However, employment of teacher aides is sensitive to changes in funding. When education budgets are reduced, teacher aides are some of the first employees to be laid off. Preparation Educational requirements for teacher aides vary. Aides who help with teaching usually need some college education. Experience working with young people or special students may improve job opportunities.
Some community colleges offer teacher aide training programs.
However, most teacher aides learn on the job. Workers who are interested in education and who enjoy assisting students do well in this job. Interpreters who know sign language for hearing-impaired students are in demand. Employers need teacher aides to work with students who have physical or learning disabilities. Many aides start as volunteers to gain experience.