Got a teaching asst interview-do i admit I am doing it so I can become a teacher?

[beanie35]

I am in my 30s and have recently gained a degree in a subject I wanted to teach, however I can't afford to do a years teacher training on top of paying my student loan off. I can't get on a paid teaching programme, so I have been applying for teaching assistant jobs. Finally I have an interview for a teacher assistant job, when they ask why a graduate would apply for a teaching asst job what do I say?

Im happy to be a teaching asst for a few years, but would one day like to be a qualified teacher. Do i tell them the truth?? I really need this job, both my partner and I are unemployed and we are desperate for work/income.

[EdwardBitMe]

Yeah, tell them the truth.
I'd be more likely to appoint a TA who has teaching ambitions and is willing to learn more and take a really active role in the classroom.

[gigglewitch]

I think you could sidestep it by saying that you would like to work in the school environment because you are very interested in working with children / young people [whoever the job is with]. That doesn't blatantly say you are just using it for a leg-up - although imho this is a totally acceptable way to get on the GTP in the longer term

[janeite]

I agree with Edward. Aspiration is good!

[livinginadreamworld]

i have been interviewing for TA jobs recently, and everyone i have met on interview has been a graduate! You won't be the only one. The last one i went to they said that they have a high turnover of TA's as they move onto teacher training in a couple of years, they expect and support it!

Good Luck!

Me...i'm getting fed up of being told that they love me and i'm perfect for the job, but they have picked someone else! would be better if they said i was awful!!

[beanie35]

Thanks for all your replies. I totally understand how you feel livinginadream-I have lost count of the amount of rejections I have recieved . How innocent I was to think having a degree would make a difference!!

[lisad123]

my boss would love you, so many of our ta's and nn are going onto degree's and uni. I would explain that you would at some point like to become a teacher but feel at the moment you are happy to gain as much classroom experience as possible as you feel that knowing the job and children is a very important part of learning to teach children. hth

[myredcardigan]

As an aside, if you don't get it, volunteer. Classroom and general school experience counts for more than anything on a TA job application.

I agree that general TA jobs as opposed to supporting a specific child are extremely popular. I sat on the panel for one last year and 2 of the 4 shortlisted applicants were teachers with young kids who didn't want the hassle that goes with teaching but wanted to 'keep their hand in'. One of them did get the job but it was by no means a forgone conclusion.

Good luck!