Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants
(NOC 4413)
in All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community ServicesElementary and secondary school teacher assistants support students and help teachers and counsellors with teaching and non-instructional tasks. They help in areas of personal care, teaching and behaviour management under the supervision of teachers or other childcare professionals. They work for public and private schools and treatment centres.
Job Outlook
average
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Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being seasonal in nature, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year are fairly common.
The median employment income for 13% of Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $33,805. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$18.00
Median$22.12
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,825
Minimum$21,213
Median$36,121
MaximumCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$14.74
Minimum$33.28
Median$46.76
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,616
Minimum$44,335
Median$92,599
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants support students and help teachers and counsellors with teaching and non-instructional tasks. They help in areas of personal care, teaching and behaviour management under the supervision of teachers or other childcare professionals. They work for public and private schools and treatment centres.
Job duties
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants:
- Help students with integration into the classroom and school setting.
- Help students individually or in small groups with assignments and reinforce learning and retention concepts under the supervision of classroom teacher.
- Help students with special needs using techniques like sign language, braille, and remedial programs.
- Monitor and report student progress to classroom teacher.
- Help implement and track behaviour management plans as developed by the teacher and/or program planning team.
- Accompany and supervise students during activities in school gymnasiums, laboratories, libraries, resource centres and on field trips.
- Personal care may be required (including lifting, positioning, toileting, feeding).
- May administer medication and carry out medical procedures under the direction of principals and in accordance with policy.
- May help teacher operate projectors, tape recorders, and other audio-visual or electronic equipment.
- May help in school library or office and do other duties assigned by school principal.
- May monitor students during recess, at noon hour or during the day.
Sample job titles
- child care attendant - elementary school
- educational program assistant
- lunchroom supervisor - school
- program support assistant
- special needs educational assistant
- student monitor
- student support assistant
- teacher's aide
- teacher's assistant
- teacher's helper
Skills
- You should enjoy working with children. Good health and physical stamina are needed. You must be patient, imaginative, and resourceful. The ability to work in a team environment is necessary. You must have the ability to demonstrate fair and ethical judgements and maintain confidentiality as the norm. You must model appropriate problem solving and conflict resolution strategies. The ability to communicate ideas in a clear, concise, and pleasant manner is also necessary.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- Teacher assistants usually require completion of a 10-month college program in teaching assistance, human services, educational assistance or other social science program.
- Current certification in CPR, First Aid, and non-violent crisis intervention are required.
Other considerations
- Movement to other occupations related to child care and adolescent supportive instruction is possible with experience. Teacher assistants who help students with special needs usually require specialized training and experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$18,236 median annual incomeCape Breton
$23,085 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$21,906 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$23,863 median annual incomeSouthern
$20,620 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Educational services
Accommodation and food services
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
35-44
15-24
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$22,924 median annual incomeHigh school
$16,723 median annual incomeBachelor
$17,061 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$23,973 median annual incomeLess than high school
$4,158 median annual incomeCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Bachelor
$45,929 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$35,398 median annual incomeMaster
$71,043 median annual incomeHigh school
$29,055 median annual incomeDoctorate
$100,443 median annual incomeEducation & training
Developmental Service Worker
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare individuals to apply practical knowledge and skills to support individuals with a variety of physical, mental or developmental disabilities in a family or community setting. They include courses in health care, basic nutrition, pharmacology, nursing, autism, mental health, psychology, sociology, behavioural analysis, communication, intervention, counselling and community services, and developmental services, such as literacy and life skills training.
Institutions providing this program
Lower Sackville, NS
Sydney, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Human Services
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the general study and provision of human and social services to individuals and communities and prepare students to work in public and private human services agencies and organizations. They include courses in the social sciences, psychology, principles of social service, human services policy, planning and evaluation, social services law and administration, and applications to particular issues, services, localities, and populations.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Teaching Assistants
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare individuals to help a teacher in regular classroom settings or in providing instruction and supervision to special student populations like bilingual/bicultural students, special education students, adult learners, and students learning English. They include courses in techniques of general classroom supervision, maintaining order, assisting with lessons and carrying out related assignments.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile