Teaching assistants are school staff members, usually adults, who work closely with and help certified teachers. They might be called: paraprofessionals or paraeducators (paras), teaching aides, classroom aides or instructional assistants. Most work under contract for an academic year, and many work only part time. TAs work in all levels of education, from preschool through high school. High school students can be TAs, usually for one of their teachers. Their jobs vary widely and might include grading papers and tests, recording grades and handling teachers' mail. Colleges often use graduate students as teaching assistants, usually working for a department. Sometimes, graduate teaching assistants teach classes.
Many TAs work at the preschool and elementary school levels. Some U.S. school districts even require that there be teaching assistants available to their primary-grade (K to 2) teachers. Early childhood education employs large numbers of TAs. They assist with clerical and housekeeping duties, as well as instructional support. TAs help small groups of students read, review, practice or do projects. They help prepare materials and assist students having difficulty. They work in supervisory capacities such as playground aides and chaperoning students around campuses. TAs help with paperwork and interact with parents, usually under the guidance of teachers or school administrators. At junior high and high school levels, TAs who have specific-area skills in such things as math, writing, arts or music, assist teachers or students. Some school districts actually try using TAs in place of teachers, to save money.
The education of handicapped and special needs students requires the help of many TAs. States have mandated such help to comply with students' rights. In classrooms of severe special needs students, such as autistic, moderately or severely retarded, and handicapped students, often TAs work with very small groups or one-on-one, assisting with student safety, behavior, physical needs, hands-on instruction and organization.
States and school districts develop qualifications and training requirements for paid TAs. Most school districts run background checks on applicants and require a high school education. Many districts seek some formal teaching preparation. Teaching assistants who work with large numbers of underprivileged students must have some college training or pass a basic skills test. Once hired, many schools prepare TAs with short-term, specific training in the tasks they'll be performing and in helping varied learners.
The U.S. began using teaching assistants in the mid-1940s when a shortage of teachers meant that teachers needed help. Early assistants provided clerical support. The practice continued and grew in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly due to requirements of government programs like Title I and Head Start. Some TAs became specialized due to federal laws controlling bilingual education and education of handicapped students. Some states now mandate use of teaching assistants.
The actual contribution of TAs often falls short. Recognized causes are poor screening, expanded duties and lack of proper training and supervision. TAs are concerned about responsibilities for which they know their preparation or ability is inadequate. As a result, many districts are improving TAs' training and professional support.