Posted by: CTC Training
The teaching assistant role is a challenging but rewarding job that provides a wealth of experience in an education environment. If you’re an empathetic and hardworking individual with a passion for helping children, a teaching assistant may be the perfect role for you.
In this article, we outline the responsibilities that you can expect to have in the teaching assistant role. We’ll also detail the top qualities and requirements needed for landing yourself the job.
What is a teaching assistant?
A teaching assistant provides support to teachers in the classroom. This may include working directly with teachers to plan lessons or mark work, or it may be working one-on-one with students to assist with their learning.
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What are the responsibilities of a teaching assistant?
The responsibilities of a teaching assistant can vary significantly from day to day. This makes it a varied role that will keep you on your toes.
Responsibilities include:
- Preparing the classroom for lessons and tidying it up afterwards
- Assisting with lesson plans
- Supporting children across the curriculum
- Providing extra assistance to children with special needs
- Recording and reporting a student’s progress to the teacher
- Marking work
- Motivating and encouraging students
- Supervising students during school trips or activities
- Attending meetings
- Looking after children who are unwell or upset
Higher level teaching assistants may also take additional responsibilities, such as:
- Teaching classes on their own
- Covering planned absences
- Managing other learning support staff
What are the qualities required to be a teaching assistant?
Becoming a teaching assistant isn’t for everyone. It takes a particular individual to thrive in the role. In addition to being committed and passionate about helping children, you also need the following qualities:
- Good communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly to teachers and students
- Active listening skills
- Compassion and sensitivity towards children
- Knowledge of the curriculum
- Ability to use a computer
- Can work well under pressure
- Ability to adapt to whatever the situation requires
- Maturity and professionalism
Ways to develop further as a Teaching Assistant
Once you’ve started your career as a teaching assistant, it’s important that you continue to develop your skills. It not only enhances your effectiveness in the role but also boosts your career prospects. Here’s how you can further develop:
- Advanced Qualifications
Once you’re well-settled in your role, consider diving deeper with courses like:
- Continued Learning
Enroll in advanced courses. The world of education is dynamic, and new courses will equip you with current methodologies and teaching practices. Consider pursuing the Level 4 Certificate in Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) (RQF) or even courses in specialised areas, like special needs education.
- Workshops and Seminars
Participate in educational workshops and seminars. They’re often platforms where professionals share insights, trends and the latest research in the education sector. They also serve as great networking opportunities.
Remember, the journey of a teaching assistant is one of consistent learning and adaptation. As you grow in the role, embrace every opportunity to enhance your skills, ensuring you remain an invaluable asset in the classroom.
How can I become a teaching assistant?
There are no mandatory qualifications required to become a teaching assistant. However, earning suitable teaching qualifications will improve your CV and make you a better candidate for the role. Plus, they will also give you the foundational skills and knowledge that will assist you in the job.
The qualifications that can help you towards becoming a teaching assistant include:
- Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools (RQF)
- Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)
- Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)
- Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)
- Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)
- Level 4 Certificate in Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) (RQF)
All of the above qualifications can be completed at your pace with CTC Training. The Level 2 Support Work in Schools and the Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools can be completed without a placement in a school as there is no observation required. The other qualifications will require you to have either a paid or voluntary placement in school, as you will need to be observed in a classroom to complete the course.
At CTC Training, we provide a range of online learning qualifications to help you progress into your desired career. Our online courses can be completed from anywhere in the world and on a schedule that suits you. Simply enrol on a course and you’ll gain access to our 247 student portal, where you can access course content and upload assessments at your own pace. You’ll also be assigned a named tutor who will be available to help you throughout the duration of your course.
Related Courses
Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (STALIS / STLS)
£297 £275
200+ have completed this course
Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (STALIS / STLS)
£297 £249
500+ have completed this course
Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (STALIS / STLS)
£395 £325
200+ have completed this course
Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)
£495
200+ have completed this course