Teacher Aide

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Instruction Sets
Your program consists of seven Instruction Sets designed to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll use in your new career.

Here's how it works: Your first Instruction Set will be sent immediately after your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so you will always have training materials to work with. Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your lessons:

Instruction Set 1

Learning Strategies
Identifying and implementing a successful study method; planning when, where, and how you'll study; creating effective and efficient study tools; using study tools to improve chances for success

Introduction to the Teacher Aide Program
The structure of public and private schools; functions performed by teacher aides; introduction to the specialized jobs held by teacher aides.

Instruction Set 2

Skills for the Effective Teacher Aide
Basic communications skills needed by teacher aides; personal qualities found in teacher aides.

Child Development and Human Behavior
Normal growth and development of a child; the development of non-adaptive behaviors including aggression, anxiety and depression.

Instruction Set 3

How Children Learn
The different ways in which children learn; relationships between learning and language.

Enhancing Children's Self-Esteem
Self-esteem defined and explained; its importance and origin; how teacher aides can help self-esteem now.

Instruction Set 4

Classroom Management Techniques
Managing the classroom in a learning situation; group dynamics; rewarding good behavior; role of the teacher aide in managing the classroom.

An Overview of Teaching Techniques
Major instructional techniques; the role of the instructional aide and the different ways the instructional aide can assist the teacher.

Student Supervision
Monitoring students; proctoring tests and exams; nonclassroom responsibilities; arranging the classroom environment

Instruction Set 5

Curriculum Content
Discussion of curriculum content for preschool, kindergarten primary grades, intermediate grades, middle school, junior high school, and senior high school.

Instructional Resources: Their Preparation and Use
Copy machines; overhead projectors; videocassette projectors; preparing and locating instructional materials; identifying resource people.

Technology in the Classroom
Role of technology in the classroom; different ways computers are used in the schools; interactive technology; the Internet; the future of technology in the schools.

Instruction Set 6

Language and Other Barriers
Helping students who do not speak English; unique teacher aide responsibilities; acceptance of differences in culture, ability, and gender-related activity.

The Teacher Aide in the Special Education Program
Overview of the federal, special education laws, and the handicapping conditions of mildly, moderately, and severely handicapped students.

The Teacher Aide in the Early Childhood Education Program and in the After-School Day Care Program
The beginnings of early childhood programs; curriculum; promoting positive behavior; after-school care including environment, extra-curricular projects and sports activities.

Learning Aids:
• Poison Control Slide Guide
• Themes with a Difference

Instruction Set 7

Children, Families, and Society
Family, school, and community; divorce; child custody; violence; single-parent homes; legal rights and responsibilities for teacher aides.

Helping Abused Children
Definition of child abuse; recognizing signs of various forms; reporting and follow up.

Work Experience Option

Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.

Because qualifications for being a Teacher Aide can vary from state-to-state, we recommend that you contact your local school district for information on requirements for Teacher Aides where you live.