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How a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school can use AI, task by task

O*NET 25-9042.00: Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education28 tasksJob Zone 3: Medium preparation

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Classroom Aide, Educational Assistant, Instructional Assistant, Kindergarten Assistant, Paraeducator, Paraprofessional, Preschool Aide, TA (Teacher Assistant), TA (Teaching Assistant), Teacher Aide.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 17%AI-assist 36%Stays human 48%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 6 AI-ready, 8 AI-assist and 14 human-led tasks out of 28. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.Train & teach · Several times a day
Teach social skills to students.Train & teach · Daily
Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.Train & teach · Weekly

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.Lead people · Several times a day
Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.Lead people · Daily
Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.Lead people · Daily

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 6

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations.

Weekly

AI turns complex material into plain-language handouts.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 34% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is great at turning complicated material into plain-language guides, handouts, FAQs and how-tos for a specific audience. You check it's accurate.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Course: [subject, level]
Need: [syllabus, assignment, handout]

Draft the material with clear objectives and grading criteria. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Course materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays and exhibits (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Course] and [Need] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop instructional materials..

Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.

Daily

AI turns complex material into plain-language handouts.

Show prompt & steps

AI is great at turning complicated material into plain-language guides, handouts, FAQs and how-tos for a specific audience. You check it's accurate.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations.

Context: We use Schoology and Children's educational software; the work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Course: [subject, level]
Platform: [LMS, website]

Plan a module structure, multimedia pieces and accessibility checks. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Online course materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you use computers and audio-visual aids (today).

Step 2Fill in [Course] and [Platform] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check accessibility (captions, alt text) before publishing.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Create technology-based learning materials..

Take class attendance and maintain attendance records.

Daily

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to take class attendance and maintain attendance records.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Records: [grades, attendance, reports]
Rules: [privacy]

Draft templates or entries without names. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Student records

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you take class attendance (today).

Step 2Fill in [Records] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Maintain student records..

Type, file, and duplicate materials.

Weekly

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to type, file, and duplicate materials.

Context: We use Blackboard software and Automate the Schools ATS.
Materials: [parts, supplies]
Data: [paste counts]

Organize inventory with reorder flags. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Materials inventory

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you type, file, and duplicate materials (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Materials] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products..

Plan, prepare, and develop various teaching aids, such as bibliographies, charts, and graphs.

Weekly

AI turns complex material into plain-language handouts.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 45% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is great at turning complicated material into plain-language guides, handouts, FAQs and how-tos for a specific audience. You check it's accurate.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to plan, prepare, and develop various teaching aids, such as bibliographies, charts, and graphs.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Course: [subject, level]
Need: [syllabus, assignment, handout]

Draft the material with clear objectives and grading criteria. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Course materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you plan, prepare, and develop various teaching aids (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Course] and [Need] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop instructional materials..

Grade homework and tests, and compute and record results, using answer sheets or electronic marking devices.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 67% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to grade homework and tests, and compute and record results, using answer sheets or electronic marking devices.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Records: [grades, attendance, reports]
Rules: [privacy]

Draft templates or entries without names. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Student records

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you grade homework and tests (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Records] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Maintain student records.. Also involves: Evaluate student work..

AI can help you prep these 8

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.

Several times a day

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 56% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers.

Context: We use Children's educational software and Schoology; the work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Student need: [topic, exam, performance]
Time: [minutes]

Plan a diagnostic question, targeted practice and a confidence check. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Tutoring session

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you tutor and assist children individually.

Step 2Fill in [Student need] and [Time] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3End with one thing the student can do on their own.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Tutor students who need extra assistance..

Teach social skills to students.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to teach social skills to students.

Context: We use Schoology and Children's educational software; the work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Skill: [communication, conflict resolution, etiquette]
Learners: [age group]

Plan a lesson with role-plays and reinforcement. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Teach social or daily skills

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you teach social skills (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Skill] and [Learners] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Reinforce the skill during the day, not just in the lesson.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Teach daily living skills or behaviors.. Also involves: Teach life skills..

Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.

Weekly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.

Context: We use Children's educational software and Schoology; the work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Topic: [unit, schedule]
Colleagues: [teachers, staff]

Draft a co-planning agenda and lesson outline. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Co-plan lessons

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you discuss assigned duties (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Colleagues] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with other teaching professionals to develop educational programs..

Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, supervised role-playing methods, or by reading aloud.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, supervised role-playing methods, or by reading aloud.

Context: We use Schoology and Children's educational software; the work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Session: [orientation, self-help, community class]
Audience: [describe]

Plan the agenda, activities and handouts. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Lead a session or event

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you present subject matter (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Session] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Lead classes or community events..

Organize and supervise games and other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, and social development.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to organize and supervise games and other recreational activities to promote physical, mental, and social development.

Context: We use Children's educational software and Schoology; the work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Learners: [age, level]
Topic and time: [subject, sessions]

Plan activities with objectives, materials, timing and differentiation. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Plan a unit or activity

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you organize and supervise games and other recreational activities (today).

Step 2Fill in [Learners] and [Topic and time] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Teach one activity and note what worked.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Plan educational activities..

Conduct demonstrations to teach skills, such as sports, dancing, and handicrafts.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to conduct demonstrations to teach skills, such as sports, dancing, and handicrafts.

Context: We use Schoology and Children's educational software; the work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Students: [age, abilities]
Focus: [skill, game]

Plan a lesson with inclusive adaptations. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: PE lesson

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct demonstrations (today).

Step 2Fill in [Students] and [Focus] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check safety of the space and equipment.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Teach physical education..

Requisition and stock teaching materials and supplies.

Weekly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to requisition and stock teaching materials and supplies.

Context: We use Blackboard software and Automate the Schools ATS.
Materials: [parts, supplies]
Data: [paste counts]

Organize inventory with reorder flags. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Materials inventory

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you requisition and stock teaching materials and supplies (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Materials] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products..

Maintain computers in classrooms and laboratories, and assist students with hardware and software use.

Weekly

AI suggests causes to test; the hands-on fix is yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can suggest likely causes and a diagnostic order to try. Hands-on testing and the final fix are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to maintain computers in classrooms and laboratories, and assist students with hardware and software use.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
System: [cyber tools, applications]
Issue or update: [describe]

List maintenance and update steps. Rank causes from most to least likely with a quick test for each, and flag safety risks.

10-minute exercise: Software or security tool maintenance

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain computers (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [System] and [Issue or update] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Test the most likely cause first, and stop at anything it flags as a safety risk.

Never follow AI repair steps that bypass safety procedures, lockout/tagout or manufacturer guidance.

Importance 3.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Maintain computer equipment or software..

These stay human 14

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Contact with others: constant contact with others · Physical closeness to others: very close (near touching) · Impact of decisions: important results · Frequency of decisions: once a week or more but not every day

Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.

Several times a day

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Activity: [recess, events, transport, clubs]
Risks: [safety, behaviour]

Make a supervision plan: positions, rules, what to watch, and responses. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Supervising activities plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise students. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Activity] and [Risks] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Supervise school or student activities..

Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.

Daily

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to enforce administration policies and rules governing students.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Rule or situation: [behaviour issue, no names]
Policy: [school rule]

Give me calm wording to address it, steps if it continues, and how to stay consistent.

10-minute exercise: Consistent rule enforcement

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you enforce administration policies and rules governing students (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Rule or situation] and [Policy] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Use it next time and reflect on how it went.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Enforce rules or policies governing student behavior..

Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.

Daily

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Situation: [grades, misconduct, attendance, no names]
Goal: [support or discipline outcome]

Help me plan the conversation, the support options, and how to document it. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Student performance follow-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you instruct and monitor students (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Use the plan and record the outcome. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor student performance.. Also involves: Teach others to use technology or equipment..

Clean classrooms.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to clean classrooms.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Area: [lab, classroom, facility]
Hazards: [chemicals, materials]

Make a safe cleaning routine. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Cleaning routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clean classrooms (today).

Step 2Fill in [Area] and [Hazards] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Clean facilities or work areas.. Also involves: Maintain clean work areas..

Distribute teaching materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils, to students.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to distribute teaching materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils, to students.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Materials: [classroom, library]
Recipients: [describe]

Make a distribution and tracking routine. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Materials distribution

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you distribute teaching materials (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Materials] and [Recipients] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Distribute instructional or library materials..

