Would you like to work in education, but you don't have your college degree yet? Consider becoming a teacher's aide or assistant. Teaching aides provide assistants to teachers, students and schools in a variety of ways. This page will show you the steps needed to become a teacher's aide.

As classroom sizes and student-to-teacher ratios continue to increase, teachers may be overwhelmed. They may need help, and that's where a teacher's aide comes in. Teacher's aides, or teaching assistants (TAs), provide help to teachers in school classrooms. Teaching assistants are a key resource for a teacher, performing routine tasks that a teacher may not have time to accomplish, and helping to supervise large classrooms full of eager young students.

(Creative Commons photo by woodleywonderworks)

• Educational requirements for teacher's aides vary by state. Most require at least a high school degree; and some require at least some college coursework. A college degree in education or a related field could give you an edge in the job market.

• According to federal guidelines, teaching assistants who work in Title 1 schools with traditionally low-income students must either:

1. Hold an associate's degree or higher
2. Have at least two years of college
3. Pass a state or local exam

• Requirements for teacher's aides vary by state, and often by individual school system. If you wish to become a teacher's aide or assistant, you may be required to have previous experience working with children. Some states require teacher's aides to undergo special testing and complete an on-the-job training before they are officially hired.

• If you want to work as a teacher's aide, you will likely be working in:

1. Public elementary and secondary schools
2. Private elementary and secondary schools
3. Child care centers

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, demand for teacher's aides is expected to increase by about 10% through 2016 as school enrollments increase.