A teaching assistant (TA) or educational assistant (EA)
supports a teacher in the classroom. Duties can differ dramatically from school to school, though the underlying tasks often remain the same.
Who can I work for?
Education assistants can work for any school in the UK.
Where and when can I work?
Anywhere in the country, at any school and at any level. Working hours are term time only and will usually be around school hours between 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday.
What can I earn?
Full time teaching assistants can expect to earn from around £14,000 per annum to £16,000 per annum. This can of course range depending on area of the country and the actual job role and description.
What are the benefits?
The job of a teaching assistant is challenging and very enjoyable. It is satisfying and centred mainly on assisting in the educational and social development of pupils in your care. You are helping to shape lives.
Are there chances of promotion?
Yes, senior teaching assistants can earn more money, and the experience of an educational experience is invaluable for those looking to secure a career as a teacher.
What will I be responsible for?
Educational assistants help in the educational and social development of pupils under the direction and guidance of the head teacher and class teachers.
They assist in the implementation of individual education programmes for students and help monitor their progress. They also provide support for individual students inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities.
Do I need any experience?
Teaching assistants must be trained to a level matching their responsibilities. For an entry level role, you will usually need to show you have good reading, writing and numeracy skills, have taken/be willing to take the local authority run Teaching Assistants' Induction Programme and have some experience of working with children of the relevant age.
What attributes are needed
You will need knowledge of the education system, have compassion, care, strong communication skills and the ability to remain calm in an emergency.
You will need the ability to differentiate in order to tailor work to pupils' ability and have the skill to empower children to access all areas of the curriculum and achieve their maximum potential.