5 Reasons why being a Teaching Assistant is so great

Teaching Assistants play a crucial role in schools to aid and help teachers in the classroom. The Teaching Assistant also often deal with children and students with special needs, giving them an extra pair of hands to help with tasks and work in the classroom. 

 

We caught up with Shirelle, one of our recent learners who just completed her TA Apprenticeship with Stanwix School! And this is what she had to say about her success:

“I have recently completed my level 3 Teaching assistant apprenticeship with a distinction. It has been the most challenging, exciting and fun 18 months. Completing it, has been a dream come true as it is my passion to work with children. I am able to be qualified and have had 18 months of school experience which has been amazing. I can now carry on doing what I love being fully qualified and reap the benefits of school holidays off work with my little boy. Its a been hard work but definitely worth it”

 

So, why should you consider a Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship? 

1. They give much-needed support

Teaching Assistants often work with kids who need some extra support with skills such as reading or maths. As teachers are stretched to the maximum with large class sizes, they give these children the help and encouragement they need to reach their full potential.

2. They’re an extra pair of eyes

As much as they’d like to, no teacher has eyes in the back of their head. This is where the Teaching Assistants come in! They can help to keep an eye on pupils to make sure they’re not being disruptive.

3. They make learning more accessible

Some Teaching Assistants are trained to work with children who need specialist support and wouldn’t be able to get the most out of school without it. They can make a huge difference to pupils with Special Educational Needs, such as physical or learning disabilities and behavioural issues.

4. They help with preparation

Teaching Assistants work with teachers to plan and prepare learning resources and map out strategies for pupils who are struggling. They may also lend a hand with admin work and keeping the learning space clean and tidy. This ensures that lessons run as smoothly as possible and pupils have all the tools they need to get the most out of school.

5. They can teach too!

Sometimes teachers and Teaching Assistants may join forces to run a lesson together. This could involve splitting the class into groups, putting together a piece of drama or delivering an exciting presentation.

6. A Teaching Assistant is more approachable

Although teachers can be lovely, caring people, being in a position of power can make them hard for some children to approach. A Teaching Assistant can be just the person a worried pupil needs to confide in when they’re going through a tough time.

Want to become a Teaching Assistant?

Find out more about our available Teaching Assistant roles and how you could become one of our incredible TAs!