As we celebrate National Teaching Assistants’ Day, we look at the role of a TA and why you may want to become one.
The role of a Teaching Assistant is key for today’s education and raises the standard of teaching from class groups to individual student support. In the 1960’s, teacher aides were introduced, then this progressed to the 2000s when Teaching Assistants were termed and became commonplace in a variety of education sectors. Teaching Assistants have become a necessity in most primary school settings, the secondary sector and are vital in supporting SEND students in main-stream schools as well as in specialist settings. They provide the ‘hands on’ support to students both in groups and individually.
There are different levels of TA’s based on experience and qualifications and the scope to work in a variety of education sectors. However, to become a supply Teaching Assistant you will need to demonstrate:
- Experience of supporting children
- Good communication skills
- The ability to build good relationships with children and adults
- Excellent organisation and timekeeping
- Flexibility and creativity
What’s involved in being a Teaching Assistant Level One?
Typically, Teaching Assistants (TA’s) work Monday to Friday during term time, with their annual leave coinciding with school holidays. Most TA’s work 8.30 am to the end of the school day, but this will vary dependant on the extracurricular activities on offer by school, such as sport. TA’s can work both full-time and part-time, as with other supportive roles. Obviously, time off during term time is tightly controlled as it is with teachers.
Purpose of A Teaching Assistant Role
TAs work with teachers to support teaching and learning, providing general and specific assistance to pupils and staff under the direction, guidance and direct supervision of the classroom teacher. The following is a summary of responsibilities based on level one, but every role will differ slightly according to classroom requirements:
- Work with individuals or small groups of pupils in the classroom under the direct supervision of teaching staff and provide feedback to the teacher.
- Support pupils to understand instructions and support independent learning and inclusion of all pupils.
- Support the teacher in behaviour management and keeping pupils on task.
- Support pupils in social and emotional well-being, reporting problems to the teacher as appropriate.
- Prepare and clear up learning environment and resources, including photocopying, filing and the display and presentation of pupils work and contribute to maintaining a safe environment.
Teaching Assistants in this role may also undertake some or all the following:
- Record basic pupil data
- Support children’s learning through play
- Assist with break-time supervision including facilitating games and activities
- Assist with escorting pupils on educational visits
- Support pupils in using basic ICT
- Invigilate exams and tests
- Assist pupils with eating, dressing and hygiene, as required, whilst encouraging independence ( dependent on education sector).
Obviously the more experienced and advanced a TA becomes, the more responsibilities and duties are transferred from teacher to a TA.
Why register with us for Teaching Assistant Supply Jobs?
TAs are a vital member of the school workforce and now more than ever play a pivotal role within the classroom. The main purpose of their role is to assist the class teacher and support pupils with a wide range of learning activities, as well as performing key administrative tasks, so there is much job satisfaction to be gained.
- Work/life balance – you choose when and where you want to work
- Day to day, short/long term contracts and permanent positions
- The chance to enhance your experience and opportunities
- Excellent hourly rates of pay
- Friendly consultants, always at the end of the phone
- Job satisfaction
- Support and career advice from a specialist education recruitment agency.
We are always looking for new talent and now more than ever TAs are needed to support today’s pupils, especially given the impact of the pandemic on education. If you are interested, please call us or go to our registration page where we can assist you further.