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How much do teaching assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Teaching Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL? For Teaching Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 41% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,594 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Teaching Assistant - 3rd Grade

Decatur Public Schools District #61

Decatur, IL • On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Teaching Assistant
Date Posted:
1/12/2026
Location:
Johns Hill Magnet School
Date Available:
ASAP
Closing Date:
until filled
TITLE: Teacher Assistant
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Minimum of 60 semester hours of college credit.
  2. Hold or be eligible for teacher assistant certificate.

REPORTS TO: Building Administrator
JOB GOAL: To assist the teacher in maintaining appropriate classroom activities and environment in order that students may learn effectively.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
(The following are the essential fundamentals to include but not limited to the following job duties.)
  1. Assist all students in their assigned daily academics as instructed by teachers.
  2. Assist in grading work and assigning students individual academic work.
  3. Alerts the teacher to special needs of individual students.
  4. Provides escorts and assistance to students as necessary.
  5. Helps maintain individual records for each student.
  6. Distributes and collects workbooks, papers, and other materials for instruction.
  7. Changes will be implemented as needed to meet the individual needs of students.
  8. Is responsible for student safety education and accident prevention.
  9. Reports all unsafe conditions to the school principal promptly.
  10. Reports all accidents or injuries to the principal as soon as possible.
  11. 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:
Wages, hours, terms, and conditions of employment pursuant to negotiated agreement.
EVALUATION: Performance in the position will be evaluated once every two years in accordance with District's plan for evaluation. 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.
This position falls under the Decatur Federation of Teaching Assistants - July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2028
The Salary Schedule is attached above. Benefit information can be found HERE.
Attachment(s):
  • 500.52A - Teacher Assistant.doc
  • DFTA Salary 25-28.pdf

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