Observe students' performance, and record relevant data to assess progress.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to observe students' performance, and record relevant data to assess progress.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Situation: [grades, misconduct, attendance, no names]
Goal: [support or discipline outcome]

Help me plan the conversation, the support options, and how to document it. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Student performance follow-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you observe students' performance and record relevant data (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Use the plan and record the outcome.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor student performance.. Also involves: Maintain student records..

Organize and label materials and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their eye levels and perceptual skills.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to organize and label materials and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their eye levels and perceptual skills.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Work: [art, projects]
Space: [walls, gallery]

Plan layout and labels. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Student work display

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you organize and label materials (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Work] and [Space] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check consent for displaying names or images.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Display student work..

Laminate teaching materials to increase their durability under repeated use.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to laminate teaching materials to increase their durability under repeated use.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Activity: [lesson, centres]
Learners: [age, number]

List materials, room layout and set-up order. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Classroom set-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you laminate teaching materials (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Activity] and [Learners] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check the room is safe and accessible before learners arrive.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Set up classroom materials or equipment..

Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.

Monthly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Committee: [board, department, governing body]
Agenda item: [describe]
My view: [what I'll argue for]

Prepare my position in 2 sentences, the strongest counter-arguments, questions to ask, and what I'll vote or decide based on.

10-minute exercise: Committee meeting prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you attend staff meetings.

Step 2Fill in [Committee], [Agenda item] and [My view] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Read the papers yourself before the meeting.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Serve on institutional or departmental committees..

Assist in bus loading and unloading.

Weekly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to assist in bus loading and unloading.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Activity: [recess, events, transport, clubs]
Risks: [safety, behaviour]

Make a supervision plan: positions, rules, what to watch, and responses. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Supervising activities plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assist in bus (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Activity] and [Risks] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Supervise school or student activities..

Distribute tests and homework assignments and collect them when they are completed.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to distribute tests and homework assignments and collect them when they are completed.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Materials: [classroom, library]
Recipients: [describe]

Make a distribution and tracking routine. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Materials distribution

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you distribute tests and homework assignments (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Materials] and [Recipients] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Distribute instructional or library materials..

Operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to operate and maintain audio-visual equipment.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Event: [presentation, class]
Equipment: [projector, mics]

List setup and test steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: AV setup

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you operate and maintain audio-visual equipment (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Event] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Operate audiovisual equipment..

Participate in teacher-parent conferences regarding students' progress or problems.

A few times a year

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to participate in teacher-parent conferences regarding students' progress or problems.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Student progress: [strengths, concerns; no names]
Goals: [what you want to agree]

Prepare an agenda, examples, questions and a shared plan. Then play the parent. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Parent-teacher conference

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you participate in teacher-parent conferences regarding students' progress or problems. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Student progress] and [Goals] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Send a short summary of agreed actions afterward.

Importance 4.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Discuss student progress with parents or guardians..

Collect money from students for school-related projects.

A few times a year

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a teaching assistant / preschool / elementary / middle / secondary school. Part of my job is to collect money from students for school-related projects.

Context: The work draws on psychology, sociology and anthropology and customer and personal service.
Payments: [fees, deposits]
Rules: [receipts, cash handling]

List collection and deposit steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Collecting payments

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collect money. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Payments] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Collect deposits, payments or fees..

Get the full prompt pack for Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

Critical Thinkingimportance 3.4/5
Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoringimportance 3.4/5
Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Active Listeningimportance 3.8/5
Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.6/5
Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Writingimportance 3.4/5
Used in: Training and Teaching Others
Speakingimportance 3.6/5
Used in: Training and Teaching Others
Social Perceptivenessimportance 3.8/5
Used in: Training and Teaching Others
Judgment and Decision Makingimportance 2.8/5
Used in: Training and Teaching Others

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

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Skills to build: Systems Evaluation, Management of Personnel Resources, Critical Thinking
Tutors21% human-led · Same preparation · $43,350/yr · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Instructing, Critical Thinking, Speaking
Teaching Assistants, Special Education55% human-led · Same preparation · usually bachelor's degree
Skills to build: Critical Thinking
Psychiatric Technicians78% human-led · Same preparation · $45,130/yr · usually some college
Skills to build: Social Perceptiveness, Critical Thinking, Speaking

Getting into this job

High school diploma is most common (27% of workers)

High school or less 28%
Certificate or some college 37%
Associate's 3%
Bachelor's 16%
Graduate degree 15%

On-the-job training: up to 1 month
Related experience: 3–6 months

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

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