Teacher Aides

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that this field will grow by 4 percent through 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. In 2020, the education field has been deeply affected by the coronavirus pandemic. School closures have varied across the country, with some schools having only remote learning and others having a hybrid of in-class and remote learning. Many education professionals have retired early or have left the field due to concerns over their school opening during the pandemic. As a result, educators and paraeducators continue to be needed. The field of special education (working with students with specific learning, emotional, or physical concerns or disabilities) is also expected to grow rapidly, and more aides will be needed in these areas.

Several other factors should spur growth in this field. The number of students for whom English is a second language is increasing, which will create demand for teacher aides who are proficient in a second language, such as Spanish. Additionally, teacher aides will play an increasing role in preparing students for standardized testing and helping students who perform poorly academically.

Teacher aides who want to work with young children in day care or extended day programs will have a relatively easy time finding work because more children are attending these programs while their parents are at work. Because of increased responsibilities for aides, state departments of education will likely establish standards of training.

Teacher aides who have at least two years of postsecondary experience, are experienced with working with special education students, and who are fluent in a foreign language will have the best employment prospects.

Areas with rapid population growth, including communities in the South and West will have additional demand for teacher aides. As the number of students in schools increases, new schools and classrooms will be added, and more teachers and teacher aides will be hired. A shortage of teachers will cause administrators to hire more aides to help with larger classrooms. During school budget cuts, however, teacher aide jobs are typically the first to be eliminated.

Teachers will continue to need aides to help students prepare for standardized testing and assist those students who perform poorly on standardized tests. Also, there is high turnover in the teacher aide field due to the low pay, so job opportunities will arise from the need to replace those who move on to other positions or leave the work force.