teaching assistant - most boring job in the world

anna457

I currently work as a TA. There really isn't an opportunity to do very much in the regular ed classrooms I am placed in. I work in special ed sometimes, and I am always kept busy with helping students and tending to their needs. However, most of my day is spent in regular classrooms, standing in the corner making sure the students are behaving (which they almost always are). I am paid decently, and I really don't want to leave this job, but I am at a point where I honestly don't even know what I could do to keep myself busy. I always ask the teachers I work with if they need anything, and their response is always "no". I think I would like being a TA if I was able to be more productive, but there is very little need for me. I have spoken to my supervisor about not doing much in my classes but there is nothing she can do about my schedule at this point. Does anyone have any tips for how to deal with a situation like this?

duchy

It sounds like your school is boring

I worked as a TA and the one thing it wasn't was boring- it was stimulating, frustrating, lively, challenging and very rewarding at times. Othertimes I felt more like a lion-tamer mind you

How long have you worked there ? If you've only just started this term perhaps they want to see if you are engaged before giving you more to do -No point in training up someone who isn't going to stay after all.

You don't say if it is a primary or a high school but I'd suggest you take positive steps to show you are engaged- help with lunchtime clubs, show some interest in the kids rather than sit bored in the corner, show yourself to be proactive-try and build some rapport in the staffroom with the specific teachers you are supporting.

In all honesty I've rarely come across a teacher who didn't welcome support in the classroom .

SilS

You should be a little more patient if you are new there, hope thing get better and more inspiring in future!

saversfriend

I'm a children's worker and visit the schools in my town on a regular basis. The TA's I see never appear to be bored! They are very hard working and are passionate about helping children to suceed in their education.

I would note that they use their initiative and look out for jobs that need doing / children that need helping. School life is busy so there will always be things which need doing. If you're new to the job then ask!

On a side note, TAs are not generally paid a fortune.

skivenov

The thing with working with teenagers is you get out what you put in. They can be funny, engaging, intelligent, irreverent, creative, imaginative, and have some great perspectives on things, the challenge is in unlocking this.

Personally, I used to find the best way was to avoid being a "sir", be their best friend, talk to them like adults, and be able to laugh with them, even if its at you.

Sounds like the soft approach, but then if you do need to tell them off, they'll listen and consider what's said more.

terryya

skivenov wrote: »

The thing with working with teenagers is you get out what you put in. They can be funny, engaging, intelligent, irreverent, creative, imaginative, and have some great perspectives on things, the challenge is in unlocking this.

Personally, I used to find the best way was to avoid being a "sir", be their best friend, talk to them like adults, and be able to laugh with them, even if its at you.

Sounds like the soft approach, but then if you do need to tell them off, they'll listen and consider what's said more.

Whilst I think the second part of the highlighted paragraph is absolutely spot on, the underlined bit it a surefire way to make sure you don't get a job working in education. You aren't their best friend, you're a professional, and if you think otherwise then you're opening a world of potential problems.

skivenov

I've only worked with them in the voluntary sector.

Personally, I find teenagers have excellent bull****ometers, and if you trigger that, you'll never get anywhere with them.

BellaNura

Let's get one thing straight: I love my job, I love working with kids, and I'm good at it. On the flip side: I don't love the pace. It's too slow and I just want to fall asleep. I'm a para but I'd rather be a TA, because oof the variety it affords. So, I wouldn't chastise someone who says the job is boring, because it is. I'm trying to add variety to my duties and hopefully that helps. I hope others can find a way to make their day more rewarding.

Odinz8472

I am TA for a year 6 class and must admit after 4years there I LOVE it, the impact we can make to the children is huge, the challange each and every year getting them ready for there SAT's is difficult but well worth it. I have just started running a summer holiday club just finishing my first week! Alot of fun and great to see the children enjoying the activites.

Only real downside is the pay is terrible