As a teacher assistant, you need to communicate clearly with teachers and students. Showcase experience in maintaining a positive classroom environment and managing student behavior. Highlight ability to handle unexpected situations and support teachers in implementing new strategies. If you have special education knowledge or experience, highlight it.
Teaching assistants perform duties like assisting the teacher, helping students, and supporting the school.
You do not need a degree to work as a Teaching Assistant. Basic skills and some experience of working with children should be enough for an entry-level position. However, gaining a qualification would increase employability. This course can be accessed by anyone and finished at your own pace. It includes a 50 hour placement; meaning significant on-the-job experience.
What are the strengths of a teacher assistant?
It might sound obvious, but much of the teaching assistant role in schools revolves around communication – from planning lessons with teachers to discussing topics with pupils. TAs will need to chat clearly and concisely with pupils as this helps to limit confusion while simplifying tasks can also benefit youngsters by ensuring they understand the nature of the work.
A great teaching assistant will have a passion for working with and developing children, whether that be in early years, SEN or mainstream primary and secondary. An energetic approach will create an exciting atmosphere in the classroom, encouraging students to want to learn.
Key Strengths Schools Look For:
- Communication skills: Planning lessons with teachers and discussing topics with pupils.
- Patience: Pupils will learn at different rates and will understand topics differently.
- Passion and Enthusiasm: A genuine interest in helping pupils to succeed boosts engagement.
A TA quickly assesses situations and acts accordingly per school rules and procedures, making resilience a key strength. They’ll need to be calm and composed in any given situation and will need to recognize that there won’t necessarily be a quick fix to a problem.