Teacher's aides are important staff members of schools, helping teachers complete their day-to-day tasks and achieve the school's objectives. It would be difficult for teachers to efficiently handle and manage classes without teacher's aides. As such, teacher's aides are in demand. The job is also a fulfilling one especially for those who have a passion for helping others and love working with children.
The education requirements for teacher's aide are different from that of teachers. Education requirements for teacher's aide vary by state or school district since federal regulation only requires that teacher's aides be highly qualified.' It is up to the states to define and measure qualification.
Some states or school districts require a high school diploma with on-the-job training as the minimum educational requirement. In most states, you need to complete a college degree or related coursework in child development to become a teacher's aide. However, more and more schools prefer to hire teacher's aides that have taken related college coursework.
You can take associate degrees or certificate programs offered in many colleges and universities. You will take courses on education fundamentals such as introduction to teaching, human growth and development, and teaching math and reading. Teacher's aides need to be knowledgeable in the subjects they have to tutor and in the instructional methods teachers use.
Another education requirement is on-the-job training. This will make aspiring teacher's aides familiar with the school system, including the school's rules and operation.
Teacher's aides should also be capable of operating various equipment used in schools such as photocopiers and audiovisual equipment. You should also be computer-literate and should have good communication skills especially with children.
It is also an education requirement for teacher's aides to undergo continuing education. You can take advanced education or gain more experience. Some colleges offer additional training for teacher's aides. This will open opportunities for you to get higher pay or pursue licensed teaching positions.
In many states, you need to have state certification to be a licensed teacher's aide. In states that do not require certification, you would need to meet specific guidelines they have set to ensure that you are highly qualified to be a teacher's aide.