-Less Important2-Less Important 
Bilingual 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very ImportantThis would be a very valuable skill, but is not necessary 
Computer Technology 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important 
Coordination / Using Hands, Tools, and Equipment 2-Less Important2-Less Important 
Creative Thinking 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important 
Interpersonal 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important 
Investigative / Fact Finding 2-Less Important2-Less Important 
leadership and Supervising 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important 
Logical Thinking 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important 
Math 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important 
Mechanical Understanding 1-Not Important 
Sales and Negotiation 3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat ImportantNegotiation--you are constantly "making deals" 
Scientific and Experimental 3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important 
Social Service / Helping Skills 4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important4-Very Important 
Teaching / Instructing 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important 
Verbal Communication 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important 
Understanding Nature, Plants, Animals 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important 
Understanding Yourself 5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important5-Most Important 
Writing 3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important3-Somewhat Important 
 

Interview By: Crystal, Teacher Assistant, 7th Grade Student, Suburban School District