Fully qualified teacher wanting to work as a teaching assistant

[Labradorsarethebest1]

Hi, I'm a fully qualified primary school teacher with seven years' experience of whole class teaching. I have 3 chn (13,11 and 9) and left teaching shortly before my second child was born. Have been a SAHM for the past 11 years.

The plan was to return to teaching when my youngest was 2/3 years old but I became very ill and was diagnosed with M.E. My health is better now than it has been in the past and I feel that I could manage some part-time work. Returning to teaching would be too demanding energy wise and I've been out for too long to consider a return anyway but I would love to work as a TA on a part-time basis and I think I'd be really useful in such a role and more than capable of supporting children in this capacity.

Anyone working in a school at the moment - would an employer consider me for such a role, given the length of time that has elapsed since I last worked and also the fact that I still have M.E. and am not 100% well and never will be (unless some huge development in the treatment of the condition occurs - fingers crossed ;) ?
Many thanks.

[gymboywalton]

just bear in mind that as a TA you will be the person asked to lug the box, move the tables, carry the chairs etc etc

[Loveleopardprint]

I was a TA and I was a primary teacher. Gave up teaching when my 15 yr old was born. I really enjoyed being a TA but it is physically challenging. It is going back to those tiny chairs, tables and sitting in the floor. It is also a lot of bending over to help children. My knees were so bad after two years I had to quit. Not sure if you would find it too demanding physically but I think it would be difficult.

[Loveleopardprint]

I was a TA and I was a primary teacher. Gave up teaching when my 15 yr old was born. I really enjoyed being a TA but it is physically challenging. It is going back to those tiny chairs, tables and sitting in the floor. It is also a lot of bending over to help children. My knees were so bad after two years I had to quit. Not sure if you would find it too demanding physically but I think it would be difficult.

[Labradorsarethebest1]

My ME affects my energy levels more so than me physically. At my worst, I had my cellular energy measured and is was less than ten percent of a normal person's and I was a SAHM to a 4,2 and 1 year old when it first came on. I had no help other than my DH when he got in from work.
Physically, I can lift and shift etc. I can stand for periods of time. I walk my dog for over an hour a day. I cannot run at all, have problems walking up an incline and cannot do anything more aerobic - swimming is still a no no for me, even though I used to swim a mile non-stop several times a week. My body just won't allow it anymore. Anything that's too strenuous in a cardiovascular way is out but otherwise, normal moving stuff about etc, should be ok.
It's more of a question of - is it reasonable of me to assume that someone would still employ me or would lack of recent experience hinder me?
Thank you.

[JakeBallardswife]

Part- time yes, give it a go and see how you get on!

[Loveleopardprint]

I got my job after being at home for fourteen years so I don't see why not. You have relevant experience with children and a professional level of education. I was keen to point out in my interview that I knew that it was a TA job and was happy to muck in with all normal things expected of a TA.

[Viviennemary]

I think you could try for the teaching assistant post but in some areas they're really difficult to get as their is such a lot of applicants. Have you thought about private tutoring.

[BikeRunSki]

A friend of mine returned to rirk as a TA, 8 years after leaving reaching when her ds1 was born. She couldn't do cover teaching, due to needing short notice child care on days she was working. She says she loves bring a TA - loves working with the children, less of the paper work of teaching.

[marymoocow]

I am primary trained and returned as a TA after being a SAHM for 10 years. I spent 2 years as a 1:1 TA before becoming a HLTA for 5 years. I found that the school was extremely keen to have me, and it was a brilliant way of getting back into the swing of things. From September I am taking the plunge and returning to full time teaching, so it is all doable. Good luck with whatever you decide

[Labradorsarethebest1]

Thank you so much for your answers. After raising my children and having been through such a tough time with the illness, I really feel that I deserve a break somehow and some of your answers have given me hope, that maybe there is a chance for me somewhere out there to begin to have the chance of working again and of having a life outside of the illness that has held me back for so long and also of course, the hope of having a bit more money, so that we can begin to enjoy luxuries again, such as perhaps the odd family holiday!! Here's hoping!! :)

[Beelzebop]

I too am an escapee teacher after looking after kids, I have come up against the odd raised eyebrow as the interviewer believes me to be just "filling time".