Primary school teaching assistant
Also known as: teaching assistant in primary schools, primary school paraprofessional, primary school assistant, primary school teaching aide, primary school TA, primary education teaching assistant
About this occupation
Primary school teaching assistants provide instructional and practical support to primary school teachers. They reinforce instruction with students in need of extra attention and prepare the materials the teacher needs in class. They also perform clerical work, monitor the students' learning progress and behaviour and supervise the students with and without the head teacher present.
Essential skills and knowledge
- observe student's progress
- manage children's problems
- maintain students' discipline
- prepare youths for adulthood
- support the positiveness of youths
- encourage students to acknowledge their achievements
- assist students in their learning
- guarantee students' safety
- perform playground surveillance
- provide lesson materials
- assist students with equipment
- give constructive feedback
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education (O*NET 25-9042.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Active Listening, Social Perceptiveness, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Coordination, Service Orientation
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (3.8)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.5)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- 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.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Teaching Assistants, Special Education
- Tutors
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- Special Education Teachers, Elementary School
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary
- Self-Enrichment Teachers
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.