HLTA status, was it worth it?

[HolyMountain]

I know I could find other threads but I’m keen for current opinions from TA’s who’ve completed the coursework.

Was it worth the work involved in creating your file?
Did you get paid as a full time HLTA or just when you covered the class as the lead?

I’ve tried to see my HT but he’s always busy and seems stressed , I think Ofsted are due and I don’t like asking about money, he’s a known fobber offer. The Office Manager and Payroll at the council are equally evasive.

[whoami24601]

I did mine in 2010, and it was totally worth it. The job is very different to TA but in a good way. I was employed as a full time HLTA by my school, but the education system is very different now so not sure how common that is now. I'm currently (due to personal circs) back as a level 2 and I really miss it!

[HolyMountain]

Hi who thanks for that.

I’m getting a lot of evasiveness and shrugging of shoulders from people when I ask for specifics. As you know it’s a very busy half term now both work wise and personal , I’m feeling a bit meh about it.

[PinguDance]

There are two people where I work who have hlta qualifications - neither of them got the hlta job even though the school paid for one of them to do the course. It went to someone with a degree and some experience.

Do they have a job for you? If they pay for it you may aswell but it doesn’t seem to be any garuntee of actually getting a job/a pay rise in my area.

[notpushyinterested]

I think the hlta electric is a poisoned chalice tbh. A small amount of extra money and an absolute shed load more stress and responsibilities.

[Beautifullymixed]

Hi OP.
I am just about to start preparing to achieve (hopefully!) my HLTA status.
My headmistress and deputies are so enthusiastic and eager for me to achieve this status, and along with another HLTA, to follow the big plans they have for us.

I love the teaching part, absolutely adore having control of a class, and my behaviour management is one of my strengths.

Apparently, I will be paid as a HLTA for the hours I do at the higher level, and a TA rate for the rest.

I am very excited, and while loving the idea of extra responsibility, and the variation of the job, I do wonder how I will fit everything in - and yes, the extra stress for not much more pay.

I feel I will still be class based, and juggling class duties, break and lunch duties, as well as planning, teaching and marking.
Eeeek!

[HolyMountain]

Hi all, thanks for the replies.

I’m not going to do it , it’s not for me, I’ve given little thought to it since I last posted so that’s a sign I’m not going to give it my all.

[kirstycrafts]

Hi
I did my qualification earlier this year and as much as I'm glad I've done it for my own personal development and I know it will pay off in the future, my current situation doesn't always feel like it wasn't worth it.
I get paid overtime per hour I'm teaching but for the amount it is (£1.74p/h before tax) and it's almost always without a TA or any planning time it doesn't always FEEL worth it. It's great to have a qualification that entitles me to do more and people appreciate the job I do at it when it's been a particularly stressful session it doesn't feel good sometimes.
I guess if I was in a full time HLTA role the more obvious pay rise would feel better- that's my goal in future.