Have you ever considered working in a school as a teaching assistant as a career choice? For many parents it is an ideal choice when trying to find a job that fits in with family life and for some who are considering a career in teaching it gives an insight into life in a school before you embark on teacher training.
Working as teaching assistant in a primary school is in some ways very different from working in a secondary school. In the primary sector the role involves not only supporting children with their education but also encouraging listening skills and good learning behaviour. You may also be required to help with classroom displays and preparing resources for the teacher to use in lessons.
In a secondary school your main role will be to work alongside children who need extra help and support. This may involve moving from lesson to lesson with a particular child or providing set curriculum support in a class. The latter is particularly useful if you have a strength in a certain subject.
In both primary and secondary schools, you may be asked to cover the class for a short time if the teacher is absent. This is a responsibility that some do not feel able to take on as this is not usually expected from a teaching assistant.