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Educational Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

$14 - $18.25/hr

CREDENTIALS: Educational Assistants shall have, at a minimum, a high schools diploma or a GED ® equivalent.QUALIFICATIONS: Must work cooperatively with adults and children. Must follow directions.

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Educational Assistant information

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$15

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How much do educational assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for educational assistant in Tennessee is $15.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $17.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an educational assistant?

Educational Assistants, sometimes called teacher aides or paraprofessionals, are support staff who work under the supervision of teachers to help students succeed in the classroom. They assist with instructional tasks, provide one-on-one or small group support, and help manage classroom activities. Educational Assistants often work with students who have special needs or require extra help, contributing to a positive and inclusive learning environment. Their role varies depending on the school, but they are an essential part of the educational team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an educational assistant?

To thrive as an Educational Assistant, you need knowledge of educational practices, child development, and typically a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with classroom technology, special education software, and basic administrative systems is often required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to effectively collaborate with teachers and students are vital soft skills. These qualities ensure that Educational Assistants can support diverse learners, maintain a positive classroom environment, and contribute to overall educational success.

What are some common challenges educational assistants face when supporting diverse student needs in the classroom?

Educational Assistants often work with students who have a wide range of learning abilities, backgrounds, and behavioral needs. Balancing individual attention with the demands of the overall classroom can be challenging, especially when students require different types of support simultaneously. Collaboration with teachers and specialists is essential to ensure that accommodations are effective and that all students remain engaged. Flexibility, patience, and strong communication skills are key to successfully navigating these challenges and fostering a positive learning environment.

What is the difference between Educational Assistant vs Teacher Aide?

AspectEducational AssistantTeacher Aide
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certification or experienceHigh school diploma; often similar certification requirements
Work EnvironmentAssist in classrooms, special education, or support roles within schoolsSupport teachers in classroom activities, often in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsagePublic and private schools, special education programsPrimarily in schools, often used interchangeably with Educational Assistant

Both roles support classroom activities and may require similar credentials. The main difference lies in terminology and specific job duties, but they often overlap in work environment and employer usage.

What are the duties of an educational assistant?

An educational assistant supports teachers by helping with classroom management, supervising students, and providing instructional assistance. They may assist with lesson preparation, help students with learning activities, and monitor student behavior, often working under the supervision of a licensed teacher. Strong communication skills and familiarity with educational tools are important for this role.

What degree do you need to be an educational assistant?

Educational assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; however, many employers prefer or require postsecondary education such as an associate's degree or relevant coursework in education or child development. Certification or training in first aid and behavior management can also be beneficial depending on the setting.
More about Educational Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Educational jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Educational jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Educational Assistant jobs in Tennessee?

For Educational Assistant jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Educational Assistant jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Educational Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Educational Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,894 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Educational Assistant - Proximity Support

Memphis Shelby County Schools

Memphis, TN • On-site

$16 - $22.85/hr

Other

Re-posted 3 hours ago


Memphis Shelby County Schools rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 641 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Purpose and Scope
The Educational Assistant - Proximity Support personnel will perform specialized work to co-facilitate learning with varied modes of blended instruction. Under direct mentorship from the teacher of record, the Educational Assistant - Proximity Support will play a pivotal role and is directly involved with assisting the virtual synchronous teacher to achieve student success. This may include targeted work with individual students and small groups, monitoring and documenting student progress, and regular communication with the classroom teacher regarding instruction and other learning resources. The personnel will work closely with teachers to resolve complex problems; essentially, being physically present to assist teachers and students with their needs within their immediate classroom.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree or two (2) years of college (minimum of 48 semester hours). One (1) year of experience working with children in an educational setting preferred. Must possess or be able to obtain certification in CPR and First Aid. (PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED)
Degree Equivalency Formula:
Bachelor's Degree= 4 years plus required years of experience.
Master's Degree=6 years plus required years of experience.
Essential Job Functions
  1. Supports students with learning skills introduced by the classroom teacher.
  2. Educational Assistant - Proximity Support will assist the teacher of record with establishing classroom leadership skills with students and hands-on student interaction.
  3. Assist teacher by distributing education content including notes, tests, and assignments.
  4. Provides instructional support to students in varied classroom settings (i.e., whole group, small group, and individual).
  5. Provides additional support, as needed, to enhance student achievement through co-teaching and reinforcement of learning concepts in the classroom environment.
  6. Works to encourage more collaboration and creativity from a student perspective by emphasizing teaching strategies in a smaller, more controlled setting.
  7. Assists the virtual synchronous teacher with maintaining a well-organized, smoothly functioning learning environment.
  8. Monitors student progress, collect and document appropriate academic and/or behavioral data; observes assignments and tests data to take advantage of opportunities to reteach and reinforce when misunderstandings of content are detected.
  9. Assist classroom teacher with the distributing of progress reports to MSCS students.
  10. Attends all required professional learning sessions associated with the classes/content areas served to build specialized knowledge.
  11. Participates in the district provided job related training, staff meetings, in-service, and other professional development sessions as required by the Memphis Shelby County School District.
  12. In collaboration with the classroom teacher, provide general supervision of students while in the classroom or other district premises.
  13. Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of supporting student academic achievement.
  14. Performs other related duties as assigned or directed by the school's administration/ leadership.

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