Is a Teaching Assistant Position Right for You?

Becoming a teaching assistant can be a very rewarding job, but it isn’t right for everybody. In a nutshell, this job involves helping children in primary/secondary school to understand what they are being taught in a way that resonates with them. You will also concentrate on children who have learning difficulties. Teaching assistants may also accompany a class on a trip, and help put displays together. So, is this position right for you? Find out…

You might be after a job that you can do as your own children grow up. If you like to help people too, then a teaching assistant position could be perfect for you. The job is extremely flexible, so you can usually find both full and part time positions. The great thing about it is that you don’t have to show up extra early or stay behind like teachers do either! You only have to work during term time too, so that’s another bonus.

Many teaching assistants even choose to carry on training to be a teacher, so it’s a good place to start if that’s what you’re thinking of doing. It’ll be a great experience for you and will tell you whether you could handle such a stressful job. You can still further your career without becoming a full on teacher though – training is available so you can become a higher level teaching assistant. This kind of teaching assistant will give you extra responsibilities, and sometimes you may even have to take a class when a teacher is off sick.

How Do I Do It?

Does this job sound perfect for you? Great! There isn’t usually a set entry level for you to become a teaching assistant, but the local education authority will help by giving you some guidelines on who they look to employ. If you’re great at reading, writing, maths, and have fantastic communication skills, you could be in with a chance.

Experience is not necessary, but having worked in a school or with children before will give you a better chance of securing a job. A CRB check is essential before you can begin work.

One way many teaching assistants go about it is by enquiring at the school their own children go to. Ask the headteacher or deputy head about any upcoming positions, and make it known that you’d love to be considered for them. If you know any other parents that work as a teaching assistant, reach out to them and ask them what experience they had beforehand. Most people will be more than happy to help you get started!

If you’ve got what it takes to be a teaching assistant, you could be helping hundreds of children to realise their full potential. This job is one of the most rewarding jobs out there, and the sense of satisfaction you help a child is second to none.
I wish you all the luck in the world in your career as a teaching assistant. Thanks for reading!