How To Become A Teaching Assistant
If you have an interest in working with children and are passionate about making a difference to young lives, a career as a teaching assistant might be perfect for you. There are multiple ways to begin your career as a teaching assistant – from volunteering, gaining professional qualifications or taking an apprenticeship.
The most important way to become a candidate is to have a positive, proactive approach to the job and to demonstrate that you can make a difference in the classroom. We’re here to explain the different options that are out there and help you determine which route is right for you.
Become A Teaching Assistant By Having Qualifications
The route to becoming a teaching assistant is varied and there are a number of different qualifications you can take. You may choose to take a college course, such as a Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools. There are a wealth of options out there that can help to kickstart your career as a teaching assistant.
Teaching assistant courses are a great way to show you have the skills and knowledge available to do the job. Employers love it as it shows you’ve taken a proactive approach to your career and have a good level of professional understanding. If you are already in a teaching assistant role, you can still begin a course to better your knowledge. It always looks good on a CV and can help to highlight the finer details of the job.
Become A Teaching Assistant Without Qualifications
Unlike a fully qualified teaching role, a teaching assistant does not actually require anything other than GCSEs to get started. As long as you have a grade C or above in English in Maths, you are still able to apply for a teaching assistant role. Some positions may require a GCSE in Science as well. You don’t always need a college or university qualification and some employers will choose to train you on the job instead. For more senior positions, a qualification will most likely be required, along with experience working in a similar role.
Non-academic skills that you would need to demonstrate would be a professional attitude, a positive approach to teaching, relationship building and a strong understanding of student wellbeing. You ultimately need to be a people person who can interact and impact students and members of staff in a positive way.
Become A Teaching Assistant By Becoming An Apprentice
Internships or apprenticeships are great options to becoming a teaching assistant. They allow you to learn the skills needed to succeed, but also give you crucial professional working experience. This is especially important if you have a little experience already. You’ll also be able to start building relationships with other professionals in the business. Work alongside experienced staff to see first-hand how they work, teach and interact with their students.
Unlike other options, you’ll be able to begin earning a wage from teaching through an apprenticeship program. All you need to start an apprenticeship is 5 GCSEs of higher than a C, including maths and English. You also need to be aged 16 or over and not in full-time education.
Become A Teaching Assistant by Volunteering
Volunteering is a great option if you’re looking to gain more experience of working as a teaching assistant. It will help to make your CV stand out from the crowd when you apply for a full-time role and will show employers you’ve already got what it takes. It is also a good way of utilising your time wisely to progress your career. Summer holidays, Christmas breaks, weekends and weekday evenings are all perfect opportunities to volunteer.
Options for volunteering are wide ranging and there will always be something to suit you. Help out local schools by looking out for summer activities, school trips or after-school events. Teachers always appreciate the extra assistance and you’ll be able to use the relationships you build in the future.
Outside of school there are still plenty of volunteering opportunities to get involved with. Community activities and sports events always need an extra pair of hands – plus you might get to spend time doing something you love. If you like football, contact your local football club so see if you could help the coaches with training sessions. If your passion is reading, get involved with your local library. Volunteering is completely down to you and where you want to take it.
Become A Teaching Assistant With LTF Recruitment
LTF Recruitment offers a range of services that can help to support you in your mission to land a teaching assistant role. We have an extensive school network across the country and offer professional, friendly service at all points of your journey. Whether you’re looking for a full time position or something more temporary to gain valuable experience, our impressive industry knowledge and experience are sure to get you to where you want to be.
We also offer the helpful LTF Learning Hub that can be used to access a wide range of free teaching courses. These courses will help to better your knowledge and give you a headstart when applying for teaching assistant positions. Simply create and account with us and choose the course that’s right for you.If you need any further support, visit our contact page where you can speak with a member of our team via email or phone.