Teaching Assistant/Teachers help please

vtmil

Hi im applying for a teaching assistants job part time while i study with the open uni to hopefully eventually become a teacher.

In my application should i mention that i want to be a teacher eventually, or just leave it and say i want to be a teaching assistant - it is a temp job until july.

Thanks,

vtmil

Bogof_Babe

I don't see your problem. Obviously it will enhance your chances if you show ambition. Yes of course you should say you want eventually to go into teaching. It certainly can't do your application any harm.

Stuart_W

If the school know you are currently doing a degree and intend to train to become a teacher, the school may take advantage and put you in charge of a class / in a teaching situation, as it is now perfectly legal for teaching assistants to teach on their own.

The question about long term ambitions will undoubtably come up in any interview - so be upfront and honest, explain the situation you are in to the school, and if possible they will be sympathetic and interested in helping you in your carear. Don't "hide" anything, this is dishonest.

My wife was a TA and got a place on a PGCE course whilst in her job, and her school continued to try to push bits of teaching her way - she left at the Easter rather than the summer before her course because of this. She is now qualified, like myself, and we are both members of the NUT (the only union that don't think TAs should be put in the role of teachers).

Schools are very different, and it's your call. The school experience will be undoubably valuable - and as a temporary position they'll be interested in anyone that shows an interest in them.

vtmil

thanks for your help - just filling in the form now, so your help has been great thanks

Mrs_Supersaver_1

Stuart_W wrote:

My wife was a TA and got a place on a PGCE course whilst in her job, and her school continued to try to push bits of teaching her way - she left at the Easter rather than the summer before her course because of this. She is now qualified, like myself, and we are both members of the NUT (the only union that don't think TAs should be put in the role of teachers).

Stuart, sorry to hear about your wifes experience, but may I correct you. The Nut are NOT the only union that 'protects' TA's from taking classes - Gmb also do a very good job!

I am a TA (child specific and special needs) and usually support/teach on a 1 to 1, or in very small groups of students on my own. Only HLTA's 'teach' groups or classes on their own at the school I work at. I am also a school governor at another secondary school in the borough and TA's are defineately NOT 'teaching' classes on their own in our city, we are not trained to teach, there would be a health & safety issue and for what TA's are paid it would be ludicruious to do so!

Broken_hearted

When I was a Teaching assistant I did everything from printing/cutting out worksheets to teaching small groups. Its a nice job but viewed by schools as a cheaper way to get another teacher.