Online Teaching Assistant Programs

View online teaching programs currently accepting applicants for 2024.

Supporting students and teachers efficiently is hard work, but very rewarding. The government defines the job as an assistant who supports children with learning, collaborates with teachers to facilitate effective learning experiences, and prepares displays and activities or the classroom. If you are the kind of person interested in the grassroots of education, online Teacher Assistant programs may be an option to explore.

For the most part, teaching assistants have a Bachelor of Education degree. Depending on the grade you would consider teaching, you might specialize or minor in Primary, Elementary, or High School Education.

Are there online Teaching Assistant programs?

Online teacher assistant programs typically require approximately six courses that include child psychology, child development, issues in education, and education theory. An assortment of instructional and clerical skills are taught that help supports the teacher such as, grading quizzes and tests and checking homework. Here a few things to know about being a teaching assistant:

• The minimum requirement to apply to a program is a GED or high school diploma.
• Many schools accept a teacher assistant certificate to work in their schools.
• Some schools require an associate degree or two years of college. Government-funded Title I schools require college credit.
• Regular classroom teacher assistants are not required to be licensed. Most states require passing a test to work with students having special needs.
• For 100% online teaching programs, all courses are completed online without visiting a campus. The school websites provide access to lectures and materials. Interaction between other students and instructions is done through phone, email, and discussion boards.
• It depends on the program, but some teacher assistant certification takes less than a year.

Teacher assistants have decided to become teachers and go on to earn a bachelor's and master’s degrees in teaching. Credit transfer is possible for some bachelor programs.

View more 100% online teaching programs currently accepting applicants.

Benefits of Studying Online

Even tech-savvy people are a little apprehensive when first taking an online course. Advantages of online learning include:

• Opportunity to learn new skills
• More academic options
• Flexible scheduling
• Course material accessibility

It is an alternative to brick-and-mortar attendance at a university or college. A large number of schools and programs are available online. Some are regionally and nationally accredited. Students may not get a face-to-face experience available to on-campus students. Still, there are many advantages and benefits to online learning, that is also referred to as e-learning or distance learning.

Online learning for adults going back to school

Some adults want to go back to school but have a family to take care of or are working full time. It is not feasible for them to take the time to drive to evening classes after working all day. Studying online gives more flexibility. An individual can fit a work schedule and hobbies around coursework, especially if he or she does not have a specific time to log in to a live session. Interaction with fellow classmates and the instructor can be done at a self-determined pace. In many cases, online learning is available around the clock. Students participate in class when it is convenient for them.

What is the online learning environment like?

The online student also chooses the learning environment that works best. It can be the local gym, listening to lectures on podcasts while running on the treadmill; a favorite cafe; in a bedroom; or at a home office desk. Students choose between various scheduling options. Some synchronously conducted classes require attendance at a specific time. Others allow students self-paced assignment completion.

When an internship or in-person lab is required, students set them up at local facilities at times that work for them. Students who live outside the area that offers programs at the degree level or area of interest they desire can take advantage of the opportunity for online education.

Many different program areas available

A wide range of online programs is available. Professional certification can be earned through online formats. There are also continuing education courses available for certified professionals that need license renewal.

Because some online courses charge less per credit hour and students have no transportation expenses, they save money. Studying at home also saves the cost of childcare for individuals with children. Course time may be reduced if students have more time to devote to single sittings.

TEACHING PROGRAM AREAS

• Alternative Certification
• Adult Education
• Coaching
• Curriculum & Instruction
• Early Childhood Education
• Educational Technology
• Elementary Education
• Educational Administration
• Educational Specialist
• Educational Technology
• High School
• K-12
• Multilingual Education
• Primary Education
• Secondary Education
• School Administration
• School Counseling
• Special Education
• Teacher Education Grade 2
• Teaching Assistants

SUBJECT AREAS

• English
• History
• Math
• Physical Education

Growing your teaching skills and methods

The opportunity to study online allows individuals to build valuable professional and life skills. Time management is a skill many online students learn. Students also develop technical skills that may be needed in a future career. To be considered digitally literate, students need to know the function of the internet, software programs, and typing.

