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Teaching Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Coffee County Schools

$13 - $16/hr

COFFEE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM Special Education Teacher Assistant Responsible to: Principal Teacher Director of Special Education Qualifications: * High School Diploma or equivalent minimum * Meet ...

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Teaching Assistant information

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$8

$14

$19

How much do teaching assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for teaching assistant in Tennessee is $14.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $15.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What schooling do you need to be a teaching assistant?

To become a teaching assistant, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, though some positions may prefer or require postsecondary education such as an associate's degree or relevant coursework. Additional skills like patience, communication, and familiarity with classroom tools are also important, and some schools may require background checks or certifications in first aid or child development.

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

To thrive as a Teaching Assistant, you need a solid understanding of educational principles, classroom management, and typically a relevant degree or certification such as a paraprofessional license. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), educational software, and basic office technology is often required. Strong communication, patience, and adaptability are essential soft skills for supporting diverse student needs and collaborating with teachers. These skills ensure effective learning support, positive classroom environments, and successful student outcomes.

What are Teaching Assistants?

Teaching Assistants (TAs) are individuals who support teachers in the classroom, helping with instructional responsibilities, classroom management, and student engagement. Their duties may include assisting with lesson preparation, working with small groups of students, grading assignments, and providing additional support to students who need extra help. TAs play a crucial role in ensuring that lessons run smoothly and that students receive the attention they need to succeed. They are commonly found in schools, colleges, and universities, working under the supervision of a lead teacher or professor.

What is the highest paid Teacher Assistant?

The highest paid teaching assistants typically work in specialized settings such as private schools, higher education, or in roles requiring advanced certifications or experience. Salaries can vary widely based on location, education level, and years of experience, with some earning over $40,000 annually. In certain regions, teaching assistants with additional responsibilities or advanced skills may earn higher wages.

What Does a Teaching Assistant Do?

Teaching Assistants generally work with licensed teachers in school settings to help give students attention and instruction. Their responsibilities may include reinforcing lessons, reviewing materials with students, helping teachers keep records like calculating grades or taking attendance, helping prepare the lessons, and supervising students in and outside of the classroom. Some Teaching Assistants may also be responsible for helping students with special needs, as their presence may allow for additional attention. Teaching Assistants may also be there to help students use programs or software, partake in extracurricular or elective courses, or supervise them as they do their activities. A Teaching Assistant can also be a graduate student who aides their professor during class.

What is the difference between Teaching Assistant vs Teacher?

AspectTeaching AssistantTeacher
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a certificate or associate degreeBachelor's degree in education or related field; state certification/license often required
Work EnvironmentAssist in classrooms, support teachers, work with students under supervisionLead classrooms, develop lesson plans, assess student progress
Employer & Industry UsageSchools, educational programs, daycare centersPublic and private schools, educational institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding support roles in educationUnderstanding teaching responsibilities and qualifications

In summary, Teaching Assistants support teachers by helping with classroom activities and student supervision, often requiring less formal education. Teachers have a broader role, including lesson planning and student assessment, typically needing a bachelor's degree and certification. Both roles are essential in educational settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What does a teaching assistant do?

A teaching assistant supports teachers by helping with classroom management, preparing materials, and assisting students with their learning. They may work one-on-one or with small groups, often requiring good communication skills and patience. Teaching assistants typically follow instructions from teachers and may need relevant certifications or training depending on the educational setting.

What are some common challenges Teaching Assistants face when supporting diverse classrooms, and how can they effectively address them?

Teaching Assistants often work in classrooms with students of varying abilities, backgrounds, and learning styles, which can present challenges in providing individualized support. To address these, TAs can collaborate closely with lead teachers to understand each student's needs, use differentiated instruction techniques, and remain flexible in their approach. Building strong relationships with students and maintaining open communication with educators help TAs create an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.

What qualifications do you need as a teaching assistant?

A teaching assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring postsecondary education or relevant coursework. Many positions also value prior experience working with children or in educational settings, along with strong communication and organizational skills. Certification requirements vary by region and school district.

What is the highest paid teaching assistant?

The highest paid teaching assistants typically work in specialized settings such as private schools, higher education, or in roles requiring advanced certifications or experience. Salaries can also vary based on geographic location, education level, and years of experience, with some earning over $40,000 annually in certain regions or institutions.
More about Teaching Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Teaching jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Teaching jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Teaching Assistant jobs in Tennessee? For Teaching Assistant jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Teaching Assistant jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Teaching Assistant jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Teaching Assistant jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Teaching Assistant job openings:
Teaching Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Teaching Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,563 per year, or $14.2 per hour.

Mechanical Engineering Teaching Assistant Student Worker

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Teaching assistant for mechanical engineering department.

Students serving as teaching assistants for the Mechanical Engineering department at Lipscomb University will be placed with a faculty and course. The teaching assistant will work alongside the instructor and provide course support including but not limited to assisting with lab experiments, providing feedback on assignments, hosting office hours, fabricating prototypes, or other tasks as needed. This position is for current Lipscomb University mechanical engineering students only.

May be eligible for Federal Work Study.

Lipscomb University logo

About Lipscomb University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Born from the powerful vision of courageous leaders, Lipscomb University leads at the forefront as pioneers in Christ-centered higher education, magnifying the best in everyone we encounter on our campus, in our community and around the world. Forged by the trials and opportunities of 130 years of pursuing excellence in education, we continually reimagine and refine our methods to fulfill our mission—preparing learners for purposeful lives through rigorous academics and transformative experiences. Lipscomb offers an intellectually challenging academic program with a commitment to continual spiritual formation while engaging the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Nashville, TN, US

Year founded

1891

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