Would you judge teacher becoming TA?

[MumTeach1]

I’m a secondary school teacher. Since having my own children I’ve been doing supply, but now I’m seriously considering applying for TA jobs. I love working with children and want to be in a school environment.

My concern is will schools look down at me if as an experienced teacher (previously head of the science faculty) I apply for TA roles? I just can’t handle going back to teaching and the stress it caused my family. Money-wise I can cope with the drop in pay that I will get as a TA. I can’t handle the uncertainty of supply teaching. Your thoughts please…..

I think the school will just take advantage and use you as teacher while paying you a TA salary.
100% what my children's school does. They even boast that a high percentage of the TAs are qualified teachers

They'll love you. Many applicants for TA roles have absolutely no experience. Just make sure you don't get taken advantage of.

I don’t see why anyone would look down on you being a TA. Another option could be working as a science technician maybe? That wouldn’t have as much student interaction though, admittedly.

My DS's 1-1 was a qualified teacher (primary) who became a TA for the list 5 years before she retired. She was used as cover for all teachers who were off sick and half the time they would send DS to the class with her (which he hated, we had many tears) and the rest of the time he wouldn't get the help he needed.

Most of the teachers at DC's school are part time. Would that be an option?

Not at all.

A colleague's wife was a teacher. She got so sick of the pressure and stress that she took a job as a TA, and is so much happier. Her only regret is not doing it sooner.

I know lots of people who have done this.

I know lots of teachers who have done this. I think some find it a bit frustrating though.

No, it's quite common, but could you do very part time perm science teacher position? Just cos of Ts and Cs. We have a GP TA, solicitor TA etc.

My sister went from teacher to HLTA after starting a family. They snapped her hand off. No one will judge you.

I am a TA, was a teacher and had 12 years previous teaching experience. I went for a TA role instead of HTLA .I love my job. The money is dreadful though and I’m not sure how much longer the government can get away with not funding proper wages for TAs.

It’s a myth many TAs have no experience or are under qualified.In my large primary school half of us are ex teachers. Several are degree or nursing level qualified. Most have many years experience of working with children in schools or elsewhere.

This. you will absolutely be taken advantage of as an ex teacher.

at one point all TA’s where I work were ex teachers. And that is a large school. Now we have barely any TA’s, none are ex teachers, and the hours and expectations on the workload has increased massively but funnily enough pay hasn’t. They have to be in school almost an hour after the children too.

I did it so definitely wouldn't judge. My school has had several qualified teachers as TAs and I know other schools who have the same.

Who would judge and why?

I taught secondary as a teacher and now teach primary as a HLTA. Started as a TA but took promotion after a little while tot teach my subject area across school and cover POA, amongst other things. The idea is I would get a few years experience in primary and then look for a teaching role but I decided not to for a range of reasons.

I get paid less than I did, and certainly less than I ought to (TAs are really not well paid for what thy do!) but I enjoy my job despite working way more hours than I'm paid to do.

My concern is that you will find yourself being used as an intervention teacher or to cover but whilst being paid TA salary.

There isn't a teacher or headteacher in the country that will wonder why you want to take a step back from teaching, I don't know anyone who doesn't feel overworked and stressed at least some of the time.

I think what you are likely to find is that in any TA job you take you will have extra expectations because of your experience and you might become irritated by the burden of this without the financial renumeration. It might begin with, we're a bit short could you just supervise this class. Most TA's I know are expected to do a huge amount for their very low pay.

Schools have HTLAs to take classes. So don’t go for that role if you don’t want to be doing whole class teaching.

I don’t recognise being taken advantage of at all quite the reverse so I’d say maybe pick your school carefully. We claim for any overtime and it’s all voluntary. Only HTLAs do whole class teaching and it’s all planned and organised for them.

Exactly! I saw this happen at our school.

Just be honest and say that you’re at a period of your life where you want to prioritise your family, but you’re still invested in education hence wanting to keep your skills up to date by working with children in a classroom environment. So many teachers do this. If you can afford to then do it!

Teachers would love to have you and your skills. I think it is completely understandable to opt for a better work/life balance. I have no idea how teachers teach when they have children!

We have a mix of TAs at our school and all are respected for the skills and work they do. If you live in SE London - apply at my school!