{"id":24305,"date":"2020-11-17T14:24:56","date_gmt":"2020-11-17T14:24:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stonebridge-blog.positive-dedicated.net\/?p=24305"},"modified":"2020-11-17T14:24:58","modified_gmt":"2020-11-17T14:24:58","slug":"is-teaching-assistant-a-respected-job","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/teaching-assistant\/is-teaching-assistant-a-respected-job\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Teaching Assistant a Respected Job?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Being a teaching assistant means you get to inspire and encourage pupils to be the best they can be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the position originated it was often to keep an eye on difficult students and perform menial tasks for teachers. However, it has since evolved and now requires you to take a more active role in educating pupils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teaching assistants can find themselves working with a broad range of pupils. Through their work they can motivate them to overcome whatever challenges they face, learning or otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re responsible for building a relationship and ensuring they get the support they need to reach their full potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll be right there with them for those lightbulb moments. Whether that\u2019s understanding a mathematical concept, grasping the rules of grammar or understanding a scientific formula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The work you do as a teaching assistant is not be understated, it makes a huge impact on pupils\u2019 lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Should Become a Teaching Assistant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"619\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/SAC-Is-Teaching-Assistant-a-Respected-Job-who-should-become-a-teaching-assistant.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/SAC-Is-Teaching-Assistant-a-Respected-Job-who-should-become-a-teaching-assistant.png 619w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/SAC-Is-Teaching-Assistant-a-Respected-Job-who-should-become-a-teaching-assistant-300x121.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Teaching assistants nowadays need a lot more skills and expertise than ever before. This is because we are more aware of the impact teaching assistants can have on a pupil\u2019s learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First and foremost you need to be good with kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it\u2019s more than that, becoming a great teaching assistant requires you to understand how children learn and develop. This will ensure that you\u2019re better equipped to help them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your working day will revolve around helping children reach their full potential. You need to genuinely want to help them do well in school and overcome any challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To do this effectively you\u2019ll need to have patience and the understanding to know that progress may not be linear. Some days may be easier than others and some pupils may have more complicated circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whatever the case may be, it is your job to stay composed and positive in any scenario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll also need to have solid literacy and numeracy skills to help aid children with their education. As well as be an excellent communicator too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Communication is key when helping children overcome behavioural problems or anxieties. You need to be able to build a relationship with the pupil you\u2019re working with and really listen to their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following on from this, you\u2019ll have to be able to adapt to ensure those needs are being met. Being flexible in your role means you\u2019re really in tune to what the pupils require to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need to be prepared for lessons beforehand so you can plan how to be of best use to the pupils. As well as helping teachers devise engaging activities to educate their class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also be expected to lead the class if the teacher is occupied, so leadership qualities are desired too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Being a Teaching Assistant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As a teaching assistant, you\u2019ll be able to work in a range of educational institutes. You can find work in pre-school nurseries, primary, secondary sixth form or special needs schools depending on what\u2019s available in your area.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Duties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your main responsibility is to support pupils with their learning. This can be on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. Other duties may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Working with special educational needs (SEN) children<\/li><li>Help set up for learning activities and after-school clubs<\/li><li>Help maintain classroom etiquette by supporting the teacher with behavioural challenges<\/li><li>Supporting teachers with class outings<\/li><li>Looking after pupils who are upset or unwell<\/li><li>Inspiring children to want to learn and encouraging them to read<\/li><li>Lead the class with the teacher\u2019s help<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Employment conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"619\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/SAC-Is-Teaching-Assistant-a-Respected-Job-employment-conditions.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-24313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/SAC-Is-Teaching-Assistant-a-Respected-Job-employment-conditions.png 619w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/SAC-Is-Teaching-Assistant-a-Respected-Job-employment-conditions-300x121.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This can vary depending on the school and local authority with a variety of contracts available. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Permanent all year<\/li><li>Temporary all year<\/li><li>Permanent term time<\/li><li>Temporary term time<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Term time contracts are the most popular.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most teaching assistants work at their local school so it\u2019s worth getting into contact and building a relationship with them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This way you\u2019ll have a better understanding of what the schools are looking for and a feel for what the school is like. They\u2019ll be able to keep you updated on vacancies and know whether you\u2019re suited for the role.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Making a good impression early on can help you stand out amongst the competition and secure you the job role.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Online Courses for Teaching Assistants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is currently no qualification that is essential to becoming a teaching assistant. You could even find work as a teaching assistant without a qualification at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, that means your role would be most likely be more basic as you wouldn\u2019t have the advanced skillset. Whereas qualifying will allow you to have a more active role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several qualifications listed on\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations\/ofqual\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Ofqual<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>that most schools will recognise as suitable training.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These courses<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>can be completed online or through placements without prior experience or qualifications. Although, some schools may ask for GCSE maths and English for their teaching assistant vacancies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some courses to do online or in-person that could help you realise your ambition:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/teaching-assistant-cache-level-2-certificate-in-supporting-teaching-and-learning-in-schools-qcf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Teaching Assistant: Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/teaching-assistant-cache-level-3-award-in-supporting-teaching-and-learning-in-schools-qcf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning (RQF)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/level-3-certificate-in-the-principles-of-special-educational-needs-rqf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Special Educational Needs (RQF)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/level-4-certificate-for-higher-level-teaching-assistants-rqf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Higher Level Teaching Assistants (RQF) Level 4 Certificate<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Studying from Home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Online learning providers offer the flexibility physical colleges lack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means you\u2019re able to complete your online course around your other commitments to get qualified. You won\u2019t have to rearrange shifts or find childcare as you can decide when is best to study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re also able to set the pace of your learning and work through the modules as fast, or slow as you like. You\u2019re completely in control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite online learning being a more independent approach, it doesn\u2019t mean your completely alone. An experienced and qualified tutor will provide guidance where needed to help you progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whatever pathway you decide to take will help you realise your ambition of becoming a teaching assistant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Stonebridge Associated Colleges we have a range of online courses to suit your needs. Stonebridge Associated Colleges are one of the UK\u2019s leading online learning providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All our courses have flexible payment options and expert tutors to help guide you. They\u2019ll provide constructive feedback and any extra assistance where needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To learn more on how to prepare for your online learning journey read our blog\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re ready to take the first step towards an exciting new career\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/contact-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">get in touch<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0or enrol below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/category\/teaching-assistant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"541\" height=\"218\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/SAC-Is-Teaching-Assistant-a-Respected-Job-CTA.png\" alt=\"SAC | Is Teaching Assistant a Respected Job | CTA\" class=\"wp-image-24307\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/SAC-Is-Teaching-Assistant-a-Respected-Job-CTA.png 541w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/SAC-Is-Teaching-Assistant-a-Respected-Job-CTA-300x121.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 541px) 100vw, 541px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Being a teaching assistant means you get to inspire and encourage pupils to be the best they can be. When the position originated it was often to keep an eye on difficult students and perform menial tasks for teachers. However, it has since evolved and now requires you to take a more active role in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":24309,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[350],"tags":[168],"class_list":["post-24305","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-teaching-assistant","tag-teaching-assistant"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24305","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24305"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24305\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24317,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24305\/revisions\/24317"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24309"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24305"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24305"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24305"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}