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 assist teachers and counsellors with teaching and non-instructional tasks. They assist in areas of personal care, teaching and behaviour management under the supervision of teachers or other child care professionals. They are employed in public and private elementary, secondary and special needs 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, with employment around 3,850. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow slightly over the next few years, which should provide some additional opportunities for employment. 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. Also, a large percentage of the workforce is self-employed which should be an important consideration for those thinking about employment in the occupation.
The median employment income for 14% 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
$12.37
Minimum$17.30
Median$28.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,825
Minimum$21,213
Median$36,121
MaximumCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$26.88
Median$46.15
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 assist teachers and counsellors with teaching and non-instructional tasks. They assist in areas of personal care, teaching and behaviour management under the supervision of teachers or other child care professionals. They are employed in public and private elementary, secondary and special needs schools and treatment centres.
Job duties
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants perform some or all of the following duties:
- Assist 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.
- Assist students with special needs using techniques such as sign language, braille and remedial programs.
- Monitor and report student progress to classroom teacher.
- Accompany and supervise students during activities in school gymnasiums, laboratories, libraries, resource centres and on field trips.
- May assist teacher in the operation of projectors, tape recorders and other audio-visual or electronic equipment.
- May assist in school library or office and perform 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 assistant
- lunchroom supervisor - school
- special needs educational assistant
- student monitor
- student support assistant
- teacher's aide
- teacher's assistant
- teacher's helper
- teaching staff assistant, primary and secondary school
Skills
You should enjoy working with children. Good health and physical stamina are needed. You must be patient, imaginative, and resourceful. The ability to communicate ideas in a clear, concise, and pleasant manner is also necessary.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is required.
- Teacher assistants usually require completion of a 10-month college program in teaching assistance, educational assistance or other social science program.
Other considerations
Mobility 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
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Educational Services
Accommodation and Food Services
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$26,132 median annual incomeHigh school
$17,353 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$24,249 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$30,261 median annual incomeLess than high school
$14,733 median annual incomeCompared to: All Education, Law, Government, Social and Community Services
Bachelor's degree
$43,533 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$28,183 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$35,978 median annual incomeHigh school
$25,801 median annual incomeDoctorate
$60,991 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The 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
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Teaching assistants/aides - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to assist a teacher in regular classroom settings or in providing instruction and supervision to special student populations, such as bilingual/bicultural students, special education students, adult learners, and students learning English. These programs include courses in techniques of general classroom supervision, maintaining order, assisting with lessons and carrying out related assignments.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
Teaching assistants/aides - Other
This program may be offered at the college, trades, or university level.This instructional program class includes any program not listed above that relates to Teaching Assistants/Aides.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.