New York City is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States. The cost of living here can be high, but it doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank to get by. It’s possible to live comfortably here on a teacher assistant salary, even if you’re working at a private school.
According to PayScale’s report on teacher assistant salaries in New York City, the median annual salary for this job title is $25,000 per year. That means half of all workers with this job title will earn more than $25,000 per year and half will earn less than that amount.
WHAT IS A TEACHER ASSISTANT
Teacher Assistants have a fun job. They get to help provide students direction without having of the responsibility that teachers have. This job is actually a great stepping stone for an aspiring teacher but it’s also just a great position in general.
As a teacher assistant, you’re a glorified tutor. You help provide direction, structure, and explanation to students who need a little more help. Since you primarily work at schools or childcare centers, you probably won’t work during the summer.
Teacher assistants don’t need that much formal education in order to officially start working. In fact, you only need to complete 2 years of college coursework, then you’re well on your way to becoming a teacher assistant.
What Does a Teacher Assistant Do
Teacher assistants work under a teacher’s supervision to give students additional attention and instruction.Learn More About What A Teacher Assistant Does
How To Become a Teacher Assistant
Teacher assistants typically need to have completed at least 2 years of college coursework
Education
Most school districts require applicants to have completed at least 2 years of college coursework or have earned an associate’s degree. Teacher assistants in schools that have a Title 1 program (a federal program for schools with a large proportion of students from low-income households) must have at least a 2-year degree, 2 years of college, or pass a state or local assessment.
Associate’s degree programs for teacher assistants prepare the participants to develop educational materials, observe students, and understand the role of teachers and teaching assistants in the classroom.
Most states require instructional aides who work with special-needs students to pass a skills-based test.
Important Qualities
Communication skills. Teacher assistants need to discuss students’ progress with teachers and parents, so they need to be able to communicate well.
Interpersonal skills. Teacher assistants interact with a variety of people, including teachers, students, parents, and administrators. They need to develop good working relationships with the people they work with.
Patience. Working with students of different abilities and backgrounds can be difficult. Teacher assistants must be patient with students who struggle with material.
Resourcefulness. To reinforce lessons, teacher assistants must explain information to students in a way that meets each student’s learning style.
