A job as a teaching assistant is one that can bring about a wide variety of opportunities as to positions in which to work and a variety of tasks to perform within said positions. Teaching assistant jobs are both rewarding and demanding. While the specific job description will vary from job to job, teaching assistants typically provide a lot of support to the teachers and the students they work with. Whether they work in schools, churches, YMCAs or daycares, the job is an important and worthy one.

Teaching assistant universities can be any university, for most have an education assistant program that will offer a degree that will support the job of teaching assisting. The actual educational requirements for teaching assistant positions range from a high school diploma to a certificate from a qualified program or degree from a college or university. Many teaching assistant jobs provide on the job training to those who wish to learn but do not have a degree or experience as of yet. The most lucrative jobs in the field are those that benefit from some experience, a degree and special knowledge such as a foreign language or specific medical skills.

Typical duties that fall under the responsibilities of the teaching assistant are those jobs such as these:
·    Clerical work- making copies, grading papers, recording grades, recording attendance, stocking supplies, preparing materials in general, setting up equipment such as films or lab equipment and so on.

·    Student support- many teaching assistants will offer one on one support for students who have questions about the material or the lesson the teacher is giving, personal instruction and assistance with class work activities.

·    Non-academic tasks- tasks such as supervising students in the lunchroom or out on the playground are often done by teaching assistants. This gives the teachers more time to prepare lessons and ready the classroom while the students are out.

Most teaching assistants work in schools, for both primary and secondary schools have the need for qualified and dependable teaching assistants. While the schools are where the majority of teaching assistants will find positions, there are other places to work. YMCAs, daycares, private schools, home daycares and the like all typically use teaching assistants to support a variety of classroom options. Students in these types of classes will vary in age and ability, depending on the organization and the classes offered. Some teaching assistants will help with infants, the elderly or handicapped while others will help with language class or aerobics. The list is long for those ways a teaching assistant can help.

While there are no teaching assistant universities dedicated to the position, most colleges and universities do have programs to fit those who wish to pursue a career in teaching assisting. The field is a strong one with a bright future, for teaching assistants are always in demand in a wide variety of capacities. From special education support to home daycare, those who enjoy the role of teaching assistant can surely find a rewarding position.