The role of a teaching assistant is to assist a classroom teacher with daily tasks. It is an ideal position for people who love children and contact with people. In this article, you will learn how to become a teaching assistant and some details about the job.

Teaching assistant roles and responsibilities

The beginning teaching assistant deals with tasks, such as:

– preparing a class for lessons

– taking care of school trips planning

– organizing after-school classes

– assisting the headteacher in working with problematic pupils

– marking homework and exams

– providing a safe and nice environment for pupils and colleagues

– escorting and watching children during school breaks 

The more experienced and qualified you are as an employee, the better wages you can expect. With the higher salary, comes more complicated and responsible tasks as part of your daily duties. For example:

– conducting classes alone to allow the headteacher to take care of other responsibilities

– running individual or group classes, to help pupils to deal with emotions

– giving special attention to pupils with social problems

– planning class activities together with a headteacher

Responsibilities and duties may be very different, depending on where you work. In small institutions, teaching assistants often need to be more independent. That is because of the smaller staff working there.  This entails more and more responsible tasks. Yet, large institutions often conduct training and allow you to work with many more cases.

What qualifications do you need to be a teaching assistant?

A university degree is not required, but it is very useful when looking for your first job. If the position of teaching assistant is your goal, you should consider:

1. Teaching assistant university course

You can choose to do a Level 2 or Level 3 course in Childcare and Education. The other option is to achieve a T-level in education. To be accepted onto a Level 3 course you will need 4 or 5 GCSEs and two or more GCSEs for a Level 2 course. For a T-level, you need 4 or 5 GCSEs or the equal, including compulsory subjects such as English and maths.

2. Volunteering

A great way to gain experience is to take on volunteer assignments. It can be your child’s school, nearby kindergarten or other local organization. These institutions are often looking for inexperienced people willing to work and take care of the children’s free time. This can also broaden your horizons as an animator, which is very important when working with kids.

3. Tuting your children

Are you a parent? Not many people think of that, but helping your children with daily activities is a great way to improve teaching skills. Do not be afraid to highlight your experience in a CV as this will count as relevant experience in some jobs. First-hand experience is often more important than theoretical knowledge.

4. Testing yourself

Do not be afraid to apply for many jobs, even with no experience. This will help you to improve your interview skills and boost your confidence. Finding an internship or apprenticeship is one of the best ways to start a career. These are particularly good options for people who have been rejected because of their lack of experience.

5. Take up a course

Completing teaching assistant courses will improve your professional skills and show your interest. You should take a course to get a diploma as a teaching assistant for special needs education (SEN). This is a must-have in some institutions and can help you develop your teaching career.

6. Working in a library

That experience can also be taken into consideration. As a librarian, you are often asked about your recommendations and complicated subject matters. That improves your communication and social skills.

Skills of teaching assistant

Working with children requires a lot of patience, empathy and creativity. Developed interpersonal skills are necessary. A great teaching assistant must also be a well-organised and very responsible person. Although the position’s name does not indicate it, a classroom assistant often works independently. Mentioned skills are obligatory, but apart from them you will also need:

– Numeracy, reading and writing skills

– A willingness to keep abreast of educational policies and training. The law is changing and a good teacher assistant, need to be fully aware of his/her rights and obligations.

– Working as a group is one of the most essential skills. Not only you have to have good relationships with other employees, but also train pupils in that way.

– A strong interest in the safety and welfare of students. As a teaching assistant, you are responsible for the both physical and mental health of pupils.

– Developed communication, active listening skills and positive attitude. Classroom assistant has to understand children’s need and be able to cooperate with other staff members.

– Basic computer skills may be useful. Especially in private institutions, because of modern equipment.

As you have already realised, those are the same, as a headteacher needs to have.  That is why a teaching assistant position is a great idea to begin your adventure with teaching.

Teacher assistant’s salary

According to uk.indeed.com, the salary of a teaching assistant in the UK is £22,414 per year and £61,41 daily. The more experienced and qualified employee you are, the better wages you can get. Also, your location has a visible impact on your salary. Teaching assistants working in big cities can count on much better salaries, than those from villages. London and Manchester are thought to be the best places for teaching assistants to work, as far as money is concerned. 

Do you have any more questions about the teacher assisting position? Visit GoWork.uk to find the answers!