Some aides are covered by union contracts and have health benefits, but many part-time aides do not receive pensions, health insurance, or other benefits. The educational Teacher Aides need can be very different. Some schools require a high school diploma, while other schools expect aides to have some college course work, especially if they will work in special education programs. Following state law, all schools require applicants to pass a test in reading, language, and math. Aides must be able to communicate well with both students and teachers, and clerical skills may be needed too.
Schools prefer job applicants with experience.
Other experience caring for and supervising groups of children is also helpful. Character and personality are very important in qualifying for the Teacher Aide's job. Aides should be able to work with students and to handle classroom situations with fairness and patience. Aides also must show initiative and be willing to follow the classroom teacher's directions. Teacher Aides generally get their training for classroom work on the job.