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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.
PRN EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER ASSISTANT

PRN EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER ASSISTANT

Memorial Health

Stonington, IL

$21.44/hr

Per diem

Posted 6 hours ago

Memorial Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 168 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

447th of 864 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Min
USD $15.50/Hr.
Max
USD $21.44/Hr.
Overview
Position Summary:
Primary responsibility under the guidance of the Teacher, is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children that encourage their social, emotional, physical and intellectual development through designing and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum according to guidelines established by the Creative Curriculum and the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Illinois Department of Children and Family services.
Qualifications
Education:
Must be at least 19 year of age and have high school diploma or equivalency certificate (GED).
Other Skills & Knowledge:
Excellent communication skills.
Responsibilities
Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Interact frequently, affectionately, and respectfully by smiling, touching, and holding children. Speak in a friendly, calm, soft and courteous manner within close proximity of the child. (E)
  • Respect and observe children's interests. Intervene when needed to maintain safety. Enhance children's play with language, toys and activities. (E)
  • Communicate directly with each child at the child's level. (E)
  • Engage and communicate constructively with individual children during activities and routines. Take every opportunity to positively extend children's thinking and actions. (E)
  • Be available and responsive to children's needs, questions, and requests. (E)
  • Encourage and model social behavior and expectations which are developmentally appropriate. (E)
  • Acknowledge feelings with sensitivity and demonstrate appropriate expression of emotions. (E)
  • Practice positive discipline techniques in guiding children's behavior according to Memorial Child Care's Guidelines for positive discipline. (E)
  • Be attentive, flexible and supportive of children and their families during transitions to and from classrooms. (E)

Curriculum
  • Implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum based upon the guidelines set forth in the Creative Curriculum which reflects observations and assessments of individual children. (E)
  • Assist in the design of an environment which responds to children's individual developmental levels, physical and emotional needs and current interests through the use of Creative Curriculum. (E)
  • Foster positive self-concepts by supporting individuality, independence, and the ability to make choices. (E)
  • Encourage creative expression. (E)
  • Demonstrate respect for diversity by providing anti-bias, non-sexist language, images, and experiences which reflect both center and global communities. (E)
  • Share ideas in planning a daily schedule which provides a balance of activities using the Creative Curriculum lesson plan. (E)
  • Assist in the documentation of children's accomplishments through anecdotal notes, observations and portfolios. (E)

Faculty/Parent Interactions
  • Acknowledge parents and all classroom visitors. Demonstrate a friendly, courteous and professional manner. (E)
  • Respond to parents' comments and concerns with sensitivity, interest, and respect. Maintain confidentiality. (E)
  • Participate in a Primary Care giving relationship with individual children and their families. (E)
  • Share appropriate information with parents on a daily basis regarding the development and specific activities of the children in their primary care. Utilize appropriate written communication tools as assigned. (E)
  • Assist in the planning and attend center/classroom events and meetings. (E)

Physical Environment, Health, Safety and Nutrition
  • Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the center. (E)
  • Supervise children at all times. Demonstrate awareness of entire group while working with a small group or individuals. (E)
  • Know the number of children in your group and maintain ratios at all times. (E)
  • Maintain accurate attendance records throughout the day. (E)
  • Complete appropriate paperwork (i.e., accidents, medication) (E)
  • Encourage children to utilize appropriate health, safety and nutritional practices. (E)
  • Keep environment and equipment safe, clean and attractive. Encourage respect for classroom materials. Notify designated individual in advance when supplies are needed. (E)
  • Assist in arrangement of space in clearly defined, well organized activity areas. (E)
  • Organize a variety of materials on low, open shelves for children to use independently. (E)

Professionalism
  • Maintain confidentiality about issues concerning other faculty members, children and families or Memorial Child Care management and operations. Must not involve parents in center concerns. (E)
  • Become very familiar with ages and stages of development for those children under your care.. Understand the general areas of physical, social, cognitive and emotional development for this age group. (E)
  • Support organizational mission, philosophies, values, goals, and policies to parents, co-workers, and community. (E)
  • Ensure continuity of care for children by reporting to work on time and maintaining consistent attendance, arranging and communicating leave requests in advance. (E)
  • Respect and adhere to staffing schedules which may be adjusted as programs needs change and may include working in another classroom. (E)
  • Demonstrate flexibility and openness to new ideas in child care practices. (E)
  • Attend faculty meetings, training sessions and other center events. (E)
  • Continue professional growth by attending courses, asking for feedback, and reading professional literature. (E)
  • Receive constructive criticism with an attitude that indicates a willingness to improve. Give feedback in a respectful manner. (E)

Teamwork
  • Establish and maintain a relationship of cooperation and respect with co-workers. (E)
  • Assume a fair share of work. Look for ways to be helpful. Demonstrate initiative. (E)
  • Assume additional classroom and center responsibilities as needed: kitchen, pets etc. (E)
  • Offer and share ideas and materials with co-workers. (E)
  • Participate actively in teaching team through communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning. (E)
  • Communicate directly, work to resolve conflicts quickly, and avoid gossip. (E)
  • Exercise care in expressing views regarding the personal attributes or professional conduct of co-workers. Statements are based on first-hand knowledge and relevant to the interests of children and programs. (E)

Performs other duties as assigned.

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