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Teaching Assistant Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Teaching Assistant, or Learning Support Assistant, provides support to Teachers at a school. Their duties include taking attendance every day and reporting that to the Teacher, working individually with students to improve their performance and answering questions about the lesson.

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Teaching Assistant duties and responsibilities

An ideal Teaching Assistant candidate is expected to fulfil certain important duties and responsibilities these may include:

  • Getting the classroom ready for lessons and clearing away afterwards so as to maintain a safe and clean environment
  • Assisting Teachers in preparing the lesson materials and school equipment
  • Recording and reporting a pupil’s progress to the Teacher
  • Helping pupils stay focused during class hours
  • Supervising group activities, sports events and school outings
  • Helping Teachers manage student behaviour
  • Looking after children who are unwell or upset
  • Providing a healthy and safe learning environment for children
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What does a Teaching Assistant do?

A Teaching Assistant works with Teachers to conduct multiple classes at school. They also work with students to assist them with their class activities, they help manage class behaviour and supervise students during school events and outings. Many Teaching Assistants work part-time hours and their schedule is often from Monday to Friday. If necessary, they may need to work on weekends or evenings to assist Teachers during special events.

Teaching Assistant skills and qualifications

A successful Teaching Assistant candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications needed to do the job well, these include:

  • Ability to communicate clearly with Teachers and younger individuals
  • Ability to create an encouraging learning environment for pupils
  • Active listening skills
  • Understanding and sensitivity towards children
  • Excellent knowledge of lessons that pupils are required to learn in class
  • Ability to carry out tasks involving a computer or hand-device
  • Ability to remain calm during stressful situations
  • Willingness to work on different activities conducted inside and outside school premises
  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field

Teaching Assistant experience requirements

An ideal Teaching Assistant candidate must be able to demonstrate work experience related to the job. This can include previous employment in another school or educational institution. It may also help if a Teaching Assistant has experience working with children in a particular grade level. For instance, a candidate applying to become a Teacher Assistant for Year 2 pupils must have already supervised Year 2 children previously.

Teaching Assistant education and training requirements

An ideal Teaching Assistant candidate should have the education and training requirements needed for the position, these may include further or higher education certifications from college including a T level in Education, a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education or a Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools. In addition, a candidate must have at least two General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSEs) at grades 9 to 3 for a Level 2 course or a minimum of four GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 for a Level 3 course or a T level. A Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field is also a plus.

Teaching Assistant salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Teaching Assistant is £70.03 per day . However, a Teaching Assistant candidate’s starting salary may vary depending on the level of experience, location of the job and the company.

Job description samples for similar positions

It is possible that a Teaching Assistant is not quite what you are looking for. In that case, consider the following similar positions:

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Teaching Assistant FAQs

What qualities make a good Teaching Assistant?

Teaching Assistants must demonstrate dedication to the job. They must have a passion for helping pupils learn and assisting them in subjects that prove to be difficult to understand. They must also have patience, especially when it comes to dealing with pupils who are struggling or unwell. A Teaching Assistant must also be friendly and welcoming to pupils and other co-workers.

What skills does a Teaching Assistant need?

A Teaching Assistant candidate must possess good research skills, as this is necessary for developing lessons and creating materials that the pupils would learn from. A candidate must also have good written and oral communication skills so that they may be able to communicate clearly with pupils, Teachers, fellow Teaching Assistants and even the pupils’ parents.

Who does a Teaching Assistant report to?

Teaching Assistants report to the Teacher they have been hired to assist. At the same time, they may need to report to the Headmaster or Headmistress of a school. In fact, the Headmaster or Headmistress may choose to ask a Teaching Assistant to participate in activities held outside of the school’s premises.

How can you make your Teaching Assistant job description stand out?

A good Teaching Assistant job description must clearly state all the duties and responsibilities expected day-to-day. This helps a candidate develop a realistic picture of the amount of work required on the job every day. In addition, it’s also recommended to state any possible salary bonus or other incentives that come with the position.

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