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Teaching Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Restoration Ministries Inc

Teaching Assistant

Harvey, IL · On-site

$15/hr

The Teaching Assistant plays a vital role in supporting classroom instruction and enhancing the educational experience for students. This position involves collaborating closely with lead teachers to ...

Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School

Teaching Assistant

Chicago, IL

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Join Our Team as a Teaching Assistant! Are you passionate about making a difference in students' lives? Do you thrive in a supportive, child-centered environment where every day brings new ...

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All JobsTeaching JobsTeaching Assistant JobsTeaching Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Teaching Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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$16

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How much do teaching assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for teaching assistant in Chicago, IL is $16.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $17.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a teaching assistant?

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 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 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 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 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 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 prefer prior experience working with children or in educational settings, and some may require background checks or certifications such as first aid or child development training.

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 communication, patience, and basic knowledge of classroom tools are also important, and some schools may require background checks or certifications in first aid or child development.
More about Teaching Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Teaching jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Teaching jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Teaching Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Teaching Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Teaching Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Teaching Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Teaching Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Teaching Assistant job openings:

Teaching Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Teaching Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,554 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Teaching Assistant

Restoration Ministries Inc

Harvey, IL • On-site

$15/hr

Temporary

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

About the Role:

The Teaching Assistant plays a vital role in supporting classroom instruction and enhancing the educational experience for students. This position involves collaborating closely with lead teachers to implement lesson plans, manage classroom activities, and provide individualized support to students who may need additional assistance. The Teaching Assistant helps create a positive and inclusive learning environment that fosters student engagement and academic growth. By assisting with grading, preparing instructional materials, and monitoring student progress, the Teaching Assistant contributes to the overall effectiveness of the educational program. Ultimately, this role ensures that students receive the attention and resources necessary to succeed academically and socially within the classroom setting.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience working with children in an educational or childcare setting.
  • Basic understanding of classroom management and instructional techniques.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to follow directions and work collaboratively with teaching staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous experience as a teaching assistant or in a similar educational support role.
  • Familiarity with educational technology and digital learning tools.
  • Training or certification in first aid and child safety.
  • Experience working with diverse student populations and special education needs.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist lead teachers in preparing and organizing instructional materials and classroom resources.
  • Support students individually or in small groups to reinforce learning concepts and provide additional help as needed.
  • Monitor classroom behavior and maintain a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment.
  • Facilitate communication between teachers and students to support student development and address any concerns.

Skills:

The Teaching Assistant utilizes strong communication skills daily to effectively interact with students, teachers, and parents, ensuring clear understanding and support. Organizational skills are essential for preparing materials, managing classroom resources, and maintaining accurate records. Patience and adaptability are critical when working with students of varying abilities and learning styles, allowing the assistant to provide personalized support. Collaboration skills enable the Teaching Assistant to work seamlessly with lead teachers and other staff to implement lesson plans and classroom activities. Additionally, familiarity with educational technology enhances the ability to support digital learning environments and engage students through various instructional tools.


Work hours are from 2:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. on weekdays when school is in session. Once a month, the employee may also be called upon to work on field trips on school holidays, winter, spring, and summer breaks, or weekends. One Friday a month, staff will work for a family event.