Online course help strengthen these skills. Individuals, thinking about taking an online course benefit from the opportunities and conveniences provided by the option. The Learning House conducted a survey in which 44 percent of online students reported employee standing improvement, and 45 percent received a salary increase. After completing an online course, the student has learned new skills and gained work experience.

Typical Requirements for an Online Teacher Assistant Program

No teaching certificate is required to be a teacher’s assistant, but some states require additional training, college courses, or a paraprofessional certificate. The position of a teacher assistant may be held by a student who is pursuing a teaching degree or a parent with school-age children. The primary requirement is to be certified. A GED or high school diploma is required. Having some college credit is an advantage. Just as the roles of teacher assistants vary, so do the requirements.

Some schools allow the time spent as a teacher’s assistant to be used toward extra college credit or an internship. Some states classify the position as a paraprofessional and expect a minimum of 48 college hour credits in child development and growth, reading, English, math, and other areas. They may also require a preliminary screening test. Prior childcare experience may also be a prerequisite. Working at a summer camp, church nursery, YMCA, or a local daycare helps teacher assistant candidates gain valuable childcare experience.

Having related field experience is nearly always required or preferred to work as a teacher’s assistant. On-the-job training teaches assistants to help teachers with special activities, organizing the classroom, grading papers, and office work. Being multilingual or bilingual may be an asset in areas that have students for whom English is a second language.

Some states require passing a rigorous local or state assessment and possession of a valid driver’s license. If a paraprofessional works in a Title I school, he or she has to meet specific requirements.

To be eligible for hire, and individuals must complete 48 college credit hours; complete an assessment that demonstrates competency in math, writing, and reading; or have an associate degree. Over the next two years, 96 continuing education hours must be completed.

Paraprofessionals who work with ESL and special education students must meet additional requirements in some states. California requires completion of two years of college, a clinical training program, and passing a test that is administered by the California Speech-Language Pathology, and Audiology Board.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, those who work with special needs students typically have to pass a skills-based test. Teacher assistants may be required to provide proof of a recent tuberculosis test and physical exam. Some schools have individual requirements, such as being certified in CPR and First Aid. Most communities require a background check for anyone who works in a school, regardless of the role.

Teacher assistants have to possess the knowledge required to manage and instruct children. They also must have a basic understanding of social studies, science, language arts, and math at the level they will assist. Knowing how to operate office and classroom equipment such as copy machines, computers, and overhead projectors is also necessary. Excellent communication skills are a must.

Working with children requires patience and mental and physical stamina. Teacher assistants need to work as part of a team. A teacher’s assistant must be willing to work with students as well as other education team members.

Respected Online Teacher Assistant Programs

• Century College – Paraeducator Certificate – The online option is a program that provides essential core educational courses and field experience. The courses are included in an associate degree in education. It is advised that students take a ParaPro Assessment that deems them ‘highly qualified’ for Title I schools. Scholarship opportunities and financial aid make the program extremely affordable. The college earned accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. The program qualifies for Federal Direct Loans, Pell Grants, and others.
• Genesee Community College – Teaching Assistant Certification – The Teaching Teaching Assistant certification is completed 100 percent online. Courses are directly relevant to typical responsibilities assigned to teaching assistants for grades K-12. The college has a transfer of credit agreement with a list of colleges. Tuition differs for students living in New York and non-residents. Scholarships, grants, and loans are financial aid resources offered.
• Finger Lake Community College – Teaching Assistant Certificate – This program is for those who envision themselves working in a classroom. It includes courses that prepare students to test for the New York State Department of Education certification. Two of the required courses, EDU 101 Teacher Assistant and the course that follows, EDU 102 Teacher Assistant II, focus on state and federal regulations and laws as you prepare for a teacher assistant position in public education. Other areas of study include child and adolescent learning and development, instructional strategies, and behavior and classroom management. The program is available entirely online, meaning you earn an education flexibly and conveniently. Financial aid for online students is available. There are scholarships, grants, and loans offered.