Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
SOC code 25-9042 · O*NET-SOC 25-9042.00 · Medium preparation needed · Education and library
What do teaching assistants, preschool, elementary, middle, and secondary school, except special education do?
Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.
- Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.
- Take class attendance and maintain attendance records.
- Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
- Teach social skills to students.
- Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
- Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.
- Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, supervised role-playing methods, or by reading aloud.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 27% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)27%
- Post-Secondary Certificate20%
- Some College Courses17%
- Bachelor's Degree16%
Common questions
Can you become a teaching assistants, preschool, elementary, middle, and secondary school, except special education without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Reading Comprehension3.6/5
- Speaking3.6/5
- Writing3.4/5
- Critical Thinking3.4/5
- Learning Strategies3.4/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Psychology3.8/5
- Mathematics3.5/5
- Education and Training3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.3/5
- Administrative3.2/5
- Sociology and Anthropology3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Service Orientation.