Secondary TA's....can I ask....

[idobelieveinfairies]

Do you enjoy your jobs? And what kind of things do you do/help with?

I am thinking of applying for a job in a local secondary, I already work in primary.....and much prefer working with the year 5 & 6's than the little ones. I have lots of teenage children of my own and really connect well with them.

Would really like some info on secondary work!

:)

[KittiesInsane]

Not a TA myself, but my son has one at secondary.

I'd say you need infinite patience, and you may need to find new ways of working, if most of the students are physically bigger than you .

On the good side, grateful parents may well keep you supplied with biscuits for life.

[t0lk13n]

You may work with lots of different teachers, with different methods. It is rewarding. Some pupils may have special needs, or be disaffected. Others may just need support with Maths or English.

I too am a shortarse but I use it as an advantage. Good luck.

[JambalayaWarmMincePie]

I'm one. Have been for six years, although currently on Mat Leave.

When I first started, I loved it - felt like I was really making a difference. However, for the last few years, its felt completely different. Crowd control. More and more we were being put with groups of children of low ability/behaviour problems, but without any specific special needs.

I couldn't wait to start mat leave, and am really dreading going back because I know nothing will have changed.

[idobelieveinfairies]

That's sad to hear Jambalaya :(

Well I have sat my level 2 numeracy and literacy so I am now qualified enough to apply for any jobs that come up....and have applied for my first, so fingers crossed!

I guess if it isn't what I was expecting it's all experience :)