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How much do teaching assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for teaching 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 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 Decatur, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

Teaching Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Teaching Assistant job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,594 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Library Teaching Assistant

Decatur Public Schools District #61

Decatur, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Teaching Assistant
Date Posted:
8/17/2026
Location:
MacArthur High School
Date Available:
ASAP
Closing Date:
08/31/2026
500.052E
TITLE: Library Media Assistant
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Minimum 60 semester hours of college credit
  2. Successful training at an accredited college or institution of higher learning.
  3. Experience with one-on-one teaching practices
  4. Knowledgeable of library services and practices
  5. Interpersonal skills and ability to positively interact with teachers, parents and students.
REPORTS TO:
Library Media Specialist
Building Principal
Assistant Principal
JOB GOAL: To provide support and assist in facilitating quality services for district students
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. To provide one-on-one and/or small group tutoring for eligible students.
  2. Assist with classroom management in the library, such as organizing instructional and other materials.
  3. Provide assistance with technology as required by students and staff.
  4. Conduct parental involvement activities related to the library/media services.
  5. Support teachers and staff in implementing "best practices" in the classroom based upon scientifically-based research.
  6. Manage library collections under the supervision of a qualified library/media specialist.
  7. Represent the interest of the library on site-based and school improvement committees.
  8. Other duties as assigned.
TERMS OF EM PLOYMENT:
  1. School year

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel and provisions set forth in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
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.
Approved September 23,2003
This position falls under the Decatur Federation of Teaching Assistants.
The Salary Schedule is attached above. Benefit information can be found HERE.
Attachment(s):
  • 500.052E - Library Media Assistant.doc
  • DFTA Salary 25-28.pdf

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