20 yr old male TA in primary - what would you think?

[newromantics]

Just that, really! DS is thinking of becoming a primary teacher and wants to get some TA experience. He's been invited for interview today at a local school (last day before Christmas break so it'll be manic!) to start next term.

However he was worrying this morning that he's not the usual 'TA type' and I must admit my only experience of TAs is of older women who've perhaps had their own kids already etc. I think he'd be great but obviously I'm biased!

What would you think if your Year 1 child had a TA like my DS?

Nothing wrong with that! Good luck to your son, hope he does well

I do observational work in schools, mainly EYFS. Lots of young male TAs about, it's a good thing!

Our school has had a couple but most have come from jobs in the holiday or afterschool club where it’s not uncommon to have young males. Has your ds got experience like that?

I would be pleased, it is a positive thing. Good luck to him!

Good luck!!

Absolutely brilliant. We need more chaps in this role.

My experience is that young male TAs are extremely good with young energetic boys (those with perhaps ADHD for example). Positive role models for them, and can be extremely effective.

What I would think would depend on what he was like as a TA! Even then it would be from an outside perspective based on what I could see and what my kids said. Otherwise I wouldn't think anything.

If I had sons I’d be very pleased.

We have two at our school, one about 20 and one about 23/24, they are by an absolute mile, all of the kids favourite teaching staff!

They do all of the fun things, play football at lunchtime, like fun big brothers. But because the kids like them so much, they command a lot of respect as the kids don't want to upset/fall out with them, Therefore they do an excellent job with the more challenging children as well as being great for those with additional needs.

Your DS should absolutely go for it!

My friends DH was a TA for a couple of years, he really enjoyed it.

I'd be happy with that! I've worked in schools both secondary and primary and have known a few younger male TAs. The kids related well to them, they were fab. Tell him not to worry and to go for it!

I did this at age 18! I had the best time of my life.

Good luck!

It’s a great thing, all kids should have a variety of positive male role models in different careers. There’s one male teacher in my son’s primary, I’d love for them to have some young male TAs. I’ve spoken to teachers more than once who have said the same.

But I don’t think he’s necessarily wrong to worry, unfortunately there will be some people who think it’s “weird” - he needs to be strong enough to stand up to them if they’re in his personal life, or have a strong team and head to stand up to them if they’re in his professional life.

Your son is exactly the type of person needed in education!!!! He will be a role model for boys also (am I allowed to say that these days lol?!!!) I'm sure he can bring energy and freshness to the classroom. From his own point of view he will also get an insiders view of whether he thinks education is for him.

I started off at a TA in primary school and changed into secondary. It's a role you can make your own and I'm sure he will gain great insight and expertise.

Really positive for the children

and male TAs are usually the favourites with the kids!

DH was a TA at the same age. He was massively popular with the kids. 20 years later he’s now a teacher and really good at his job (and still popular with the kids!).

My year 3 daughter has a male teacher and 2 TAs, one a young lad in his 20s and another a lady in her 40s. I’ve not really batted an eyelid. I work in schools and see a lot of younger male TAs nowadays. I think it’s great for the boys to have the male role models.

2 of DSs best primary teachers were NQ 20 something lads - tell him to go for it!

There are 2 male TA’s in DC’s school. Both seem fairly young. No issues. DS’ teacher looks as if he has barely started shaving😅

In my experience most parents, particularly mums, respond very well to male staff in primary schools.

I think there are usually only ‘concerns’ from some parents when male staff are present in nursery settings.

I would have loved this when my son was at primary. His school didn't have a single male member of staff in the entire place. Well except for the janitor who was a grumpy shite who stank of smoke.

Terrific! DS had a young male primary teacher and really looked up to him. I think male role models in schools are important.

There was a young male TA in my DS's reception year and my DS absolutely loved him.
I think it was great for him to see a man in that role, all of his other teachers were women. Variety is good, tell your son to go for it!

My first thought was...he's probably getting some work experience in before teacher training.

My second thought was DS1 would probably like him - he is a very 'boyish' boy and really looks up to the young male PE teacher