The Teaching Assistant certificate provides you with the foundation to work as a teaching assistant in public and private schools. Teaching assistants work in the classroom to provide direct instructional support to students under the supervision of a licensed teacher. The entire program can be completed online, in a traditional classroom, or a combination of both, and is a great option for those looking to quickly get into a classroom setting.

All teaching assistants in New York State are required to obtain certification, and this program can fulfill that requirement. Coursework in the program also may be applied directly to the Early Childhood A.A.S. program.

This program is primarily designed for those who wish to enter the workforce immediately following graduation.

This program is offered by the Teacher Preparation Department.

[Loading Program Requirements link…]
Teaching Assistant Instructor with students

Career and Transfer Opportunities

Exterior of a school building
Recent employers have included: Albany School District, Bethlehem School District, Cambridge Central School, Capital Region BOCES, Center for Disability Services, Guilderland Central School District, Jefferson Central Schools, Parsons Neil Hellman High School, Shenendehowa School District, St. Peter's Hospital Day Care Center.
Teaching assistant working with students in the classroom
The program specifically prepares students for the teaching assistant profession. Some graduates may continue on to enter the Early Childhood A.A.S. program.
Statistical bar graph illustration

Salaries vary based on position and degree attainment. Here are median salaries taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of 2017: Teaching Assistant, $24,140.

[Gainful Employment Disclosure]

Take Note

Individuals who already work in an early childhood classroom or registered day care setting may have a funding source to pay for part or all of their tuition. The state's Child Care Educational Incentive Program (EIP) is a scholarship program that helps child care providers pay for training and educational activities with the intent to build provider knowledge, skills, and competencies in order to improve the quality of child care. 

In addition to completing this certificate, NYS Assistant Certification (Level III) requires the following workshops, training, exams and clearances:

  • Child Abuse Identification, School Violence Intervention and Prevention workshops
  • DASA clearance (BOCES)
  • Fingerprint clearance
  • Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills (ATAS) Exam

Learn more at the NYSED.gov Office of Teaching Initiatives Teaching Assistant Certificates webpage.

Get in Touch

Department or program information:

Elizabeth A. Yanoff, Ph.D.
Education and Social Sciences DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON
Marvin Library Learning Commons, Room 107
(518) 629-7690
NOTE: Employers looking to hire students from these programs should contact the Center for Careers and Transfer.

Program admission information:

Admissions Office
Guenther Enrollment Services Center, Room 223
(518) 629-7309
Regular Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Summer Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.