Individuals who are interested in becoming a teacher assistant can complete a certificate program that mixes general education classes with practical teaching experience opportunities. Teacher assistant certificates are available at many community colleges and often are the minimum requirement to enter this career field. Students can complete most of these programs in less than one year. Some teacher assistant programs place a strong focus on early childhood or elementary school classrooms. In some states that require teacher assistants to be certified, a program might include courses that are specially designed to meet those particular states' certification requirements. In addition, some states require teacher assistants to be certified, which might involve passing a competency test.
To enroll in a teacher assistant certificate program, students usually need a high school diploma or GED. Some schools also require that students demonstrate their math skills through a math competency exam or through their high school transcripts. In addition, students enrolling in some programs must have completed a college-level English class or an English placement test.
Many schools prefer to hire teacher assistants who have at least a college degree instead of a diploma. Some teacher assistant certificate programs actually allow students to apply their program credits toward an associate degree at a community college or technical school. These types of programs might take one to two years to complete and can include interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis on educational paraprofessional training. These degree programs also are especially helpful for students who enjoy the teaching environment but are not yet prepared to become lead teachers. Also, teacher assistants who work in Title I schools---those with a large number of students coming from low-income households---must have two years of college training or pass a rigorous state or local assessment based on federal mandates. Professional organizations such as the National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals offer continuing education opportunities and recommendations as well.
Courses in a teacher assistant certificate program cover topics such as classroom management, health and safety, educational psychology and child behavior. Students also might learn about child development, math for elementary teachers, child guidance, growth and development, observation and evaluation, family and community, instructional methods and childhood literacy. Some programs additionally might cover low-incidence disabilities, special education and educational technology, according to Zane State College in Ohio, which offers an educational paraprofessional degree program.
Teacher assistants usually work in elementary, middle or secondary school classrooms. Still, others find jobs in child care centers, in preschools and in religious and community centers. Employment of teacher assistants is projected to climb by 10 percent through 2018. Median annual wages of teacher assistants in May 2008 were $22,200, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.