Are you looking to make a real difference in your community? Are you passionate about improving the futures of younger generations? Teaching Assistants play an immensely important role in children’s education; making sure all children are able to achieve their full potential in subjects such as Maths and English.
As a Teaching Assistant, you could help transform the lives of children who are struggling with their learning on a daily basis.
What do Teaching Assistants do?
Teaching Assistants usually work in a classroom alongside children from all backgrounds – some with Special Educational Needs (SEN) – who need extra support with their educational and social development, either one-on-one or in small groups. Occasionally, they might be asked to work with children outside the classroom e.g. taking a disruptive child out of the classroom setting to work separately where there are fewer unhelpful distractions.
Teaching Assistants also help Teachers with practical tasks, such as handing out equipment, tidying up at the end of the day, and supervising school trips or activities.
It’s important to note that Teaching Assistants are not qualified teachers, so they are guided by teachers on how they like to run the class. With that being said, the role of the Teaching Assistant is indispensable in running an effective classroom learning environment.
With many schools understaffed and pupil numbers on the rise, teachers rely heavily on help from Teaching Assistants and other support staff to keep things running efficiently. It’s also a huge relief for Teachers to know that there is extra support available for any children who need it.
There are opportunities available to work with children of all ages and the age bracket you choose is completely up to you. Some people prefer the golden age of primary school, while others enjoy seeing the difference they can make in supporting a teenager’s transition to adulthood during secondary school. The common theme is the desire to help nurture and develop our future generations.
What skills do I need to become a Teaching Assistant?
The right person will:
- Have excellent literacy, numeracy, and communication skills.
- Be confident working alongside children within a classroom setting.
- Be passionate about supporting the youth of today.
- Be able to demonstrate patience and understanding, as you’ll work with children who may not always grasp things first time.
- Be comfortable working flexibly, as every child is different, with some learning techniques being more suitable for some than others.
- Know how to strike the right balance between kindness and discipline.
What will I love about being a Teaching Assistant?
- Working with children will give you a fresh perspective on life as they’re full of imagination, interesting ideas, and boundless energy.
- You’ll be able to influence and inspire future generations on a daily basis, which puts you in a privileged position.
- There are part-time and full-time roles available so you can choose what best suits you.
- You’ll be able to take full advantage of school holidays, with an estimated 10 weeks off a year!
- The overwhelming feeling of satisfaction that comes from seeing a child improve their learning and become happier as a result.
What are the challenges of being a Teaching Assistant
- Some children display challenging behaviour, which can be daunting if you’re unprepared for it. This isn’t usually a problem if you know how to handle it and you’ll receive training on how to deal with this sort of behaviour, so it shouldn’t stop you from entering the role. There is also a big difference between children of different ages.
- Prioritising. You might have several children in your class who all need extra help. But you’ll quickly learn how to manage your time effectively and recognise when working in a small group is most beneficial.
How much will I earn as a Teaching Assistant?
Starting salaries for newly qualified Teaching Assistants typically start at approximately £12,000 with the potential to rise to £20,000 plus.
Are there opportunities to progress?
If you decide you want to develop your role as a Teaching Assistant, there are opportunities to progress into further roles, including:
- Higher Level Teacher Assistant
- Teacher
- Head of Department
How do I get started?
Speak to local schools - you may not need a qualification
There isn’t a set path to becoming a Teaching Assistant. Different schools have different entry requirements, so it’s best to start by speaking to one or two local schools in your area who will give you guidelines as to the sort of people they are looking to employ.
Consider volunteering first
Many schools also appreciate help from volunteers (e.g. at lunchtimes) which is a great way to see how comfortable you are in the school setting. Volunteering like this can be a great way to test the waters and help you decide whether a Teaching Assistant role is right for you.
Teaching Assistant qualifications are great for boosting confidence and employability
If you have no experience of working with children (either paid or voluntary) and you’re looking to build confidence in doing so, then there are a number of courses that could help. Completing a relevant qualification can also make you stand out to prospective employers and may help you land your first job as a Teaching Assistant.
One of the most widely recognised distance learning qualifications available is the NCFE Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET), which can be gained through a programme offered by Oxbridge Home Learning.
There are no entry requirements for this 120-hour knowledge-based course; it can be taken by anyone looking to start their career as an educator. It aims to give you the knowledge and understanding you’ll need to work in a school setting. And although you’ll be able to enjoy the flexibility of home study, you’ll still have access to online tutor support throughout the entire course.
The course is made up of three units:
- Understanding roles, responsibilities, and relationships in education and training
- Understanding and using inclusive teaching and learning approaches in education and training
- Understanding the principles and practices of assessment
This is an accredited qualification on the UK’s Regulated Qualifications (RQF) and it’s regulated by the government’s Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) – who are committed to delivering qualifications of the highest standards.
There are also plenty of opportunities to apply for classroom-based Teaching Assistant courses at your local college. It’s worth contacting yours today for more information.