How to become a teaching assistant

1. How to become a teaching assistant
(TA)
There are a number of routes to
become a teaching assistant. This
short presentation gives information on
the typical requirements and what to
expect as a teaching assistant.

2. Typical responsibilities
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Assisting the teacher in various ways.
Reading with children or being read to.
Helping with teacher with administration.
Supporting children and assisting them with
completing tasks.
Maintaining classroom behaviour.
Preparing the classroom for lessons.
Supervising small or sometimes larger
groups of children.

3. Typical responsibilities
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Assisting with extra curricular events.
Taking care of children who are going
through difficulties
Secondary schools may require knowledge
in relevant subjects such as
English, mathematics and science.
SEN qualified TAs will assist with other
languages, numeracy or literacy problems.

4. Local Education Authorities
• Determine what qualifications (if
any) are required.
• Provide funding for teaching
assistants in mainstream schools.

5. Work Experience
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Usually a requirement for TA positions
within schools and especially for a specific
area of Special Educational Needs (SEN).
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Work placements required when studying
courses like Level 2 and Level 3
Certificates and Diplomas.
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Many teaching assistants have started out
as volunteers or within other roles.

6. Courses
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Not essential, but usually requested by
LEAs.
Most popular course is the Level 2 and
Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning
in Schools Award and Certificate.
More specialised courses also available
for autism, disabled students etc.
Higher education possible to further
careers.

7. Working hours and salary
• 30 – 40 hours per week
• £12,000 + starting salary
• Apply for jobs using application form
• DBS background check required
• Competition for TA jobs is fierce

8. Come and find us…
http://www.tafocus.co.uk
www.facebook.com/teachingassistantfoc
us
twitter.com/teachassistant