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Teaching Assistant Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 24682313679teacher assistant9.37paraprofessional3.74daycare2.46assistant teacher1.9child care1.854221595229397.4518.3033.85HOURLY18262452172025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Teaching Assistant, or Teacher Assistant, is responsible for helping Teachers complete daily tasks within a classroom environment. Their duties include leading lessons or small group activities for students, grading student assignments in accordance with the Teachers grading criteria and providing individual guidance to students with learning disabilities or behavioral challenges.

Teaching Assistant duties and responsibilities

Teaching Assistants perform many leadership, organizational and classroom management tasks to support both Teachers and students. Their duties and responsibilities often include:

  • Helping Teachers with lesson preparation, including collecting materials and setting up equipment
  • Reviewing lessons or lectures with students on a one-on-one basis or in small groups
  • Supervising students in class, between classes and during recreation periods and field trips
  • Tracking attendance, grading assignments and calculating grades
  • Giving extra help to students who need special accommodations or are struggling with a concept
  • Assisting students with special learning requirements, including disabilities or English as a second language students
  • Attending faculty meetings and parent conferences
  • Collaborating with the Teacher to identify students’ issues and recommend solutions
  • Observing state, school and class rules and regulations

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Teaching Assistant Job Description Examples

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Job Description Best Practices
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What does a 24682313679teacher assistant9.37paraprofessional3.74daycare2.46assistant teacher1.9child care1.854221595229397.4518.3033.85HOURLY18262452172025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Teaching Assistant do?

Teaching Assistants typically work for daycare centers, preschools, elementary schools, middle schools or high schools to contribute to students’ beneficial learning experiences. They work closely with Teachers to develop lesson plans and create individualized coursework for students performing above or below the average education level for their grade. Their job is to motivate students to complete assignments and provide additional insights to parents about their child’s progress. They may also be responsible for speaking with Teachers about recurring instances of bullying or students struggling to learn course material to find creative solutions.

Teaching Assistant skills and qualifications

A Teaching Assistant uses a variety of soft skills and specialized knowledge to promote a safe, engaging and informational experience in the classroom, including:

  • Excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking and interpersonal conversation
  • Great organization and planning skills
  • Collaboration and teamwork abilities
  • In-depth knowledge of subjects or discipline they’re assisting with
  • Understanding of pedagogical best practices
  • Ability to engage students of all learning levels and grade levels
  • Patience and empathy
  • Compassionate, positive and encouraging attitude

Teaching Assistant salary expectations

Teaching Assistants make an average of $25,733 per year. Salary may depend on level of education, experience and geographical location.

Teaching Assistant salary expectations

2025-10-017.4518.3033.85HOURLY
  • Common salary: 18.30 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 7.45 - 33.85 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Teaching Assistant education and training requirements

Teaching Assistant candidates typically have at least a high school diploma or GED. Some candidates may have completed a teaching training program and earned a professional certificate, while others may have an associate degree in psychology or education. Other candidates may have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, early childhood development or another relevant discipline. Training in classroom activities and teaching practices through teaching practicums, student teaching programs, unions and professional organizations may also be common. A Teaching Assistant who works with special needs students may have completed specialized training in best practices.

Teaching Assistant experience requirements

An entry-level Teaching Assistant may have relevant experience from a practicum, student teaching program or training program. Other entry-level candidates may have previous experience with roles in customer service, administrative support and childcare, which may provide candidates with relevant communication, organization and interpersonal skills. For roles with special education students, previous experience as a Teaching Assistant or in another special education role may be required. Experienced candidates may have years of experience as a 24682313679teacher assistant9.37paraprofessional3.74daycare2.46assistant teacher1.9child care1.854221595229397.4518.3033.85HOURLY18262452172025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Teaching Assistant or in another childcare- or classroom-related role.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Teaching Assistant job description template isn’t what you’re looking for, see our job descriptions for related positions:

Job Description Best Practices
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Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Frequently asked questions about Teaching Assistants

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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