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How much do teacher assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for teacher assistant in Decatur, IL is $15.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $16.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do Teacher Assistants Do?

In schools across the country, teacher assistants—also called paraprofessional educators—are an integral part of classroom culture. Teacher assistants provide help to both teachers and students in a variety of ways. For example, a teacher assistant performs simple administrative tasks, like filing paperwork or putting up bulletin board displays, so that the classroom teacher can focus on planning lessons and grading student work. During classroom instruction, a teacher assistant will circulate the classroom and provide help to students who are off-task or confused. At times, a teacher assistant may be asked to lead a small group of students in extra practice on a given topic.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Teacher Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Teacher Assistant, you need a foundational understanding of educational practices, classroom management, and child development, often supported by an associate degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with learning management systems, educational software, and basic administrative tools is commonly expected. Strong communication, patience, and teamwork skills help Teacher Assistants effectively support students and collaborate with lead teachers. These abilities are crucial for fostering a positive learning environment and ensuring smooth classroom operations.

What are the most common challenges Teacher Assistants face when supporting diverse classrooms, and how can they effectively address them?

Teacher Assistants often work with students from various backgrounds and abilities, which can present challenges such as language barriers, differing learning styles, and behavioral issues. To address these challenges, it's important to collaborate closely with the lead teacher, adapt instructional materials, and use effective communication strategies. Being proactive in seeking professional development opportunities and fostering a supportive classroom environment also helps Teacher Assistants meet the diverse needs of students successfully.

What are Teacher Assistants?

Teacher Assistants, also known as paraprofessionals or teacher aides, are educational professionals who support teachers in the classroom. They help with instructional responsibilities, classroom management, and providing individualized attention to students. Teacher Assistants may assist with grading, preparing materials, supervising students, and supporting students with special needs. Their work allows teachers to focus more on instruction and helps create a positive and effective learning environment.

What is the difference between Teacher Assistant vs Paraprofessional?

AspectTeacher AssistantParaprofessional
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; often similar certification requirements
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, schools, educational settingsClassrooms, special education, support roles in schools
Employer & Industry UsagePublic and private schools, educational institutionsPublic schools, special education programs, educational support services
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and responsibilitiesClarifying job duties, certifications, and differences

Both Teacher Assistants and Paraprofessionals support classroom activities and work closely with teachers and students. While their roles often overlap, Paraprofessionals may have additional responsibilities in special education or specific support functions. Both positions typically require similar educational credentials and are employed in educational settings, making them closely related roles in the education industry.

More about Teacher Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Teacher jobs in Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Teacher jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Teacher Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Teacher Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Teacher Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Teacher Assistant job openings:
Teacher Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Teacher Assistant job openings in Decatur, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,594 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Teaching Assistant - 3rd Grade

Decatur Public Schools District #61

Decatur, IL • On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Teaching Assistant
Date Posted:
1/12/2026
Location:
Johns Hill Magnet School
Date Available:
ASAP
Closing Date:
until filled
TITLE: Teacher Assistant
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Minimum of 60 semester hours of college credit.
  2. Hold or be eligible for teacher assistant certificate.

REPORTS TO: Building Administrator
JOB GOAL: To assist the teacher in maintaining appropriate classroom activities and environment in order that students may learn effectively.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
(The following are the essential fundamentals to include but not limited to the following job duties.)
  1. Assist all students in their assigned daily academics as instructed by teachers.
  2. Assist in grading work and assigning students individual academic work.
  3. Alerts the teacher to special needs of individual students.
  4. Provides escorts and assistance to students as necessary.
  5. Helps maintain individual records for each student.
  6. Distributes and collects workbooks, papers, and other materials for instruction.
  7. Changes will be implemented as needed to meet the individual needs of students.
  8. Is responsible for student safety education and accident prevention.
  9. Reports all unsafe conditions to the school principal promptly.
  10. Reports all accidents or injuries to the principal as soon as possible.
  11. Supervises and intervenes to regulate student behavior so as to alleviate the risk that inappropriate behaviors will place students or staff at risk of harm.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Wages, hours, terms, and conditions of employment pursuant to negotiated agreement.
EVALUATION: Performance in the position will be evaluated once every two years in accordance with District's plan for evaluation. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Handle work which deals mostly with people, objects, equipment in a general setting; depth perception and field of vision are important. Employee regularly is required to bend, stoop, twist, turn, reach, lift (up to 50 pounds), carry, pull, push, climb, and kneel; walking and standing approximately 50-75% of each shift. Employee must recognize differences in sound, such as voices/noises that are loud and playful instead of angry and combative; ability to differentiate tones and volumes in conversation. MENTAL DEMANDS:
The Teaching Assistant must ensure that children are supervised at all times, and that children are involved in safe and appropriate activities. There may be a number of situations happening at once, and the Teaching Assistant must be prepared to handle accidents and emergencies at any time.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The Teaching Assistant will be working in a busy and occasionally noisy environment. There may be a number of activities and situations happening at once, and the Teacher will have to supervise all students at all times.
This position falls under the Decatur Federation of Teaching Assistants - July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028
The Salary Schedule is attached above. Benefit information can be found HERE.
Attachment(s):
  • 500.52A - Teacher Assistant.doc
  • DFTA Salary 25-28.pdf

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