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My AccountThe department of education expects the population of secondary pupils to grow 20% by 2024. Crowded classrooms are not only difficult to learn in but difficult to teach in as well.
The immediate reaction would be to hire more teachers, and split up large classrooms. But, the logistics of finding space for the children, and paying full-time teachers makes that difficult.
Instead, schools are hiring teaching assistants to help handle the workload. A teaching assistant helps with the delivery of course materials. This means that more students can have one-on-one learning experiences. Teachers assistants also help grade papers and handle other necessary tasks. Thus relieving some of the workload.
With demand for skilled teaching assistants on the rise, many are flocking to this career opportunity. So, why might you consider becoming a teacher's assistant?
1. You Want to Teach
Some people have a passion for teaching. The need to help students grow and learn is in their bones. But, being a full-time teacher requires a PGCE qualification, which can be expensive.
Being a teaching assistant will give you real-world experience in a field you're passionate about. It can also be a great way to earn and save money for the PGCE qualification. So you can become a full-time teacher yourself.
2. You Like a Set Schedule
The most coveted perk of any job is a set schedule. I can't stand coming in and leaving work at different hours throughout the week. With such unpredictable work hours planning anything else is next to impossible.
By working in education, you are set to the school's schedule. This means you always know when you're unavailable to make plans. Also, depending on where you work you can get large chunks of time off to work on personal projects.
3. You Enjoy Helping Others
I have a lot of friends who are teachers, and they all say the most rewarding part of their job is when a student finally gets it. Some concepts can be incredibly difficult to grasp, especially for younger students.
While headteachers spend their time addressing the class as a whole. This leaves assistants to spend time helping students a one-on-one basis. This means, even more, opportunities to see your pupils experience that Ah-Ha moment.
4. Variety
As human beings, we tend to experience days with good moods, and other days with bad moods. This is the same with younger individuals too.
This means that each day you enter the classroom you never know what you'll be walking into. You could have days where your class is well-behaved. Other days, not so. And believe it or not, this helps to add a little bit of a challenge and excitement.
Many grow bored of their careers because their day consists of repetitive tasks. Having some uncertainty keeps things fresh.
5. Mixed Duties
Continuing on with the theme of variety, not only do you never know what your students will be like on a daily basis, your day-to-day tasks will vary as well.
Not only will you be there to help prepare lesson plans, and help students one on one. But from time to time every class takes field trips, and you'll be there to assist. You're never too old to enjoy an outing.
6. Students First
All the above perks are great, but at the end of the day, it's about the students. If you don't like working with people to help them achieve their goals this job isn't for you.
But, if you've read this far it's safe to assume that you care about students and the learning process. This is a job for people excited about education, and those people don't need much convincing.
How You Can Get Started
The Learning Station offers two great teaching assistant qualifications.
1. Teachers Assistant: Teaching and Learning in Schools Level 2
2. Level 2 Teaching Assistant Course with Functional Skills Maths and English.
These qualifications only take about three to six months to complete. Both are designed to ensure that you receive timely support from The Learning Station's dedicated online tutors.
If you would like more information on these or any other courses visit The Learning Station.
Leave us a comment below if you'd like to ask us any questions about working as a teacher's assistant.