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
Many teacher assistants were laid off when schools closed in March. When teaching resumed in a limited online format later in the spring, teacher assistants did not resume their usual duties. However, when schools physically reopened in September, workers in this occupation were back on the job.
The provincial government typically hires teacher assistants before the beginning of the school year. However, a second round of hiring took place later in the fall of 2020 to address unique needs created by the closure of schools during the spring.
In recent years, employment prospects for this occupation have been average. Employment growth is determined largely by the priorities and resource allocation of the provincial public-school system. Since 2018, the number of workers in this occupation has increased somewhat as the result of additional funding for classroom supports. During the first of two hiring rounds in 2020, 85 support staff were added to primary and secondary schools. The provincial Department of Education has indicated that the present staffing levels are sufficient for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year, so additional hiring is not likely until at least September 2021.
The median employment income for the 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, the 59% of those who worked full-time, year-round had a median employment income of $43,600. (Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$18.32
Median$23.00
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
Cape Breton
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared 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?
45-54
55-64
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 incomeApprenticeship
$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
Adult High School Siploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
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
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
Stellarton, NS
Port Hawkesbury, 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
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.