Teaching assistants find the job to be extremely rewarding yet demanding both physically and mentally, especially those who assist children with special needs. The job description of a teaching assistant is a wide and varied one, for they essentially do just about anything and everything they might be needed to do. Sometimes teaching assistants are classroom assistants, other times they are aides for a specific child with special needs.  Whatever the case may be, teaching assistants are important to the success of the classroom and the children they help along the way.

Becoming a teaching assistant is not a complicated path at all, for there are several options available to attain the goal of a position as a teaching assistant. Options that include:

·    Trade school- many trade schools or vocational schools offer basic teaching assistant courses. Most of these take a motivated student less than a year to complete and obtain a certificate.

·    Community college- community colleges offer teaching assistant courses both on campuses and online. While not required, completing a two year associate's degree to become a teaching assistant will open up more opportunities.
·    On the job experiences- there are many teaching assistants who take a position simply because they enjoy working with children and learn the ins and outs of the job firsthand. Many places will hire someone without formal education in the field if they are willing to learn and enjoy working with children.

Teaching assistants are cornerstones of the classroom, especially in classrooms with younger children and/or special needs children. Most teaching assistants work in the school system, in primary and secondary level classrooms. Others work in private schools, daycares, early infant learning programs, YMCAs or home daycares, just to name a few. Quality teaching assistants are worth their weight in gold, however often the salary in the school system does not measure up. This is why some who are interested in teaching assistant positions seek employment in the private sector. The private sector such as the above type programs can offer a variety of teaching assistant options, from helping children in swim lessons to helping the elderly with recreational activities.

By obtaining an Associate's Degree, a teaching assistant qualifies for better positions with better payment options. A degree can open doors in both the public school system and in the private sector as well. In the private sector, YMCAs, private schools and many other places have positions for qualified teaching assistants in many types of settings. However, a degree is not necessary to find a good position as a teaching assistant in many cases. This type of career is simultaneously rewarding and demanding and takes a person who is especially interested in helping children and helping in the classroom.

Becoming a teaching assistant can be a life career in itself or it can be a stepping stone to another career in the world of education. Sometimes teaching assistants decide to go on to become teachers while other times they are happy being the much needed and much valued support.