Any teachers become TAs?

[leftyloosy]

I've already handed my notice in, I know teaching isn't for me at the moment. Too much stress, workload unbearable etc. I've been teaching 12 years.

I'm thinking of applying for some TA jobs, but wonder if I would be considered. I'm secondary trained, but happy to work in primary too.

Has anyone else done this?

[mrstweefromtweesville]

Not yet. Waiting to hear what people say on this thread.

[mrsnewfie]

I asked the head at my children's school if I would be considered for a TA position in her opinion. I am also secondary trained. She said she would jump at the chance of employing someone like me.

I therefore applied for a few TA positions and got interviews for them all. As it turns out, I was offered a really lovely job elsewhere, so withdrew my applications.

I definitely think it's worth a try!

[Finola1step]

Not me but my sister didn't go into teaching after gaining her QTS. She has done lots of TA work but now mostly exam invigilates for a range of institutions.

If you are secondary trained and experienced, consider going to an agency and asking them.about TA/HLTA work which will use your subject. For instance, if you are a secondary Maths or English teacher, there will be primary schools who would be very interested in you working with the higher ability Year 6s. Or if languages are your thing, that's another route.

[Pud2]

Of course you'd be considered. I think anyone who is a graduate, with a teaching qualification and experience, would be snapped up.

[DoloresLandingham]

You'd absolutely be considered.

If you are successful, however, do watch how the school uses you. As you have QTS they may suddenly find all sorts of groups for you to work with, and you may find yourself essentially being used as a teacher for a TA salary.

[happyteacher1]

I taught at a school where the majority of the TAs were qualified teachers, who had wanted to stay in the classroom, but leave the pointless paperwork and jumping through hoops behind.

[CoogerAndDark]

A friend of mine did. She has a rewarding job as a Learning Mentor, running nurture groups, HLTA cover, plenty of CPD including a Play Therapy postgrad.
As more and more teachers leave and apply for TA posts it's driving up standards and good schools welcome the experience and expertise they bring.

[DosDuchas]

Oh god but how BORING being a TA..... I cant imagine anything more dull

[TeacupTravels]

I'd wondered it purely as it fits school hours. But similarly secondary trained and no idea if I have the energy required for primary! I

[leftyloosy]

Why would it be boring? I can't carry on as a teacher or I will end up committed. Too much to do, not enough hours. I can't do the working til 11pm and all day Sunday anymore with two small children. And I spend too much of my time filling in data collections, reporting systems, traffic lights of level predictions.

I'll apply for some primary and secondary

[FATEdestiny]

I am secondary QTS but not worked for 7 years while being a SAHM. I'm also parent governor at my children's primary school.

One of the teachers at our primary left to become a TA elsewhere. Privately the Head looked down her nose at this, in a 'you can't handle teaching' kind of way (which I found rude).

I later asked if she would employ a teacher as a TA, thinking this would be quite a scoop for a school. The Head said no (not actually been tested, we've not has a teacher apply for a TA role) on the basis that she would have serious questions about a persons ability to cope with the pressures of the classroom if she was applying for TA roles.

I politely nodded and smiled and left it at that. But disagree. I feel sure schools must jump at the chance.

I'm not sure I'll go the TA route but definitely don't want to teach, but do want to be in school when I return to work. I am thinking office staff, school manager, Heads PA would be a route for me. Otherwise maybe a science or DT technician (I'm a science teacher) or possibly primary TA.

[DosDuchas]

i would hate not being able to do what I wanted to, not having the bigger picture

[Haggisfish]

Are you full or part time teaching? You could probably earn the same as TAs by doing only two or three days a week. Also, lots of our TAs work crazy hours - expected to do breakfast clubs, lunchtime and afterschool clubs for no extra money.

[BeerBird]

Lots of school are employing teachers as pupil premium teachers, less stress, still able to make a big difference, working one to one etc. might that be a good compromise? Our PP teacher did what you did and is really happy.

[MyFirstName]

We have a couple of qualified teachers as TAs at our Primary. One of them also does several hours a week covering for PPA - she teaches her specialism of science for some Yr6, 3 and 1 and is timetabled in. She says it is the best of both worlds.

[MyFirstName]

Just to be clear as well - she gets TA salary for the TA work and teacher salary for the PPA cover.

[Fairenuff]

Working as a TA has been hands down the most interesting role I've ever had. It is completely the opposite of boring.

The role is versatile, sometimes working on your own/teaching a small group, sometimes supporting other adults, sometimes planning/researching. The environment is busy and constantly changing. The activities are broad and always different because of the ever-changing mix of children.

Training covers an enormous span of topics from behavioural/sen needs to challenging literacy/numeracy skills, first aid to theraplay, speech and language to english as a second language, the list is endless.

All you need is energy, enthusiasm, a thirst for knowledge and a love of children. If you have that, it's an amazing job.

Crap pay though

As a qualified teacher, you might be able to make up the shortfall by covering PPA pr specialising in something like mfl teaching or sports.

[insanityscatching]

One of dd's SEN TA's is an ex teacher she is much better than the others and is dd's keyworker. Not sure that her having been a teacher is what makes her a good TA but I'm quite grateful to have a decent one because dd has two who are dire tbh.

[PotteringAlong]

At my school, 1 of our TA's and 1 of our cover supervisors are qualified teachers.

[CoogerAndDark]

There are many reasons being a TA would suit someone who was previously a teacher. No being able to handle the stress wouldn't cross the mind of a decent SMT and who would want to work for a shit one anyway.

How do they get away with that, Haggisfish? TAs have contracted hours, surely? I'd be straight onto my Union if I was expected to cover a significant number of extra hours for no pay.

[Usernamesarehard]

Being a TA definitely isn't boring dos . Shitty, shitty pay though.

Op you'd be snapped up at the schools I've worked in.

[leftyloosy]

I already work 0.6. I had been told that next year they couldn't guarantee 3 whole days, and would probably have to be in school at least 4 days.

I'm not English, maths or science so no part time roles advertised. Last week, nationwide there were only 3 part time roles.

[CoogerAndDark]

Go for it. It's not all washing paint pots out for £8 an hour

[ppolly]

Do it if you really want to. I second all the other posts - terrible pay, never a dull moment. If you are employed by a school with any sense they will make use of your strengths so you don't get bored. There are two ex-teachers at our school working as TAs.

[CremeEggThief]

Be careful. I was used a teacher and paid as a T.A. when I did this for a few months last year. I am now doing supply teaching.