Page 7 | To think buying a teacher gift but not a TA one is a dick move?

Wannakisstheteacher · 2022-12-21T10:48:22+00:00

Last day of school today. Standing waiting for the gates to open and see lots of children holding gift bags etc. One child showing the other children all the things she has for the teacher but doesn’t mention the TA. Another parent says she’s bought in chocolates for the teacher but again nothing for the TA - seems like the common theme from general chat. AIBU to think it’s really low to bring in something for the teacher but nothing for the TA? They are so incredibly badly paid and have to do so much more than ever before so to bring in a full bag of stuff for the teacher but not even a small box of chocolates for the TA just seems like a dick move.

museumum · 21/12/2022 17:34

in principle I agree but I did our class collection one year and had to phone the office to ask if there was a TA associated with the class. As an individual parent I wouldn’t have known. I’ve never met a TA. And 6 yr olds aren’t very reliable sources of information (at least mine isn’t!).

LadyPenelope68 · 21/12/2022 17:35

@WifeMotherWorker
I have only ever given to teachers as the TA have had no impact on my children’s schooling.
if this is what you think, then you clearly have no understanding whatsoever about the role of a TA and the impact they have in your child’s education and well being whilst in School.

Catmum2022 · 21/12/2022 17:46

Mumlifedc · 21/12/2022 16:36

I'm a TA and am assigned mainly to one class. I don't expect anything at but do appreciate all cards and gifts I'm given
I have a different impact on the children I work with than a teacher, but still important and I assist all in lots of ways.
I do all first aid.
I decide if a child is too unwell to stay in school.
I administrator all medication.
I help children who are struggling to cope in the classroom environment (believe me if these are supported everyone else is able to learn better)
I run dyslexic interventions daily.(planning and marking and monitor progress)
I support children with bereavement.
I run sensory interventions.
I listen to why they are upset and help sort out any problems.
I feed those who come to school and have not eaten.
I do displays so the classroom is an interesting place to be.
I tie laces and ties, reunite children with jumpers, bags and other lost items
I open snacks.
I report safeguarding concerns.
I look after the teacher when they need someone to turn to
I remove and restrain violent children so they don't hurt your child ( and do it in a way that calms them down and helps them to feel safe and be safe to re enter class)
I play games at break with those who haven't anyone to play with that day.
I work to stretch the higher ability kids somedays, other days I re teach the lesson at a slower pace for those struggling.
I clean vomit and blood up when needed
I teach the whole class if the teacher is sick or in a meeting, when parents meet with the teacher in school time I'm teaching the kids.
TA's matter just ask teachers

So what do teachers do then if TA’s do all
of this? Genuine question as I suspect it’s more than I’m lead to believe. We get Twinkl homework sent home which is not appropriate for my child’s age/attainment. We get telephone calls from reception to collect if Ill but dojos when my child is sexually assaulted in class. Homework is never marked/commented up. We supplement all of this at home to give our children the best start to their lives but I feel that actual teacher input isn't great.

FancyFanny · 21/12/2022 19:55

My class teacher teaches the lesson from the front, gives the children a task and then usually sits at their desk looking at their computer while I then help all the children as best I can.They then marks their books after school.

BrutusMcDogface · 21/12/2022 21:39

FancyFanny · 21/12/2022 19:55

My class teacher teaches the lesson from the front, gives the children a task and then usually sits at their desk looking at their computer while I then help all the children as best I can.They then marks their books after school.

Your class teacher is pretty rubbish, then.

RunLolaRun102 · 21/12/2022 21:46

At most of the local primaries teachers manage and TAs teach. In many cases (like STEM or languages) the TAs are often more highly qualified than the teacher. Example my local primary can offer Python and Java coding because the TA used to be a software developer - she’s only a TA while she studies.

VHSyeah · 21/12/2022 21:54

RunLolaRun102 · 21/12/2022 21:46

At most of the local primaries teachers manage and TAs teach. In many cases (like STEM or languages) the TAs are often more highly qualified than the teacher. Example my local primary can offer Python and Java coding because the TA used to be a software developer - she’s only a TA while she studies.

Meanwhile our TA's can't mark a Year 4 spelling test!

twelly · 21/12/2022 21:56

I find it hard to believe that TAs are more highly qualified than the teachers in the sphere of teaching. They may well qualified in a different sphere - but the they are working in the education sector.

bloodyeverlastinghell · 21/12/2022 22:02

It is tricky though. There is the teacher, the teacher who does one day a week, 2 TAs who do 1 afternoon each music, Gaelic and gym teacher. Six gifts are a bit much cost wise. I either put in for a collection and someone else does the maths. Or a big box of good biscuits for the staff room and some nice tea bags.

amonsteronthehill · 21/12/2022 22:41

FancyFanny · 21/12/2022 19:55

My class teacher teaches the lesson from the front, gives the children a task and then usually sits at their desk looking at their computer while I then help all the children as best I can.They then marks their books after school.

I have seen this. It's more common than you might think...

amonsteronthehill · 21/12/2022 22:43

twelly · 21/12/2022 21:56

I find it hard to believe that TAs are more highly qualified than the teachers in the sphere of teaching. They may well qualified in a different sphere - but the they are working in the education sector.

