#PHSfit Career of the Day: Instructional Assistant

Teacher assistants are also called teacher aides, instructional aides, paraprofessionals, and paraeducators. Generally, teachers introduce new material to students, and teacher assistants help reinforce the lessons by working with individual students or small groups of students. For example, they may help students learn research skills by helping them find information for reports. Some teachers and teacher assistants meet regularly to discuss lesson plans and student development. Some teacher assistants work only with special education students. These students often are mainstreamed (attend regular classes), and teacher assistants help them understand the material and adapt the information to their learning style. Some teacher assistants work in specific locations in the school. For example, some work in computer laboratories, teaching students how to use computers and helping them use software. Others work as recess or lunchroom attendants, supervising students during these times of the day. Many instructional assistants have a bachelor's degree in a field related to education.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/teacher-assistants.htm