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Teaching Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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Teaching Assistant information

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How much do teaching assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for teaching assistant in Rochester, NY is $15.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $16.83 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Teaching jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Teaching jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Teaching Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY? For Teaching Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Teaching Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Teaching Assistant jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Teaching Assistant jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Teaching Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Teaching Assistant job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,138 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Teaching Assistant I - Snell Farm

Teaching Assistant I - Snell Farm

Hillside Children's Center

Rochester, NY • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 hours ago


Hillside Family of Agencies rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 235 rated social care providers


Job description


WE ARE OFFERING A $1,500 SIGN-ON BONUS FOR TEACHING ASSISTANT POSITIONS!
Job Summary
The Teaching Assistant I works with the Teacher and other school staff to maintain a positive classroom learning environment. This position supports the academic, emotional, and social growth of students by providing additional hands-on guidance that aid in the treatment and care of youth. The Teaching Assistant I receives mentorship from Teaching Assistant II and III staff and performs job requirements with significant guidance.
Essential Job Functions
  • Provide hands-on support to individual students or groups of students requiring special education by reviewing and clarifying lessons and resources.
  • Share observations of assigned student learning and behavior patterns with the classroom teacher to aid in the development of specialized teaching plans and learning experiences.
  • Assist classroom teachers with instructional resources preparation.
  • Utilize learned Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) techniques to effectively plan for the prevention of and manage behavioral crises.
  • Provide direct classroom instruction in the event of a teacher's absence.
  • Work with team members to set, implement, and evaluate Individual Education Plans, Behavior Intervention Plans, and Proactive Safety Plans.
  • Monitor students in class, between classes, during recreation periods and field trips.
  • Develop, maintain, and update all required documentation in a timely and compliant manner.
  • While this job description covers many aspects of the role, employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience
  • High School Diploma or GED required

Special Requirements
  • Valid New York State Certification as a Teaching Assistant Level I within 6 months of hire AND obtainment of a NYS Certification as a Teaching Assistant Level III within 5 years of Level I certification.
  • Unrestricted, valid NYS driver's license for minimum of 1 year with a clean driving record and minimum insurance coverage that meets agency standards.
  • Must be able to work 12 month schedule

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
In addition to demonstrating the Hillside Professional Competencies of Communicates Effectively, Personal Excellence, Cultural Competence, Builds and Leverages Relationships, and Optimizes Decision Making, the following occupational competencies must be demonstrated:
  • Understanding of safety protocols and procedures to ensure the well-being of students in the classroom and during school activities.
  • Ability to provide instructional support under the direction of the classroom teacher, including assisting with lesson preparation, material organization, and student supervision.
  • Ability to demonstrate empathy and patience when working with students, recognizing and respecting their individual differences and learning styles.
  • Ability to manage time effectively to prioritize tasks, follow classroom schedules, and assist with multiple responsibilities throughout the school day.

Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to work a variable scheduling including evenings and weekends
  • The following physical demands are required:
    • Occasional sitting (up to 4 hours)
    • Occasional standing (up to 1 hour)
    • Occasional walking (up to 2.5 hours)
    • Occasional driving (up to 8 hours)
    • Continuous balancing (up to 8 hours)
    • Occasional balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching forward or down, reaching overhead, running, and twisting (up to 2.5 hours)
    • Weekly lifting up to 50 lbs. (community-based staff may be required to lift an empty wheelchair weighing up to 50 lbs.), 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis
    • Weekly carrying up to 55 lbs. approximately 10-100 ft., 10-15 lbs. on a daily basis
  • Manual dexterity is required, including the frequent ability to grasp in both hands and continuous use of fine manipulation skills in both hands (approximately 1-2.5 hrs.)
  • Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, gases or chemicals is apparent.
  • Protective clothing or equipment as required: Close toed shoes; Protective Shields, Universal Precaution PPE, Gloves for toileting and food preparation
  • Ability to change positions as needed

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
May be required to physically restrain clients weighing between 50 lbs. and 200 lbs. and guide them safely to the floor. In some circumstances, restraints can last up to 15 minutes and may require repetition as necessary.
$18.50 Minimum pay rate, $24.00 Maximum pay rate, based on experience. This pay rate may include a Regional and/or Department premium.
About Us
At Hillside, we believe that healthy youth and strong families with opportunities to succeed are the foundation of any thriving community. Guided by this belief, we provide community-based services, education, and residential treatment to positively impact lives, in partnership with youth and families who have experienced trauma. From locations across Central & Western New York and Prince George's County, Maryland, our programs serve nearly 10,000 youth, adults, and families each year.
Partnering with families and communities, we deliver high-quality, evidence-based services, in the appropriate settings - whether on residential campuses or in schools, homes, or the workplace. By measuring the impact of our work, we endeavor to deliver ever better outcomes every day.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Hillside is committed to equal opportunities for all, supporting a diverse workforce, creating development opportunities for our people. Hillside is an equal opportunity employer; individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities, Veterans, and disabled persons are encouraged to apply. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided for the disabled.
Total Rewards: We offer a competitive benefits package to include generous paid time off, paid holidays, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending account, 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match, and Employee Assistance Plan - just to name a few of the amazing benefits at Hillside! World changers and change makers join our talent community every day. Apply online, get on board, and grow your career with us!

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