North Carolina teacher's assistants or paraprofessionals complete many duties as part of the job. Responsibilities may include instructional support such as teaching small groups and individuals. Also, assistants help maintain appropriate classroom discipline by monitoring and correcting inappropriate behavior. Other responsibilities may include making copies of handouts and worksheets, grading student work and filling in for the teacher when needed as a substitute.
Basic Requirements
Prospective North Carolina assistant teachers must have at least a high school diploma or GED. Preferably, they will also have work or volunteer experience working with children. Individual school districts may require additional education and experience.
Title I Requirements
According to the North Carolina Public School website, about half of all the schools in North Carolina receive Title I funds. Assistants or paraprofessionals who work in a school that receives Title I funds must meet additional requirements. To be hired, these assistants must either complete 48 hours of college credit, have an associate degree or complete an assessment demonstrating competency in reading, writing and math. After earning passing scores, an assistant teacher may begin working. However, over the course of the next two years she must complete 96 continuing education hours.
Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements
Assistant teachers need to possess knowledge concerning managing and instructing children. Also, they must have knowledge of basic subjects such as math, language arts, science and social studies at the level for which they intend to assist. Also, they must be able to operate basic classroom and office equipment such as overhead projectors, computers and copy machines.
