Ayudante de profesor

Working Schedule
 
A Teacher Assistant generally works between Monday through Friday; ~37% work part-time. Some may be in charge of supervising students on school buses during trips to and from school, which may extend duty hours.
During periods when school is out (i.e., summer and holiday breaks), there may not be work. However, certain teacher assistants do work year-round.

Tareas típicas

• Ayudar a los profesores a preparar el material de las clases y las actividades
• Organizar actividades destinadas a desarrollar competencias específicas 
• Instalar equipos audiovisuales o informáticos 
• Proporcionar "ojos" adicionales a los estudiantes durante la clase 
• Hacer cumplir las normas de la clase y mostrar un comportamiento adecuado
• Registrar el rendimiento de los alumnos y ofrecer su opinión al profesor cuando sea necesario.
• Llevar el control de asistencia y ayudar a calcular las notas
• Supervisar a los alumnos cuando el profesor no está o cuando los alumnos están fuera del aula (por ejemplo, en los pasillos, cafeterías, gimnasio, en el recreo o en excursiones).
• Servir de mentor a estudiantes individuales o ayudar a grupos pequeños para ofrecer orientación personalizada con las tareas asignadas.
• Ofrecer apoyo adicional a los estudiantes que se enfrentan a retos de aprendizaje únicos

Responsabilidades adicionales

• Sustituto durante los periodos de ausencia del profesor principal
• Colaborar con sus compañeros en la creación y mejora de programas para estudiantes
• Trabajar con los profesores y los padres para revisar el progreso de los alumnos
• Help with meal preparation in daycares or preschool classrooms
• Assist children with basic skill acquisition
• Create a nurturing environment in which children can build skills
• Attend to basic needs (especially for young or special needs students)

Habilidades blandas

• Compasión
• Compostura
• Coordinating And Instructing Activities
• Creatividad
• Decision-Making
• Desire And Aptitude To Help Others Succeed
• Empathetic
• Independiente
• Liderazgo
• Supervisión
• Organización
• Paciente
• Resolución de problemas
• Resiliencia
• Ingenio
• Social And Cultural Awareness
• Sound Judgment
• Strong Communication Skills, Including Active Listening
• Trabajo en equipo

Habilidades técnicas

• Social-emotional Learning (SEL) techniques
• CPR (certification often required)
• Inclusive practices
• Lesson planning
• Familiaridad general con los ordenadores (PC o Apple)
• Conocimiento de los equipos de presentación visual (como lupas de vídeo, televisores, etc.) 
• Conocimiento de impresoras, escáneres y equipos de fotocopias
• Microsoft Office, aplicaciones de Google, software para Macintosh
• Utilización de diversos sistemas de automatización de bases de datos escolares 
• Familiaridad con el software educativo diseñado para estudiantes de K-12

• Colegios privados y públicos
• Guarderías
• Organizaciones religiosas y de voluntariado

Teacher Assistants are expected to support students and the lead teacher(s) as needed. Depending on the setting, the teacher assistant may work with one student in a full classroom or with a small group of students who may or may not have special needs.

The role requires someone who is dedicated to children and education. The person must pay attention to detail in assessing each student’s performance and ability, which will be shared with the teacher, administration, and parents as needed.

Teacher Assistants must exhibit high degrees of patience and enthusiasm while working in dynamic classroom environments. They are expected to model exemplary behavior at all times and maintain composure while addressing challenges such as inappropriate student behavior or emergency situations. They should be well-prepared for all planned lessons and activities, as well as unplanned contingencies. Teacher Assistants must be equipped to ensure the safety and well-being of the students they are tasked with watching over. 

Becoming a fully licensed teacher can be a challenge. Many Teacher Assistants are interested in gaining exposure to the work conditions teachers face, before making a lengthy and perhaps expensive commitment to seek licensure in their state. Teacher assistants can gain practical background experience, which will serve them well if they decide to invest in the process of becoming a teacher. 
 
After working as a Teacher Assistant, it is not uncommon for a person to decide that being a teacher is not the perfect fit for them. Others, however, will discover they do want to take the necessary steps to advance. Many are simply happy to remain as Teacher Assistants with lower wages than full teachers, but also less scope of responsibility.    

The role of Teacher Assistants is evolving with the integration of technology in education. Current trends show an increasing reliance on digital tools, such as interactive learning platforms and virtual classrooms, to enhance student engagement and streamline administrative tasks. Assistants are expected to be proficient in using educational software, managing online resources, and supporting students in navigating digital learning environments.

Many enjoyed the learning experiences from their own K-12 days. They want to return to the classroom, but on the “other side” of things. Instead of being a student, they want to help mentor and nurture students this time around. Teacher Assistants tend to be active and lively, enjoy social interactions, and both mental and physical challenges.
 
They may have volunteered or worked as counselors, coaches, trainers, or care providers in a range of areas. Some have personal experiences helping those who grapple with learning disabilities. They come from diverse backgrounds and most have a strong desire to work towards cultural and socioeconomic improvements within the educational system and beyond.