43100 – Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
Lead statement
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.
Main duties
- 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.
Employment requirements
- 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.
Example job titles
teacher's helper · teacher's aide · program assistant - education · special education assistant · special needs educational assistant · teaching staff assistant - primary and secondary school · remedial education aide · special programs aide - education · educational assistant · teacher's assistant · instructional assistant - primary and secondary school · paraprofessional educator · homework assistant · classroom assistant - primary and secondary school · student support assistant · educational resources assistant · child care attendant - elementary school · laboratory assistant – secondary school
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $18.29 | $25.01 | $32.42 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $23.50 | $27.00 | $34.62 |
| Nova Scotia | $16.50 | $21.00 | $26.62 |
| New Brunswick | $25.00 | $32.00 | $34.00 |
| Quebec | $20.00 | $23.07 | $30.00 |
| Ontario | $17.60 | $26.00 | $32.42 |
| Manitoba | $17.49 | $22.89 | $28.72 |
| Saskatchewan | $18.00 | $22.00 | $27.00 |
| Alberta | $17.00 | $23.00 | $30.22 |
| British Columbia | $23.00 | $29.50 | $34.00 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.