Although teaching is not expected to be a
fast-growing occupation, the field is large and offers stability. People
who want to pursue a career in education or are already at the early
stages of such a career working as teacher aides are good candidates to
earn a teacher assistant certificate. A handful of schools offer their
teacher assistant certificate programs online.
Overview of an Online Teacher Assistant Certificate
An online teacher assistant certificate program provides an
introduction to education theory, issues in education, child development
and child psychology. Students also learn an assortment of clerical and
instructional skills that qualify them to support the work of teachers,
such as correcting homework or scoring quizzes and exams. Application
to a certificate program minimally requires a high school diploma or
GED.
All academic courses in an online teacher assistant certificate
program can be completed fully online without visiting a campus. Course
lectures, readings and other materials are accessible on a 24 hour basis
through a school's website. Discussion boards, e-mail and phone provide
for interactions with instructors and other students. Students may earn
a teacher assistant certificate in under a year.
Students in an online program need a newer personal computer,
Internet connection and word processing software to participate. Schools
may use a content management system such as Desire2Learn or their own
proprietary system to provide course materials and discussion forums.
List of Common Teacher Assistant Courses
Certificate courses are generally short and tightly focused on the
primary subject. However, teacher assistant programs may include a
course in English or composition.
Education Fundamentals Course
This course surveys theories of learning and basic concepts in
teaching. Course work also addresses education history and current
issues in education.
Child Development Course
Students in this course learn the progression of human development
from the fetal stage to adolescence. Cognition, concepts of self, social
engagement and physical growth are among the topics covered.
Children's Literature Course
This course surveys the range of books and stories written for
children and analyzes their themes and messages. Course content also
examines the role literature can play in the development of a child's
oral and written communication skills.
Child Psychology Course
Students in this course learn how perception, emotion, cognition and
personality develop in children. Course content also considers the
interaction of cognition and physiology and explores abnormal behavior.
Earning a teacher assistant certificate prepares students to become
teacher assistants. A majority of teacher assistants work in elementary
schools, middle schools and high schools. The U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics projects 10% growth in employment of teacher assistants from
2008-2018 (
www.bls.gov). Enrollment of school-aged children is
expected to increase slowly during that interval, but is also expected
to be somewhat faster for children who speak English as a second
language and special education students. As of May 2009, teacher
assistants earned a median salary of $22,820.
People who earn an online teacher assistant certificate and want to
become teachers can earn a bachelor's degree and then a master's degree
in teaching. Online programs are available at both degree levels. Credit
transfer options may be available with bachelor's programs.
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