I know quite a few TAs who are actually qualified teachers, who just don't want the teaching responsibility for the time being for a variety of reasons. Most common reason: teaching is not family friendly.

Fairislefandango · 21/12/2022 22:53

They may well qualified in a different sphere - but the they are working in the education sector.

I find it hard to believe that anyone who typed this sentence considers themselves capable of judging anyone else's level of education or qualifications.

twelly · 21/12/2022 22:56

@Fairislefandango

😂

confusedlots · 21/12/2022 22:57

Completely agree. I collected money from parents who wanted to contribute to vouchers and made it clear from the outset that it was for both the teachers and teaching assistants.

GiltEdges · 21/12/2022 23:04

Agree. DS’s class has 5 TAs who work various days across the week and all received the same gifts as the teacher.

Darcy101 · 21/12/2022 23:13

TheNinthLock · 21/12/2022 11:30

The TA has no impact on your child’s schooling?

I am a TA.
I work with lower ability groups to enable teacher to concentrate on your child.
I take disruptive pupils for a run around the playground to enable your child to continue working undisturbed.
I look over your child’s work and support in class (all children, no matter their ability seek reassurance, guidance, praise from a TA on a regular basis)
I help your child look for their lost water bottle, missing lunch box, misplaced jumper.
I help your child open wrappers and packets at lunchtime.
I wipe the tables in the lunch hall so your child has somewhere clean to sit and eat.
I help your child tie their shoe laces and zip up their coat.
I help your child negotiate playground squabbles and friendship issues.
I listen to your child read.
I cheer on your child during sports competitions and on sports day.
I accompany your child on trips to ensure all have a good time and no one gets lost.
I make costumes and props for your child’s Christmas performance and help them learn their lines and songs.
I admire your child’s artwork.
I am always there for your child.

I don’t want gifts.

I do however want a bit of recognition - I exist. Your child benefits.

Well said.

Fiftyand · 21/12/2022 23:17

WifeMotherWorker · 21/12/2022 10:56

A TA doesn’t have the pressure or expectation to plan, mark, spend evenings in meetings and weekends on school work! I think if the TA or LA is assigned to a child then yes a gift is appropriate. I have only ever given to teachers as the TA have had no impact on my children’s schooling. I think a lot of people feel like this.

You obviously have no idea what happens in your child’s class!

MoreSleepPleasee · 21/12/2022 23:20

My friend recently started as a TA in a primary school. No experience at all and just had to play at being teacher for 4 days when the teacher was off sick and she has the class all day every Thursdays when the teachers doing something else. They work so hard (well, my friend does).

OhIdoLike2bBesideTheSeaside · 21/12/2022 23:25

For Christmas I just sent a hamper to "all staff" this year as opposed to lots of individual gifts to everyone I did a £20 hampers with biscuits and sweets and mince pies then bought the 2 teachers a nice notebook

It's just not do-able in the nursery there's a teacher, 2 HLTA's and 4 TA's thats 7 people

Then my other child's teacher and 2 TA's

Dinner staff
Office staff

Then the childminder - the list just goes on and one it's crazy I've had to cut back a bit unfortunately

justasoul · 21/12/2022 23:28

(Haven’t RTFT yet) YANBU in my opinion but I don’t think it’s common for TAs to be acknowledged… when DD was in primary school, Y1 or maybe Y2, I knitted a couple of scarves for her teacher and TA - the TA actually came out after school, hugged me and had a little cry - happy tears - that I had thought about her… maybe it’s changed in the last few years (DD is in Y9 now) - back to read the thread now to find out

Scrambledchickens · 21/12/2022 23:31

I get equal gifts as I am hugely grateful to both, special needs school and they are absolutely outstanding.

Soproudoflionesses · 21/12/2022 23:39

How ignorant of people to think TA's don't do anything for their child.

Not saying you have to buy them a gift but as if morale isn't low enough, having parents not even registering you exist is awful. Same for office staff, lunch time staff etc

WyfOfBathe · 21/12/2022 23:41

Year 2 DD2 took in equal gifts for teacher and TA.

With DD1 we stopped getting TA gifts from year 5 onwards. In her primary there were 2 TAs between 4 year 5/6 classes and in year 5, DD wasn't even sure what one of them was called. While I acknowledge they probably did have an impact in the background, so did the lunchtime supervisors, cook, first aider, office staff, etc, and you have to draw a line somewhere.

Nimbostratus100 · 21/12/2022 23:42

twelly · 21/12/2022 21:56

I find it hard to believe that TAs are more highly qualified than the teachers in the sphere of teaching. They may well qualified in a different sphere - but the they are working in the education sector.

why do you find it hard to beleive? May TAs are qualified and experienced teachers. Many teachers who want to leave teaching become TAs, many schools ONLY accept qualified teachers as TAs, ( or else people interested in training to teach).

In my area, there will be far more applications from qualified teachers for a TA post than for a teaching post ( for which there is typically no applications....) The competition for a TA post is likely to be far greater, the successful applicant is likely to be better qualified.

As I have said, I have been both a teacher, and a TA, and I was far better paid per hour as a TA

BelleMarionette · 21/12/2022 23:49

I have always gifted to the TA as well, if there is one for the class (same level of gift, it may be different depending on interests). When I did the class collection, I split it equally between the teacher and TAs. It didn't even occur to me that it shouldn't. TAs play a vital role.