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Teaching Assistant Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

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How much do teaching assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for teaching assistant in Park Ridge, IL is $15.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $16.78 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; some positions may prefer or require postsecondary education or relevant coursework. Additional skills such as communication, patience, and basic knowledge of classroom tools are also important. Requirements can vary by school or district.

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 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 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 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 strong communication skills, patience, and sometimes specific certifications such as first aid or specialized training depending on the environment.
More about Teaching Assistant jobs
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What are popular job titles related to Teaching Assistant jobs in Park Ridge, IL? For Teaching Assistant jobs in Park Ridge, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Teaching Assistant jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Teaching Assistant jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Teaching Assistant jobs? Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Teaching Assistant job openings:
Teaching Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Teaching Assistant job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,051 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Teaching Assistant

TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804

Highland Park, IL • On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Special Education/Teacher Assistant
Date Posted:
7/27/2026
Location:
Highland Park, IL
Date Available:
08/17/2026
Job Description • Teaching Assistant
Reports to: Classroom Teacher and Instructional Coordinator
Employment Group: Instructional Support
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Work Year: 10 Months
Salary Classification: Union Support Staff
Position Summary
The Teaching Assistant supports the TrueNorth mission and is committed to the possibilities in every learner, every day. This role plays a vital part in fostering a therapeutic, inclusive school community where students experience belonging and develop the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral skills needed for success. Under the direction of a Special Education Teacher or assigned administrator, the Teaching Assistant supports all aspects of the instructional program, behavior management, and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Responsibilities include individual and small-group instruction, data collection, crisis support, and participation in classroom, community, vocational, and recreational activities.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strong communication skills with students, staff, and families
  • Effective collaborative problem-solving abilities
  • Commitment to continuous professional improvement
  • Ability to implement instructional, therapeutic and behavioral strategies under teacher direction
  • Skill in supporting students with cognitive, social-emotional, behavioral, and autism-related support needs
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
  • Capacity to support students across varied environments, including classroom, regulation spaces, community, and vocational settings
  • Ability to safely assist in physical restraint when required for student and staff safety
  • Ability to collect data and follow individualized plans with consistency and accuracy

Qualifications
  • Valid Illinois Paraprofessional License or Substitute Teacher License
  • Ability to pass a background check and provide a physician's statement of ability to complete the essential functions and responsibilities of the job
  • Experience working with students with cognitive, social-emotional, behavioral, or developmental support needs preferred
  • Appropriate certification for School Bus Permit required or ability to obtain within the first six months of employment / or within 6 months of age eligibility
  • Ability to maintain a high level of work attendance

Essential Functions & Responsibilities
The following statements describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned that are reasonably related to the position.
Instructional Support
  • Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials and organizing classroom activities
  • Conduct individual and small-group instruction under teacher direction
  • Support students in academic, vocational, community, and recreational activities
  • Operate classroom and office equipment to support learning

Behavioral & Social-Emotional Support
  • Implement behavior plans and use trauma-informed, therapeutic strategies under teacher and clinician direction
  • Provide guidance and support to students experiencing social-emotional or behavioral challenges
  • Assist in crisis intervention, including safe physical restraint when required
  • Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times

IEP & Data Support
  • Support implementation of IEP goals across environments
  • Collect and record data on student performance and behavior
  • Participate in team meetings, staffings, and parent conferences as requested
  • Communicate observations to teacher and therapeutic team to support planning and intervention

Collaboration & Professional Responsibilities
  • Work collaboratively with teachers, clinicians, related service providers, administrators, and families
  • Participate in orientation, in-service programs, and professional learning opportunities
  • Provide feedback to the teacher regarding student progress and needs
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support classroom and school functioning

Community & Vocational Support
  • Participate in community-based instruction and vocational activities
  • Ensure safety and supervision during all off-campus activities
  • Transport students by van or bus as directed (Type B license required)

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
  • Ability to lift and assist students, including lifting over 50 pounds when required
  • Ability to bend, kneel, reach, and move frequently throughout the day
  • Must complete Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training and employ these skills as necessary
  • Ability to safely assist in physical restraint when required by student behavior plans
  • Ability to accompany students to regulation spaces and community and vocational sites
  • Work occurs in classrooms, regulation spaces hallways, community settings, and vocational environments
  • Requires flexibility, problem-solving, and responsiveness to changing student and team needs
  • Regular exposure to students with significant social-emotional and behavioral support needs

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