Often times upon entering a classroom for a new school year or semester there may be a student separated from the rest. This student is usually the teacher’s aide, a student intended to assist a teacher in whatever they need.

“I normally just run errands and make copies for her,” said junior Will Adams, who is the teacher aide for English teacher Katy Moore.

For many teacher aids being in this position gives an opportunity for a break from AP classes.

“I needed an easy class to counteract all my other AP classes,” said senior Kristin Griffin.

It’s also an opportunity to study and catch up on class work.

“I wanted a free study period. I always study for AP Stat,” said senior Bridgett Burton. Burton is the teacher’s aide for Mrs. Lara Irvin.

Aside from having a free study period, being a teacher’s aide has other advantages such as building a better relationship with their teachers.

Junior Abby Rice felt it was only logical to help chemistry teacher Brandi Wise after she and her mother became close friends.

“She’s great. We’re more friends than student and teacher. Wise and I have a genuine amount of respect for each other, and I think that’s really important,” said Rice.

Rice is a teacher’s assistant for Mrs. Wise’s fifth period chemistry class.  Adams also has a close relationship with Mrs. Moore.

“I think I’m pretty close with her. I go to her for advice and I go to her to get book recommendations,” said Adams.

Some students are assigned teachers they’ve never had and have the opportunity to get to know them. Griffin is the teacher aid to Mr. William Chesser.

“I just wanted a biology teacher. He’s really cool and very nerdy. Like, super nerdy. He opens every class playing music. I think that’s cool,” Griffin said. “He said I was the most responsible and organized TA he’s ever had.”