subject: Teaching Assistant Jobs [print this page] Teaching Assistant Jobs Teaching Assistant Jobs
Teaching assistants (TAs) work in primary or secondary education assisting class teachers. Teaching assistant jobs typically require working with one or a small number of children and may involve helping children learn to read or teaching them other fundamental skills. A teaching assistant job may also require fulfilling certain roles that enable the teacher to concentrate on teaching; preparing classrooms, creating displays, and tidying up after lessons. Some teaching assistant jobs require a secondary skill, such as speaking another language or having experience dealing with children with learning difficulties. Flexible Employment Opportunities Teaching assistant jobs are flexible in many respects. You can choose short term or long term contracts and you can also opt for either part time or full time work. Whereas a teacher is often required to arrive early, leave late, and work during weekends or school holidays, this isn't necessary for a teaching assistant which makes it especially beneficial as a job for parents. It is possible to work around your own children's' school time without having to pay for child care or leave work early. Experience Some people use teaching assistant jobs as a stepping stone to teacher training. Becoming a teaching assistant enables you to determine whether you want to work with children and whether you want to work in a classroom environment before embarking on a full training course. Requirements Different local authorities tend to have different requirements for their TAs but there is not usually a minimum education requirement. However, the best TAs need to show competency in reading, writing, and maths, and should obviously have good communication skills especially with children. Most teaching assistant jobs will be filled by people that have some previous experience in working with children. The CRB Check One aspect that will be essential wherever you live and work is a Criminal Records Bureau or CRB check. You will be asked for details of your CRB when you apply for a position and if you have not had one then your potential employer will run a CRB before they employ you. As well as asking at your local schools you can also find teaching assistant jobs at your local authority office or on dedicated education employment websites.
