They record grades, set up equipment, or help prepare materials for instruction. They also tutor and help children in learning class material. Teacher aides duties vary greatly. Some teacher aides just handle routine nonteaching and clerical tasks. Other aides instruct children, under the supervision of teachers.
Many aides have a combination of clerical and instructional tasks.
Aides may also take charge of special projects and prepare exhibits or equipment for presentations. Education 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 do not have some college training. Employment for teacher aides is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Many jobs will become available due to a high proportion of workers transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force for family responsibilities or to return to school.