How to become an elementary and secondary school teacher assistant
Official title: Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
Also called: Teacher's aide, Teacher's helper, Homework assistant, Teacher's assistant, Educational assistant, Student support assistant, Special education assistant, Program assistant - education, Educational resources assistant, Special needs educational assistant, Child care attendant - elementary school, Classroom assistant - primary and secondary school
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants support students, and assist teachers and counsellors with teaching and non-instructional tasks. They assist in areas of personal care, teaching and behaviour management under the supervision of teachers or other child care professionals. They are employed in public and private elementary, secondary and special needs schools and treatment centres.
Main tasks
- Assist students with integration into the classroom and school setting
- Help students individually or in small groups with assignments and reinforce learning and retention concepts under the supervision of the classroom teacher
- Assist students with special needs using techniques such as sign language, braille and remedial programs
- Monitor and report student progress to classroom teacher
- Accompany and supervise students during activities in school gymnasiums, laboratories, libraries, resource centres and on field trips
- May assist teacher in the operation of projectors, tape recorders and other audio-visual or electronic equipment
- May assist in school library or office and perform other duties assigned by the school principal
- May monitor students during recess, at noon hour or during the day
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. Teacher assistants usually require completion of a 10-month college program in teaching assistance, educational assistance or other social science program. Teacher assistants who help students with special needs usually require specialized training and experience.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 52% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Teaching assistants/aides; Human development, family studies and related services; Education, general.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $48,770 a year The middle half earn $42,900 to $56,550.
- About 105,300 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 111,900 are projected by 2033. (+6.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an elementary and secondary school teacher assistant?
Completion of secondary school is required. Teacher assistants usually require completion of a 10-month college program in teaching assistance, educational assistance or other social science program. Teacher assistants who help students with special needs usually require specialized training and experience.
How much does an elementary and secondary school teacher assistant earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $48,770 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $42,900 to $56,550.
Is an elementary and secondary school teacher assistant a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2033, from about 105,300 to about 111,900 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an elementary and secondary school teacher assistant?
Usually not. Only 22% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03