Teacher Aide Degree and Programs

Behind great teachers, you'll often find a great support network. Teacher's aides--also known as teacher assistants, paraprofessionals and paraeducators--work with teachers to complete clerical tasks and to help give students individual attention. Aides might be found supervising the lunch room or leading small groups. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that job opportunities for teacher's aides will grow 10 percent between 2008 and 2018. Aides were paid an average annual wage of $24,880 in 2010, but about 40 percent worked part-time, making this a strong career choice for anyone who needs to pick up a few extra hours.

Behind great teachers, you'll often find a great support network. Teacher's aides--also known as teacher assistants, paraprofessionals and paraeducators--work with teachers to complete clerical tasks and to help give students individual attention. Aides might be found supervising the lunch room or leading small groups. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that job opportunities for teacher's aides will grow 10 percent between 2008 and 2018. Aides were paid an average annual wage of $24,880 in 2010, but about 40 percent worked part-time, making this a strong career choice for anyone who needs to pick up a few extra hours.

Teacher's aide courses for a respected occupation

Job opportunities are expected to be best for candidates with a two-year associate degree in paraprofessional education, though a high school diploma and on-the-job training may suffice for areas with low competition. With additional education, aides could go on to become fully licensed teachers.

Teacher's aide courses may include topics such as child growth and development, introduction to literacy, teaching in the multicultural classroom and even first aid and CPR. More specialized courses may depend on the grade level or area of specialization. The BLS reports that many teacher's aides work in special education or multilingual classrooms, so particular training in those areas may be helpful.