Employment Information

Job Opportunities

Most job opportunities in this field coincide with the public school system with regard to workday, holidays, and summers. A graduate of the Instructional Assistant program will have potential for employment as an instructional assistant in schools from the pre-kindergarten through high school level. Instructional assistants work with children in early child care and education settings, preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. Some instructional assistants work with children with special needs.

Although most instructional assistants find employment within public schools they may also find employment at the following:

• After-school programs (found within K-12 and daycare settings)
• Job training programs for individuals with disabilities
• Camps for children and individuals with and without disabilities
• Private schools
• 4-year-old Kindergarten programs (found within K-12 and daycare settings)
• Head Start programs
• Summer school programs for school age children (found within K-12 and daycare settings)
• Camps for individuals with and without disabilities

• Teacher Assistants
• Instructional Assistants
• Para-educators
• Paraprofessionals
• Teacher’s Aide
• Specialized aides in reading, computers, or special education.

Job Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, employment of instructional assistants is expected to grow as fast as average for all occupations through 2014. A greater focus on educational quality and accountability, as required by the No Child Left Behind Act, is likely to lead to an increased demand for teacher assistants. Opportunities for instructional assistant jobs are expected to be best for persons with at least two years of formal education after high school.

Many school districts report shortages of teachers. If schools continue to experience problems hiring teachers, the demand for teacher assistants to assist and monitor students and provide teachers with clerical assistance will grow. In addition, despite projections of only moderate increases in overall student enrollments, the number of special education students and those who speak English as a second language are expected to grow more rapidly.

Because instructional assistants play a large role in helping students with special needs, the rising number of these students will create additional demand for instructional assistants. A greater focus on educational quality and accountability, as required by the No Child Left Behind Act, will also likely to lead to an increased demand for instructional assistants.

CVTC Employment Services

There are many services available through CVTC Employment Services to students who are seeking employment. If you're interested in getting help with your resume, or need help finding a job, these services are for you.