Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Teacher Assistant
What teacher assistants actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Prepare reading materials for small groups. From there, the day usually includes work with small groups and individual students, reinforce lessons taught by the teacher, and support students with disabilities. Most work school-day hours during the school year, with summers off.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a teacher assistant working full time.
- Prepare reading materials for small groups.
- Help students settle and take attendance.
- Lead a reading group for struggling readers.
- Support a student with an IEP during math.
- Supervise lunch and recess.
- Help students with a science project.
- Record progress notes for the teacher.
Where teacher assistants work
Teacher assistants work in schools, in classrooms, special education rooms, cafeterias and playgrounds.
Hours and schedule
Most work school-day hours during the school year, with summers off.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Work with small groups and individual students
- Reinforce lessons taught by the teacher
- Support students with disabilities
- Supervise students at lunch, recess and transitions
- Prepare classroom materials
- Help with classroom management
- Record student progress
Tools you’ll use every day
- Curriculum materials
- Learning apps
- Assistive technology
- Behavior charts
- Classroom supplies
- Data sheets
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- School schedule and summers off
- Meaningful student impact
- Path to teaching
- Less prep than teachers
What’s hard
- Modest pay
- Challenging behaviors
- Limited advancement without more school
- Physically demanding at times
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to help students learn
- I’m patient
- I like teamwork
- I want a school schedule
- I might become a teacher
- I can support students with special needs
Not sure? Take the free Teacher Assistant fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow school safety and supervision rules
- Know students’ medical and behavior plans
- Use safe lifting for students who need physical help
- Report safety concerns