TEACHER AIDES California Occupational Guide Number 502 Interest Area 11 1997
TRENDS
Education today is much more than teaching. Teachers must now deal with more and more students in each class, changes in teaching technology, more record keeping, changes in subject matter, more students with different backgrounds who need extra attention and help, and many non-teaching tasks. Teacher Aides are needed to help teachers with clerical tasks, routine classroom activities, and various other duties that keep the class running smoothly.
THE JOB
Teacher Aides do a lot of classroom work so that teachers can spend more time teaching. They work with students in the classroom and help with non- teaching activities such as recording grades, setting up equipment, handing out school supplies, and operating duplicating machines to copy classroom materials.
The responsibilities of Teacher Aides can be very different, depending on the school district. In many schools, aides work directly in the teaching of students. Under the supervision and guidance of the teacher, they help students individually or in small groups. An aide might listen to one student read, help another find information for a report, or watch another work out math problems. Sometimes, the teacher has an aide take charge of a special project for a group of students, such as preparing equipment for a science demonstration. An aide might work with students in a special program for the learning disabled, physically or mentally handicapped, or hard-of-hearing. A bilingual aide might help students who don't speak English to learn to read, write and speak English.
In other schools, Teacher Aides mainly handle routine non-teaching tasks. They may grade tests and papers, check homework, and keep health and attendance records. Secretarial duties such as typing, filing, and duplicating materials for the teacher may be part of the aide's job.
Sometimes, Teacher Aides are expected to stock supplies, operate audiovisual equipment, and keep classroom equipment in order. They may hand out books and materials, or set up displays, and maintain bulletin boards. They also may supervise students during lunch, recreation periods, and school bus loading.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Teacher Aides spend a lot of their time standing, walking, or kneeling. Aides who work closely with students may find it both physically and emotionally tiring. Most of the work is indoors, except when supervising students on the school yard or on field trips.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates that the number of Teacher Aides in California will reach 217,250 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 61,380 over the number there was in 1993.
There will also be an estimated 32,500 job openings due to people retiring or leaving the occupation. Added to the 61,380 new jobs expected, this makes for an estimated total of 93,880 job opportunities through 2005.
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Teacher Aides ranks in the top fifty occupations with the largest expected job growth in California.
Although Teacher Aides work in both elementary and secondary schools, most of them work in the early grades. Job opportunities depend on several things, such as population growth, government funding available for hiring teachers, aides, and other staff, and the supply of qualified job applicants in the local area.
There are more than enough qualified applicants in most areas, but sometimes there are shortages of aides who have experience in special education or who can speak foreign languages. In California, the fast growing number of students who speak English as a second language should increase the need for aides who have bilingual skills.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Beginning salaries for most Teacher Aides are between minimum wage and $11.50 an hour. With some experience Teacher Aides may earn from the minimum to $13.00 per hour.
Some school districts pay aides in special education programs slightly higher wages. Teacher Aides in these programs experience a high turnover rate because they find that work with mentally and physically disabled students may be too difficult or challenging for them.
School districts in Los Angeles and San Francisco tend to pay the highest wages. Aides usually work part-time from three to six hours a day. There are not many eight hour jobs. Some aides are covered by union contracts and have health benefits, but many part-time aides do not receive pensions, health insurance, or other benefits.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
The educational Teacher Aides need can be very different. Some schools require a high school diploma, while other schools expect aides to have some college course work, especially if they will work in special education programs. Following state law, all schools require applicants to pass a test in reading, language, and math. Aides must be able to communicate well with both students and teachers, and clerical skills may be needed too.
Schools prefer job applicants with experience. Other experience caring for and supervising groups of children is also helpful.
Character and personality are very important in qualifying for the Teacher Aide's job. Aides should be able to work with students and to handle classroom situations with fairness and patience. Aides also must show initiative and be willing to follow the classroom teacher's directions.
Teacher Aides generally get their training for classroom work on the job. However, some community colleges offer associate degree programs that prepare graduates to work directly in the classroom as Teacher Aides.
New Teacher Aides go through a period of orientation and training during which they learn how to help the classroom teacher work with students. Aides are taught how to use audiovisual equipment, give first aid, and keep records. They learn to make charts and other teaching materials and also learn to prepare bulletin boards and work with other art materials. They also learn about how the school is organized and run, and they learn about the methods used to teach handwriting, reading, math, science, and other school subjects.
ADVANCEMENT
Teacher Aides may advance promote within their jobs through experience and more education. Some schools and school districts provide ways for aides to work and take college courses.
FINDING THE JOB
Applicants for Teacher Aide positions should contact school districts and private schools directly. Most hiring occurs in August.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
American Federation of Teachers Organizing Department 555 New Jersey Ave., NW Washington, DC 20001 (202) 879-4400
National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals CASE/CUNY 25 West 43rd St., Room 620 New York, NY 10036 (212) 642-2948
Association for Childhood Education International 11501 Georgia Avenue, Suite 315 Wheaton, MD 20902 (301) 942-2443
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Teachers, Elementary School No. 10 Library Assistants No. 417 Career Guidance Technicians No. 463
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Teacher Aide I 099.327-010 Teacher Aide II 249.367-074
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Instructional Aides 315211
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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