Moving on from being a teaching assistant

[minimammy]

I'm wondering if this is a good place to ask this. Im a very experienced teaching assistant. I've worked for 20+ years in my role throughout a primary school.
As my children are a little older now I'm feeling the frustration of lack of room from growth. There isn't the money to train to be HLTA, nor a role.
I've taken on lots of extra responsibilities to develop within my job, unfortunately now I feel it could be time to move on.
My point is, what are my skills relevant to in the world of work after so long?
Have others moved on, what into?
Thank you in advance.

[minimammy]

Anyone?

[scurryfunge]

Teaching? Do you have a degree? Is a PGCE an option or another route into teaching. Private schools will take unqualified teachers ( not the top ones though).

[PurpleDaisies]

Have you thought about moving into specialist provision? PRU, SEN etc? A change could be what you need.

What qualifications have you got? You’d havd no trouble getting on a pgce if you’ve got a degree (and want to do it!).

[MaybeDoctor]

Social care?
Outreach?
Youth work?

[Appuskidu]

My old TA left and went to work in a charity shop-she doubled her salary.


TAs are paid abysmally. They are all being got rid of in my local schools due to budget cuts as well-it’s just awful.

[Teaandbiscuits35]

Would you study again? I'm in a similar situation, 15 years TA, fed up and disheartened with the amount of work for such little money. I've decided to do a teaching degree. This might be an option for you.

[user546425732]

@Teaandbiscuits35 are you doing primary or secondary?
I'm torn between older primary or Secondary English but I think primary will be my final choice.

[Teaandbiscuits35]

I'm doing primary, I'm not cut out for secondary! I struggle with my own teenager 😂
English is a good specialism
Have you looked at entry exams? I'm currently studying for my science equivalency. Not fun.

[user546425732]

I think I'll stick with primary - that's a good point about your own teenager. I have spent 5 months trying to get mine to tidy their bedroom so I'd be useless in the classroom.

I thankfully don't need to do the science equivalent, I think that plus the maths skills test would push me over the edge!

[Teaandbiscuits35]

Ha ha! The joys of parenting.
Bloody entry tests! We have to remember this is all to make our lives better.

[user546425732]

Fuck the tests, I got 67% on the practice yesterday and 53% tonight. I'm never going to do this.

[Scabetty]

What about a counselling course? HLTA in my school is doing her level 3 as she is used as a teacher most days.

[user546425732]

Round here three schools that I know of are making TAs redundant - two left where I work at Easter as they were made redundant at Xmas. I need to do teaching because it's all I know but this maths test will be the death of me.

[Teaandbiscuits35]

The day before my actual tests I failed the maths one for the first time. I passed them both on the day. I think 60% or thereabouts is the pass rate so sounds like you're doing fine. Keep practicing and I'm sure you'll be fine.
I agree though, such a pain in the arse. All of this to get on a course that is costing me £10k a year for the next three years!
Also agree that TA jobs are dying, it really is time to leave the job.

[WilburIsSomePig]

Are there any Cover Supervisor jobs locally? Pay is still pretty shit but lots of variety!

[Caaarrrl]

TAs are being cut all over the place where I live. I was a TA, now teacher and I really value my TA when I actually have her. Only for part of the mornings though. No TA in afternoons.

For those of you taking the skills tests, if I can pass the maths one then anyone can. I don't believe that there is any way other than training yourself to work the questions out in a certain way. Look at youtube for GAnumerical (IIRC). He goes through eahch question within the time limit and show syou how to work it out. It helped me no end. I also subscribed to Numeracy ready. I think it was about £20 for 3 months. I passed first time despite being completely convinced that I would fail and being physically terrified of the test.

[SSpuds]

Sorry somewhat of a zombie thread now but I'm looking for any other ideas.
I have an interview for another job but obviously without the holidays and by the time I take my travel into account I'm not so well off.

[Chillychangchoo]

I left at the end of January and I now work in social care with adults who have learning disabilities. I work less hours and I come out with 300 pounds more and this is an entry level role. I’m not micromanaged, and I am treated like an adult.

I can progress to team leader all the way up to management if I wanted too. Plenty of qualifications on offer if I wish. It was the best move ever, and I also get to drink hot cups of tea.

[SSpuds]

That sounds good!