MBTI® Test ESFJ Teacher Assistants

Strong Interest Inventory® General Occupational Theme Code: Social, Conventional (SC) (GOT)

According to Hammer (1996), Extraverted-Sensing-Feeling-Judging (ESFJ) Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI test) personality types are often drawn to careers in childcare or healthcare, where they are given the opportunity to foster the development of others on a daily basis. These Myers-Briggs test types tend to prefer having concrete, tangible goals, and are able to develop systematic approaches to achieving those goals. Careers as teacher assistants can complement these preferences and talents.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Teacher assistants support lead teachers in a variety of different ways. Some may be assigned to particular students, especially those with special linguistic, cognitive, or behavioral needs, as well as to those who are struggling in particular subjects. In addition to tutoring or translating for students, teacher assistants may also serve as secondary disciplinarians and work to maintain order in the classroom. From a pedagogical perspective, they may assist lead teachers in grading or instruction, and may facilitate classroom routines like collecting papers, taking attendance, testing, and the like. Logistical concerns like copying or laminating, cleaning the board, and so on, are generally their domain as well. In some cases, teacher assistants may plan parts of lessons, design worksheets, or make PowerPoint presentations or other visual aids, as needed or requested by the lead teacher.

Schools vary widely in their funding and therefore in the kinds of technology available for teachers’ use. However, office supplies (e.g., copiers, printers, projectors, etc.) are fairly ubiquitous. Some schools may also have interactive whiteboards or smart boards, visual presenters or magnifiers, tablets, or other technology for students’ benefit. Software also varies widely, but apps for grading (or at least a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet) are almost indispensable. Furthermore, text to speech or “automate the schools” software are becoming more and more common.

In addition to an interest and basic knowledge of education and educational principles, teacher assistants benefit from a foundation in developmental and educational psychology. With these two academic traditions, they can generally understand where their students are coming from and are able to effectively meet their needs. In addition, teacher assistants need to have a service-focused mentality, and should be willing and able to communicate easily and clearly to students, parents, and other teachers. While proficiency in English is absolutely vital, a working knowledge of other languages is beneficial as well.

Most teaching assistants have some college (over 70%). Of these, almost half do not hold a degree, while others may hold a certificate or even a bachelor’s degree. Teaching assistants generally need some kind of state certification, though they do also learn significantly on-the-job as well. Often, their lead teacher becomes a major source of professional support and development as well.

Below are some employment trends for Teacher Assistants:

  • Median wage: $27,920 annually
  • Employment: 1,380,300 employees
  • Projected growth (2018-2028): Average (4% to 6%)
  • Projected job openings (2018-2028): 153,900

Visit Our MBTI® About Page and Our ESFJ Personality Type Page For Detailed Information on The ESFJ Personality Type

Visit Our Strong Interest Inventory® Resource Page To Learn About The (SC) GOT

ESFJ Careers

Click on one of these corresponding popular ESFJ Careers for detailed information including Career Stats, Income Stats, Daily Tasks and Required Education: Hotel, Motel, or Resort Clerk, Kindergarten Teacher, Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner, Personal or Home Care Aide, Radiologic Technologist, Receptionist or Information Clerk, Registered Nurse, Secretary, Teacher Assistant, and Teller.

Learn More About the MBTI ESFJ Personality Type

Explore additional information that delves deeper into the ESFJ Personality Type by examining various personality and career based subjects:

Click on a link below to read more about different MBTI Personality Types

ISTJ ISFJ INFJ INTJ ESTP ESFP ENFP ENTP
ISTP ISFP INFP INTP ESTJ ESFJ ENFJ ENTJ

References:

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2012-2022 employment projections Onetonline.org
  1. MBTI® Type Tables for Occupations, 2nd Edition. Schaubhut, N. & Thompson, R. (CPP, 2008)
  1. Introduction To Type and Careers, Hammer, A. (CPP, 1996)