A job as a teaching assistant is a much sought-after role as the hours fit in with school times and it is a rewarding career choice but what are the responsibilities of a teaching assistant?
A teaching assistant’s role in a primary school involves different challenges than those found when working in a secondary school. Generally, in a primary school the role involves not only supporting children with their education but also encouraging positive learning behaviour and listening skills. Preparing classroom displays and helping to produce resources for the teacher to use in lessons may also be required. It may be that the role involves working closely with one particular child who requires support to access some areas of the curriculum. In this case you may also be involved in SEND meetings where you will be able to relate progress that has been made.
Teaching assistant posts in a secondary school will still involve working alongside children who need extra help and support, but this may include moving from lesson to lesson with a particular child or providing set curriculum support in a class. This is particularly useful if you have a personal interest in a certain curriculum subject yourself.
The opportunity to build a positive learning relationship with the children you support is one of the reasons why a job as a teaching assistant is popular and so rewarding.