Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Classroom Assistant- from: Youtube Search
Working Life
Classroom assistants are likely to be responsible for a variety of tasks such as handing out work materials (paper, books, paints etc) and clearing away after specific activities. They may help pupils with reading, writing or practical tasks such as painting. If working with very young children they may assist them in getting ready for activities like PE. They may also have to tend to those who are unwell or who have incurred minor injuries.
They may read aloud, supervise lunch times, class outings and sports events. They are responsible for helping to promote social awareness in the pupils and encouraging learning through play activities.
Classroom assistants are part of an educational team and as such they will have to consult with other professionals such as teachers, social workers, therapists, counselors, parents and carers.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Assist in bus loading and unloading.
- Assist librarians in school libraries.
- Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
- Clean classrooms.
- Collect money from students for school-related projects.
- Conduct demonstrations to teach skills, such as sports, dancing, and handicrafts.
- Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.
- Distribute teaching materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils to students.
- Distribute tests and homework assignments and collect them when they are completed.
- Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.
Qualities - Classroom Assistant
As a classroom assistant you will have to be enthusiastic in your approach to work. You need to be patient and have good inter-personal skills.
You will have to be on your feet for long lengths of time so a good degree of physical fitness is essential. You must be responsible and be able to follow detailed instructions. A good sense of humour will be an asset.
Courtesy of Teaching council of Ireland
Interests - Classroom Assistant
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Classroom Assistant
To become a registered Montessori teacher, you must meet certain qualifications requirements. Learners can develop from pathways in care via Aistear & Siolta in early childhood education. The qualifications & vetting must meet Dept of Children Early years qualification requirements click here.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: early childhood care, education, ECCE, facilitation.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: early childhood care, montessori education, ECCE.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: montessori education, early childhood care, health, education.
A number of institutions offer Montessori training at diploma and degree level in Ireland including:
- NM701/ NM801 The St. Nicholas Montessori College, (Dun Laoghaire, Cork and Limerick)
- CR440 Montessori Education Cork Inst Technology
- Direct Apply Montessori College, Mount St Mary's, Milltown, Dublin
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: early childhood care, education.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Continuous Development: Teaching Pathway:
An undergraduate Montessori Qualification is required, which has been taken over a minimum period of three years of full time study (or equivalent) at a minimum of Level 8 on the NFQ, and carrying at least 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits.
Under Department of Education and Skills regulations, such teachers are eligible for employment as a teacher in restricted school settings, i.e. in certain categories of special schools and in certain classes in mainstream schools where Irish is not a curricular requirement.
For full detail see Regulation Three & Four of the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2017 [click here to view].
Pay & Salary - Classroom Assistant
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €27k - €42k
Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, location, and experience. Employment may be in post primary or third level where salary scales will vary by Institution. Payment can be pro rata based on hours worked.
Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Glassdoor/ Indeed/ Gov.ie
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Classroom Assistant
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Senior professionals of educational establishments; Education advisers and school inspectors; Teaching, special needs, and other educational professionals n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Despite a strong employment growth in the five-year period for this occupation (which includes special needs teachers, nursery managers/owners and school principals), employment levels fell slightly since 2021.
Budget 2023 announced that by the end of 2023 there will be 686 additional posts for special education teachers. This occupation has a high share of persons employed aged 55 years and over which may see increased replacement demand in future years.
Useful Contacts - Classroom Assistant
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The Teaching Council
- Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth Co. Kildare
- (01) 651 7900
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Department of Education and Skills
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Irish Learning Support Association (ILSA)
- c/o Drumcondra Education Centre, Drumcondra, Dublin 9
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- Click Here
