A significant number assisted special education teachers in working with children who have disabilities. Most of the others worked in child daycare centers and religious organizations. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Educational requirements for teacher aides range from a high school diploma to some college training. Those aides with teaching responsibilities usually require more training than those who don't have teaching tasks. Increasingly, employers prefer aides who have some college training.
Many schools require previous experience in working with children.
A number of 2-year and community colleges offer associate degree programs that prepare graduates to work as teacher aides. Aides who tutor and review lessons with students must have a thorough understanding of class materials and instructional methods, and must be familiar with the organization and operation of a school. Aides also must know how to operate audiovisual equipment, keep records, and prepare instructional materials. Teacher aides should enjoy working with children and be able to handle classroom situations with fairness and patience. Aides also must demonstrate initiative and a willingness to follow a teacher's directions.