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

DuPage County ROE

Teaching Assistant

Wheaton, IL

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Teaching Assistant Full-time position Building location based on student need. Qualifications: Appropriate Paraprofessional License required Physical ability to be trained and perform physical ...

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How much do teaching assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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, though some positions may prefer or require postsecondary education such as an associate's degree or relevant coursework. Additional skills like patience, communication, and familiarity with classroom tools are also important, and some schools may require background checks or certifications in first aid or child development.

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 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 highest paid Teacher Assistant?

The highest paid teaching assistants typically work in specialized settings such as private schools, higher education, or in roles requiring advanced certifications or experience. Salaries can vary widely based on location, education level, and years of experience, with some earning over $40,000 annually. In certain regions, teaching assistants with additional responsibilities or advanced skills may earn higher wages.

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 does a teaching assistant do?

A teaching assistant supports teachers by helping with classroom management, preparing materials, and assisting students with their learning. They may work one-on-one or with small groups, often requiring good communication skills and patience. Teaching assistants typically follow instructions from teachers and may need relevant certifications or training depending on the educational setting.

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 prior experience working with children or in educational settings, along with strong communication and organizational skills. Certification requirements vary by region and school district.

What is the highest paid teaching assistant?

The highest paid teaching assistants typically work in specialized settings such as private schools, higher education, or in roles requiring advanced certifications or experience. Salaries can also vary based on geographic location, education level, and years of experience, with some earning over $40,000 annually in certain regions or institutions.
More about Teaching Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Teaching jobs in Park Ridge, IL? The most popular types of Teaching jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
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 68% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,051 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Special Education Teaching Assistant

Oak Park Elementary School District 97

Oak Park, IL • On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Special Education Teacher Assistant 

Revised July 2025

Perm/contract: 

SY26-27

Department:

Core Instruction 

FLSA Status:

Non-exempt

Reports To:

Core Instruction Administration 

Primary Reporting Location:

Assigned School Building 

Level:

Elementary: PK-8

Compensation:

In accordance with Oak Park Teachers' Assistants Association 

Date Available: 

SY26-27

Bargaining Unit & Classification:

OPTAA & Classified 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Benefits:

Insurance: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance are available

Leaves- Paid sick & personal days provides

Retirement: pre-tax retirement plans (e.g. 403b available) 

D97 Ideal Team Member Profile

  • The ideal team member in District 97 is a visionary and equity-centered leader who inspires excellence and fosters collective responsibility for student success. This individual:
    • Champions the district's vision and drives forward-thinking, innovative practices that anticipate future educational needs.
    • Stewards public trust and resources with fiscal responsibility and ethical transparency.
    • Demonstrates relentless commitment to student success, ensuring that every decision supports equitable opportunities and outcomes for all learners.
    • Organizes and empowers teams to work collaboratively toward shared goals, recognizing the interdependence of roles across departments and schools.
    • Fosters a culture of care, learning, and service, grounded in authentic engagement with students, families, staff, and community members.
    • Models integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality, serving as a role model for ethical and respectful conduct at all levels.
    • Thrives in a culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse environment, showing a deep passion for inclusive practices and building belonging for all team members.
    • Seeks and embraces feedback, especially when it challenges them to grow and improve in service of students and colleagues.
    • Understands the powerful intersection of leadership, learning, and equity, and aligns their work to dismantle systemic barriers.
    • Courageously addresses unprofessional behavior, holding self and others accountable to high standards in service to the community and students.

About the Role

The Special Education Teacher Assistant position supports student learning by providing support to the student(s) and teacher in the classroom with the specific responsibility of assisting with the supervision of students, the implementation of prescribed programs, the maintenance of records, and the use of various instructional tools in support of the educational program/the teacher's identified lesson. As a key member of the district's the teacher assistant position will interact with and respond to students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members in ways that demonstrates their alignment and agreement with the district's equity commitments. The special education teacher assistant position will ensure that equity is at the center of the district's teacher assistant services to positively impact student learning and employee practices as expressed in  Board Policy 7:12: Ensuring Racial and Educational Equity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assist with providing a variety of activities for a balanced program of instruction, giving student opportunity to observe, question and investigate.
  • Reinforce information and instructions following a lesson.
  • Work with student individually or in small groups in academic studies, basic life skills and other assigned instruction.
  • Implement behavior modification plans and procedures designed for individual students when necessary.
  • Maintain confidentiality regarding students.
  • Maintain positive relationships with all students, school staff and parents.
  • Observe and record student's progress.
  • Assist the individual student during activities including recess, lunch and getting student safely on and off the bus.
  • Assist the classroom teacher and student in daily activities
  • Assist student with academic needs.
  • Under the direction of the teacher, maintain student behavior by utilizing behavior management strategies

Content Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Ability to lift students is required
  • Ability to work and communicate with students in an appropriate professional manner required
  • Ability to work collaboratively with others
  • Demonstrate knowledge of students' needs, including but not limited to: educational, medical, physical, sensory, speech/language, social/emotional, recreational, vocational, etc., as established by the teacher.
  • Operate all equipment related to support of teacher and/or student needs: copy machine, computers, assistive technology, related OT and PT devices, other items as required

Candidate Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma, minimum
  • Associate's Degree, preferred
  • Illinois Professional Educator License or
  • Illinois Substitute Teacher License or
  • Illinois Paraprofessional License 

https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Educator-Licensure-Requirements.aspx

Physical Requirements: 

This position requires the performance of light workwhich requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects. The position includes close visual acuity, frequent talking, hearing, walking, climbing stairs and standing, occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, and significant fine finger dexterity.  The job is performed in non-hazardous environments and a clean atmosphere.  The position requires indoor and outdoor supervision during varying temperatures and climatic conditions.

Apply through Frontline:

Applications are currently being accepted for this position via our district website.  Please reach out to our human resources department at district97hr@op97.org, if you have questions about the application process.

We encourage interested applicants to apply, as we continue to uplift our equity policy. Our goal is to recruit, employ, support, and retain racially and linguistically diverse and culturally competent administrative, instructional and support personnel. Oak Park Elementary School District 97 is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 



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