subject: 3 Great Reasons Why Every Teacher Should Have A Teacher's Aide [print this page] Teachers have a lot on their platesTeachers have a lot on their plates. From lesson planning to classroom management to appeasing school administrators, the duties just never end. However, there is a wonderful cure to being bogged down in the myriad of responsibilities and it is called a teacher's aide. If a classroom teacher is lucky enough to be given the opportunity to have an aide, here are the top three reasons why it would be beneficial to jump at the chance.
#1. An Extra Set of Eyes, Ears and Hands
There is only so much one human being can get done in a day and teachers routinely test those limits. A teacher's aide comes complete with an extra set of eyes for watching students, an extra pair of ears to listen to them, and an extra set of hands to help get things done. While some districts do not allow a teacher's aide to be alone in a classroom with the students, there are other duties an aide can perform to help the teacher. Making copies, running errands, helping to proctor a test, and collaborating with a teacher are all things that an aide can do that make teaching more manageable for the classroom teacher. Those extra sets of eyes, ears and hands can make all the difference between a well managed classroom and one that is challenging.
#2. Provides One on One Assistance
Every class has a child who needs a little extra help with lessons, but it is sometimes challenging for a classroom teacher to provide that attention and teach the other 30 children in the class. A teacher's aide is able to sit and work with students either individually or in small groups. This allows the classroom teacher to teach the lessons while ensuring that all students are following along. The students also benefit from the individualized or small group attention. They are no longer forced to muddle through a lesson they do not understand simply because there is no way to provide them with extra support. The teacher's aide is a great support system for the teacher, because the aide's work directly enhances the lessons being taught.
#3. Classroom Safety
The safe haven that used to be schools is no longer a reality. Emergency drills, practice lock downs and safety trainings are now as commonplace as fire drills. A teacher with 30 students suddenly becomes responsible for protecting them in an emergency. Although most teachers would do anything to protect the children in their care, it is unrealistic to think that having an aide in the classroom would not help in that situation. Teacher's aides can be another adult available at a time of crisis to help secure the classroom and protect students. An aide can also be invaluable in watching a class of children if the teacher suddenly becomes ill and must step out.
Not all districts can afford to add aides to their budgets despite some government grants and funds. If aides are available it is worthwhile for a classroom teacher to ask for one. Not only will a teacher's aide be of great assistance to the teacher, but an aide will also be invaluable for the students.
