How to become a teaching assistant - The Ultimate Guide

So, you’re thinking of becoming a teaching assistant (TA)? If you’re considering this role for your future, here’s a comprehensive guide on what to expect. 

Whether you’re starting your career journey or looking to switch professions, Distance Learning Centre is here to help. Teaching assistants contribute a vital service to the education system by: 

• Offering support to teachers
• Aiding classroom management 
• Enhancing student's learning experience

Working closely with students, a TA helps students of all ages and abilities to reach their full potential. Here, you’ll learn everything there is to know about the career path, from understanding the necessary skills to what qualifications you’ll need to earn. 

We’ll also look at opportunities for career progression because when it comes to being a TA, the sky's the limit! So, if you’re looking to be a friendly, informative and encouraging presence in the classroom, stick with Distance Learning Centre. 

The role of a teaching assistant 

A TA’s daily responsibilities will vary depending on the role, the age of the students, and the specific needs of a classroom. However, some responsibilities are expected of all TAs regardless of where they’re employed. 

These can include: 

• Assisting the classroom setup: Preparing the classroom for lessons and organising the materials and resources needed for the day. 
• Support teaching - Offering support to the students during class activities and working with individual students or small groups. 
• Manage classroom behaviour: Maintaining discipline, implementing classroom rules, and assisting with conflict resolution amongst the students. 
• Administrative support - Maintaining class records, helping with collection work, testing, and preparing displays of students’ work. 

Different types of TAs 

Typically, there are two types of teaching assistants in a school setting: the general classroom teaching assistant and the special education needs (SEN) teaching assistant. 

You might find that there are more options, such as literacy or numeracy support assistants, higher-level TAs or breakfast and after-school club TAs. But your role will likely fall into either of these two options: 

General classroom teaching assistant 

The most common type of TA role where you work in a regular classroom setting across all areas of the curriculum. 

Special Educational Needs (SEN) teaching assistant 

SEN TAs will work specifically with children who have special educational needs and disabilities: this is a demanding role and will require individuals to take on more responsibilities, such as: 

• One-to-one work with students who may have physical disabilities, learning difficulties or emotional or behavioural issues. 
• Implement strategies to support the student’s learning plan. 

Necessary qualifications 

While you may not need a bachelor's degree or a master's to become a teaching assistant, certain qualifications and relevant experiences are essential: 

Qualifications: You may need GCSEs in Maths and English to become a TA. However, requirements can vary on a school-to-school and role basis (for example, unsupervised TA roles may require you to hold a Maths and English GCSE). 

Experience: Practical experience gained in an educational environment may help you stand out. Consider seeking volunteer opportunities in schools, nurseries or educational programs. 

By engaging in these settings, you get first-hand experience with children or young adults. Experiences like these will show you have an understanding of classroom dynamics and student interactions. 

Evidence of practical experience is not only a great addition to your CV, but it can also give you valuable insights that are essential to a career in education. 

Relevant courses: Enrolling in courses that are tailored to teaching assistants can boost your educational career. 

These courses are designed to provide crucial insights into classroom management, child development and teaching methodologies, giving you everything you need to meet this demanding role. 

Again, these courses are great for your CV and can help showcase your dedication and commitment to the role. There are a range of teaching assistant courses available, it’s all about finding the right fit for you. 

Developing the skills you need 

To thrive in your role as a teaching assistant, there are certain skills you’ll need. 

These specific skills ensure that you’re able to support the classroom teacher and the students. Here is a breakdown of skills that every TA should possess: 

Understanding a student's needs: It is crucial to be empathetic towards students who have different abilities and social backgrounds. Compassion helps you address these needs sensitively. 

Effective communication: Clear communication is essential for teaching and motivating students. You should be able to explain concepts simply and interact in a way that allows students to understand easily. 

Active Listening: Active listening skills are crucial for understanding student’s queries and concerns. TAs who are attentive may be better equipped to catch nuances in student communication, allowing you to identify issues like bullying and provide the appropriate support. 

Patience: A calm but firm nature is valuable for TAs working with children who require more time to understand lessons or might exhibit challenging behaviours. 

Stamina: The role of a TA can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Having a high level of stamina can help TAs handle the energetic nature of young students and the long hours that can be expected of the role. 

Adaptability: Sometimes, you may need to change your approach to accommodate student performance or engagement. Being adaptable in your teaching methods will better prepare you for this eventuality. 

Positive attitude: By being encouraging and supportive, you can create a more enjoyable learning environment for students. An outlook like this can encourage students to fully engage and may aid in building trust. 

Creativity: This is essential, especially for making learning enjoyable. Creative TAs will use a variety of teaching aids and techniques to accommodate different learning styles. 

While it’s true that being a successful teaching assistant requires a large skill set, you should also have the drive to continuously improve. You can do this via: 

Continuous learning: Always look for development opportunities, such as training courses, workshops, seminars, and certifications relevant to education.  

Networking: Connect with other TAs and educational professionals to learn from each other. 

Seeking feedback: Regularly seek feedback from colleagues and supervisors to understand your strengths and where you need to improve.

Possible paths for career progression

Advancing as a TA involves exploring pathways that can lead to more responsibilities, increased pay and specialised roles. With further education and training, you could pursue the following positions:  

Senior teaching assistant  

Senior TAs take on additional responsibilities, including leading other TAs, coordinating with teachers on how to implement the curriculum. You may also have sole management of specific teaching programmes. 

Higher-level teaching assistant 

A higher-level TA can teach a class on their own, cover for other staff members and assist with lesson planning. To carry out this role, you’ll need to complete an HLTA preparation course and pass a professional assessment. 

Specialist roles 

Specialist roles, like SEN Coordinator or literacy or numeracy specialist, allow TAs to support students with specific needs. Additional certifications and extensive experience in working with children with these needs are needed. 

Teacher 

TAs might find becoming qualified teachers a natural progression for their job. For this, you’ll need a degree and to complete a teacher training programme, which can be done part-time while working as a TA. 

Take a teaching assistant course with Distance Learning Centre! 

The journey to becoming a Teaching Assistant is filled with rewarding opportunities for personal and professional development.  

The role allows you the opportunity to shape a student’s life by providing them with the necessary support that goes beyond academic instruction. 

Whether you assist in general classroom management, support children with special needs, or provide targeted help, your contribution as a TA is invaluable for students. Take the first step today by enrolling in one of our valuable and affordable teaching assistant courses.