Teacher applying for TA job

[Fleabagster]

I’m a primary teacher but having a bit of a break from it. I enjoyed the job but I’m not convinced I want to do it for another 25+ years. There are a couple of TA jobs I am tempted to apply for. I know the pay is terrible but the lack of marking etc does appeal. Has anyone else done this? Do you think a school would want me or would me being a teacher put them off for some reason?

[toffeekiwi]

I know a couple of teachers who have become TAs. Both of them work with experienced teachers, I don't think it'd work having an experienced teacher being a TA for a NQT/RQT.

[Fleabagster]

@toffeekiwi I see what you mean. I know how annoying it is to have a TA takes over your classroom! I would hope I would be sensitive about it though.
The jobs are in independent schools. I’m not sure if that makes a difference.

[Fleabagster]

Any teachers who have worked as TAs? How did you find it please?

[Bluewavescrashing]

I applied for a HLTA job and got it. All 4 applicants invited to interview were qualified teachers looking for a better work life balance.

I'm now being seconded to a teaching job in the school but I could have said no.

HLTA is great, covering classes for ppa or subject leader release / absence. Pay is less than teaching but more than TA pay.

Obviously you can only apply when something comes up but it's a good wheeze for an experienced teacher. Turn up at 8am,teach,mark (if required- sometimes teachers like to mark themselves). Full lunch break. Go home at 4pm, no work in the evening.

I never applied for TA jobs because I like being in charge 😂 but for some people it might be a welcome relief to take a back seat! You do get to know the children differently when working in a small group or 1:1.

[Fleabagster]

@Bluewavescrashing thank you so much - this is really useful to read. I would love a HLTA role and like you it could lead to a different role in the school. There are now two jobs I have seen which I will be applying for but I’m aware I’ll be one of many...
Thanks for replies

[Bluewavescrashing]

To be honest I did take a minor knock to my ego not being in a teacher role but my colleagues know I'm a qualified teacher and there are so many positives to taking a step back and just doing the teaching, the part of the job that most of us enjoy most!

Good luck OP.

[stdmumihope]

I was an HLTA, but now an NQT. I was occasionally used as cover or PPA, but mostly taught 2 subjects. I planned and marked all my own lessons. I was paid extra for planning time and this was at home, which I was happy to do.
So the role of HLTA varies significantly.
I also needed to gain HLTA status, which did involve training and coursework. Not sure if this is needed if you have QTS. HLTA stds are similar to Teacher Stds.

[Lancrelady80]

I did this when returning after career break due to children. School loved it! Be careful you aren't taken advantage of though...it can easily morph into being a teacher paid at TA rate if you have unscrupulous leadership. If asked to take a group regularly to work on x y z, make sure you are given x y z or you'll end up planning, assessing and resourcing it yourself.

It's handy for school as they know they have another adult completely able to handle being in charge of the class if teacher is suddenly out of action (ill, family/childcare emergency, Covid...) And you will know where they were and what they were going to move onto, so better suited to either take over temporarily or sort out a supply.

I ended up being invited to apply for a mornings only teacher post to split a large and unruly class, and then TA in the afternoon, which works well for me in terms of work/life balance. It's a role the school wouldn't ordinarily have had, but they realised it could help everyone out. So you may find your role evolves.

One thing I did find as TA was that I felt guilty I wasn't doing enough! So loads better if workload is your big priority.

[Aragog]

I taught secondary for several years before I decided I'd had enough.
I had some time doing something else but I've returned to schools again. I now work as a HLTA in an infant school.

I spend most of my days teaching these days with a large element doing some subject specialism stuff.

I originally returned as a class based TA. I worked (and still work with though not often in class together now) with teachers of varying experience, from teachers with 25+ years experience to NQTs. It was fine in all of these situations- I enjoyed it and the level of experience of the teacher was never an issue.

I love my job. It's so much more pleasant than teaching at secondary level that's for sure - for me anyway! Pays rubbish though and I still work long hours. I do feel more able to say no at times as well though.