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Teaching Assistant Jobs in Laurel, MS (NOW HIRING)

Petal School District

Sped Teacher Assistant

Petal, MS · On-site

$47K - $59K/yr

Support Staff/Teacher Assistant Date Posted: 6/1/2026 Location: Petal Middle School Description: Special Education Teacher Assistant @ Petal Middle School Job Summary: The teacher assistant will be ...

Petal School District

Sped Teacher Assistant

Petal, MS · On-site

$47K - $59K/yr

Special Education Teacher Assistant @ Petal Middle School Job Summary: The teacher assistant will be assisting the teacher with the students in the Community-based classroom at Petal Middle School.

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Teaching Assistant information

See Laurel, MS salary details

$7

$13

$18

How much do teaching assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for teaching assistant in Laurel, MS is $13.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.63 and $14.76 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 Laurel, MS?

The most popular types of Teaching jobs in Laurel, MS are:

What job categories do people searching Teaching Assistant jobs in Laurel, MS look for?

The top searched job categories for Teaching Assistant jobs in Laurel, MS are:

What cities near Laurel, MS are hiring for Teaching Assistant jobs?

Cities near Laurel, MS with the most Teaching Assistant job openings:

Teaching Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Teaching Assistant job openings in Laurel, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $28,128 per year, or $13.5 per hour.

2026-2027 SPED Teacher Assistant

Hattiesburg Public School District

Hattiesburg, MS • On-site

$12.25 - $15.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in maintaining classroom activities and environment to support student learning.

  • Supervise students in various areas of the school and assist with instructional activities and materials.

  • Support the teacher with tasks such as administering tests, preparing materials, and supervising students during activities.

Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Teacher Assistant
Date Posted:
8/18/2026
Location:
Woodley Elementary
Closing Date:
Until filled
TITLE: TEACHER ASSISTANT (SPED)
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. High school diploma or equivalent
2. Passing scores on the "WorkKeys" Test or completion of 48 college credits
3. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
4. Other requirements as outlined by the Board and the Administration.
a.
SUPERVISES: N/A
REPORTS TO: Principal and Supervising Teacher
JOB GOAL: To assist the teacher in maintaining appropriate classroom activities and environment in
order that students may learn effectively
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Such duties and responsibilities as may be assigned, including, but are not limited to:
1. Assists in the general supervision of students in the halls, restrooms, playgrounds, or any other
area of the school campus
2. Administers, scores, and records, such achievement and diagnostic tests as the teacher
recommends for individual students
3. Works with individual students or groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills
initially introduced by the teacher
4. Assists the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on a
sympathetic understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
5. Operates and cares for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes
6. Helps students master equipment or instructional materials assigned by the teacher
7. Distributes and collects workbooks, papers, and other materials for instruction
8. Guides independent study, enrichment work, and remedial work set up and assigned by the teacher
9. Assist with the supervision of students as assigned
10. Assists in planning and conducting field trips
11. Assists the teacher in materials preparation and in the instructional planning process
12. Attends parent-teacher conferences unless directed otherwise
13. Keeps bulletin board and other classroom learning displays up to date
14. Assists with such group activities as drill work, reading aloud, and storytelling
15. Assists students in the library or media center as needed
16. Checks notebooks, corrects papers and supervises testing and makeup work as assigned by the
teacher
17. Checks and records student's attendance
18. Alerts the regular teacher to any problems or special information about an individual student
19. Substitutes for short duration for regular classroom teacher
20. Serves as the chief source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence
of the regular teacher
21. Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students
174
as is expected of a fully licensed teacher
22. May serve in other approved capacities such as, but not limited to:
a. ISS Monitor
b. Lab Assistant
23. Demonstrates prompt and regular attendance
24. Supports the Hattiesburg Public School District Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan
25. Perform other duties assigned by supervisor
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary and work year to be established by the Board of Trustees
EVALUATION: Annually

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