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How much do teacher assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 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 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.

How can I become a teacher assistant?

To become a teacher assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions require an associate degree or relevant coursework. Relevant skills include communication, patience, and organizational abilities. Certification requirements vary by state or school district but may include background checks and specialized training.

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.

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.

How much do you get paid for a teaching assistant?

The salary of a teaching assistant varies depending on location, experience, and the educational institution, but it typically ranges from $10 to $20 per hour. Full-time positions often offer annual salaries between $20,000 and $30,000, with benefits sometimes included. Certification and additional skills can influence pay rates.

What qualifications do you need as a teaching assistant?

A teaching assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education or relevant coursework. Many roles also prefer prior experience working with children or in educational settings, and some may require background checks or certifications such as CPR or first aid. Strong communication skills and patience are essential for the role.

What does a teacher assistant do?

A teacher assistant supports classroom teachers by helping with instructional activities, supervising students, and managing classroom behavior. They may assist with lesson preparation, provide individual or small group support, and help create a positive learning environment, often requiring good communication skills and patience.

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 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 qualifications do you need as a teaching assistant?

A teaching assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require postsecondary education or relevant certifications. Strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to work with children or students are important. Depending on the setting, additional training or background checks may be required.

What does an assistant teacher do?

An assistant teacher supports lead teachers in classroom activities, helps manage student behavior, prepares instructional materials, and provides individual or small group assistance to students. They often work under supervision and may need relevant certifications or background checks depending on the educational setting.

What qualifications do you need to be an assistant teacher?

Assistant teachers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions require an associate's degree or coursework in education or child development. Relevant skills include patience, communication, and the ability to work with children, and some roles may require background checks or certifications such as CPR or first aid.

What is a TA salary?

A teacher assistant (TA) salary varies depending on location, experience, and school district, but typically ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 annually. TAs often work part-time or full-time hours, and some positions may include benefits or opportunities for certification advancement.

What does an assistant teacher do?

An assistant teacher supports lead teachers by helping with classroom management, preparing materials, and providing individual or small group instruction to students. They often work under supervision, require good communication skills, and may assist with behavioral or learning challenges to ensure a positive educational environment.

Do TAs get paid?

Teacher assistants (TAs) are typically paid employees who receive wages or stipends for their work assisting teachers in classrooms. Their pay varies by school district, state, and experience, and they may also earn benefits depending on their employment status. Many TAs work part-time and may need relevant certifications or training to qualify for payment.

What does a teaching assistant do?

A teaching assistant supports classroom teachers by helping with instructional tasks, supervising students, and managing classroom activities. They may assist with grading, preparing materials, and providing individual support to students, often requiring good communication skills and patience. Teaching assistants typically work in educational settings such as schools and may need relevant certifications or training depending on the region.
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 are popular job titles related to Teacher Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL? For Teacher Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,594 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Music Teacher for 2026-2027 School Year

Decatur Public Schools District #61

Decatur, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Elementary School Teaching
Date Posted:
5/21/2026
Location:
Muffley Elementary School
Date Available:
08/2026
Closing Date:
Until Filled
500.031
TITLE: Certified Teacher
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Illinois State Certification in teaching field.
  2. Bachelor's Degree
  3. Ability to function effectively as a member of the school staff.

REPORTS TO:
The Principal
SUPERVISES:
(Instructs, and Evaluates the work of):
  1. Students
  2. Student Teachers
  3. Volunteers
  4. Assists the Principal with the evaluation of Teaching Assistants.

MAINTAINS LIAISON WITH:
Parents. Communicates with parents as the teacher deems necessary, or when requested by parents or administrators.
JOB GOAL:
To help students learn subject matter and skills that will contribute to their development as mature, able, and responsible men and women.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
(The following are the essential fundamentals to includes but not limited to the follow job
duties:)
  1. Maintains an instructional atmosphere that is conducive to a high quality educational program.
  2. Utilizes a variety of instructional strategies to accommodate individual differences.
  3. Provides feedback which includes constructive criticism that motivates students.
  4. Has high expectations for daily and long-term student achievement.
  5. Organizes and arranges classroom so as to facilitate learning and minimize student disruption.
  6. Sets limits of student behavior which are defined, communicated, and monitored.
  7. Keeps up with current developments, research, and literature in his/her teaching field and the field of education.
  8. Keeps parents and students informed of each student's academic progress.
  9. Teaches in full compliance with curricular requirements of the State and of the Board.
  10. Complies with Board Policies, Administrative Regulations, and Board-Employee Agreements at the school level.
  11. Participates on an appointive, elective, or volunteer basis in the curriculum development process at the building and district levels, as is required to periodically review all curricular areas to keep them up-to-date.
  12. Plans for the health, safety, and physical well-being of students during instruction.
  13. Supervises, classifies, evaluates and guides students.
  14. Utilizes community resources for the enrichment of the educational program.
  15. Assists in maintaining good school-community relations.
  16. Participates, from time to time, in the development of District Policies, and Administrative Regulations, on an appointive, elective, or volunteer basis.
  17. Is responsible for student safety education and accident prevention.
  18. Reports all unsafe conditions to the school principal promptly.
  19. Reports all accidents or injuries to the principal as soon as possible.
  20. 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:
Salary is based on Schedules A and B of the collective negotiated Agreement.
EVALUATION:
Each employee in contractual continuing service shall be evaluated at least once every two (2) years. Each employee not in continuing contractual service shall be evaluated once every year.
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 Teacher 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 Teacher 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 Teacher 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 Education Association (DEA) Contract - 2022-2026.
The Salary Schedule is attached above. Benefit information can be found HERE.
Approved June 24, 1997
Attachment(s):
  • Certified Teacher JD
  • DEA Salary 2026-2027.pdf

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