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I work with an amazing group of colleagues without whom our school could not function – the Teaching Assistants (TAs).  They prompt, clue, model and correct all day long to support teachers to deliver the curriculum, as well as everything else. What does their day look like? I asked around my colleagues to find out what their job description should really look like:

 

Post: Teaching Assistant (TA)

 

Essential Skills

 

  • Jack of all trades

  • Peacekeeping mediator

  • Motivational speaker

  • Entertainer

  • Nurse

  • Caterer

  • Politician

  • Administrator

  • Judge and jury

  • Therapist

  • Receptionist

  • Plate spinner

  • Bouncer

  • Councillor

  • Carer

  • Academic

  • Rabbit minder

  • Mind reader

  • Teacher!

 

Pay and Conditions

 

  • “I never sit down”

  • “It’s tiring”

  • “I’m not here for the money!”

  • “All days are different”

  • “The workload is big”

  • “I never have time to sharpen a pencil!”

  • “I love it”

  • “I want to work here until I retire”

  • “I’m happy”

  • “Days go by too fast”

  • “It’s fulfilling and rewarding”

  • “I feel privileged”

 

…. and I feel privileged to work with all of them.

 

Making Best Use of Teaching Assistants | EEF (educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk)

 

Jill Rawlinson

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