Education (Adminstrative, Teaching, etc.): Teachers Assistant

Introduction
You have to love the kids and the age group you work with. It's best to do some of your internship or student teaching with ages that you don't think you're going to like. Sometimes can be surprised with the results.

Job Function
The things I like about my job are the little goals we set for the kids. When some of them are reached we usually do a dance or two. It may have given me a few gray hairs to get the job accomplished but in the end it is so rewarding. We now have a non-verbal child and all the staff are taking a sign language class to help her communicate with others. It was scary for her to come in our room and it was likewise as scary for us to try to put ourselves in her shoes to understand what she's going through. The thing I don't like is the snail trail. I think every 3 and 4 year old thinks his arm, sleeve or back of their hand is a tissue. The kids love to share, therefore, you usually get their colds and germs. Lots of handwashing! Advertisement
Lifestyle
I work from 6 AM to 6 PM. and it goes by like 3. There are so many kids and so much to do that the day just flies. I don't have a lot of diaper changing but I do have a lot of toilet changing. That's not a good part of the job. Someone is always having an accident. Like I said before, lots of handwashing.
There are schools everywhere; special ed. help is always needed. You have to be flexible in that kids say it all. You can't take offense when someone calls you out on something. They are just very little bundles of joy with no filters.

Additional Information
I work with kids 12 hrs. a day, and if you are respectful to them no matter how young or old, and listen to what they are saying, things work well. Sometimes you're wrong and they try to tell you but you are too angry to hear them. Take a moment to settle down and don't forget to tell them when you made a mistake. You don't have to be the super hero all the time.