Teaching Assistants Pursuing Certification:OTI:NYSED

Teaching in NY

Teaching Assistants Pursuing Certification Teaching Assistants and Teacher Aides Compared

	TEACHING ASSISTANTS	TEACHER AIDES
Definition	Teaching assistants provide instructional services to students under the general supervision of a licensed or certified teacher.	Teacher aides perform non-instructional duties under supervision determined by the local school district in accordance with Civil Service Law.
Certification	Certification required as a Level I, Level II, Level III, Pre-Professional, Temporary, or Continuing teaching assistant certificates.	Certification not required. Employment subject to New York State Civil Service laws.
Qualifications	For a qualifications to become a teaching assistant under the 2004 regulations Teaching Assistant Application Click to Apply Online!	Qualifications are determined by local Boards of Education.
Duties	The following description of duties is provided as guidance in determining the appropriate role for teaching assistants : working with individual pupils or groups of pupils on special instructional projects ; providing the teacher with information about pupils which will assist the teacher in the development of appropriate learning and behavioral experiences; assisting pupils in the use of available instructional resources, and assisting in the development of instructional materials; utilizing their own special skills, and abilities by assisting in instructional programs in such areas as: foreign languages, arts, crafts, music and similar subjects; assisting in related instructional work as required; and assisting students with specific health related activities as appropriate. Local bargaining agreements may address the specific duties of teaching assistants. Such agreements may specify in greater detail the terms and conditions of employment, but they must be consistent with applicable law and regulation.	The following description of duties is provided as guidance in determining the appropriate role for teacher aides: preparing scripts for recording purposes; assisting in oversight and technical operations of language and/or computer laboratories; assisting in physical care tasks and health-related activities as appropriate; assisting students with behavioral/management needs; assisting in the set up of laboratory equipment, conduct experiments, and performing limited reviews of student laboratory reports; assisting in the technical preparation and production of media programs; reading to and playing audio-visual materials for children in lower grades; assisting in proctoring and other tasks related to the administration of examinations; assisting in the correction of test papers, recording of grades, maintaining of files and preparing statistical reports. managing records, materials and equipment; and supervising students Local bargaining agreements may address the specific duties of teacher aides. Such agreements may specify in greater detail the terms and conditions of employment, but they must be consistent with applicable law and regulation.
Links	For additional information about Teaching Assistants	For more information about Teacher Aides go to Commissioners Regulations Subpart 80-5, Requirements Relating To Teaching Practice And Specialized Credentials - § 80-5.6 Supplementary school personnel .

Last Updated: August 31, 2009