Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Education

Join the discussion on our Education forum.

Original poster

Calling all Teaching Assistants....actually calling Everyone On MN would be good. I need your help.

30 replies

LadyTophamHatt · 27/04/2006 17:29

I'm filling in my appilcation for Teaching Assisatnt course staring in sept and I need to answer the "why do you want to be a teaching assistant" question.

well the main reason is because it's a job that will give me school holidays off and is in school hours but I can't put that.

It's only a small section, I'll prooabaly fit 50 word max in the space but I'm just stuck.

I've been helping out at school recently and I know it's the right thing to do. The kids seem to like me (got 2 pictures today with "I Love you" from the kidsGrin), The teacher complimented me today on how I handled the literacy exercise with my group so I think I'll be good at the job. And I've already been asked where I worked with children before because "i'm a natural" with them...I haven't worked with children before, only my own!!

Help me, oh wonderful MNland....

OP posts:
Marina · 27/04/2006 17:32

Errr....

  • you are contributing to children learning without being a teacher yourself
  • you are helping a teacher make classroom learning a happy experience
  • you have been helping out at school, loved it, and received very positive feedback from adults and children

Best of luck, lovely job I think

nutcracker · 27/04/2006 17:35

LTH, how many hours a week are you doing at the school ?? Do you have to do a certain amount to do the course ?

Original poster
LadyTophamHatt · 27/04/2006 17:48

Nutty, it says I have to do 2 or3 sessions per week for the duration of the course. It's NVQ level 2 (I wanted to do level 3 but I have to be a TA to do that one) and is 16 weeks long. The actual lectures are only 2.5 hours once a fortnight. are you thinking of doing it to?

Not sure how long a session has to be yet, will be finding out tomorrow at the enrolment day.

Thanks Marina, will use the positive feedback bit for sureGrin

OP posts:
gladbag · 27/04/2006 18:11

This is pasted from the 'learning direct' website....

To be a teaching assistant you should:

* enjoy working with children and be interested in education
* treat children and parents from all social and cultural backgrounds with respect
* be able to build good relationships with children, their parents and carers, and with teachers
* be able to work well under the supervision of a teacher and enjoy working as part of a team
* be willing to be flexible and creative
* have good literacy and numeracy skills
* have a responsible attitude
* be patient but firm when necessary
* have lots of energy.

Other skills such as computer literacy or fluency in community languages may be an advantage for some jobs.

Could you turn some of these statements into 'I have experience of...', 'I really enjoy' and 'I would like to...', and try to include direct experience and examples of the volunteer work you've already done in the classroom? HTH

Original poster
LadyTophamHatt · 27/04/2006 19:54

any more suggestions....
Read all that gladbag and it's stumped me even more.

It's such a teeny weeny space I don't know whether to write something that I want to write or something I think THEY want to write IYSWIM...

OP posts:
SenoraPostrophe · 27/04/2006 19:57

just reword what you said in your op: that you have really enjoyed your time helping out, and that you think you'll be good at it. that's all they need to hear really.

good luck with the app btw!

robinpud · 27/04/2006 20:11

If you need more inspiration and some of those buzz phrases, you can crib them from these "stories" on the teaching website \link{http://www.tda.gov.uk/Recruit/lifeasateacher/teachersstories/talentdesousa.asp\here}

drosophila · 27/04/2006 20:18

How about saying something like:

I am applying to become a teaching assistant because I have the skills to perform well in the role. I excel at motivating children and get a great sense of satisfaction at seeing results of my work. I work well under supervision and as part of a team.

That's about 50words...

drosophila · 27/04/2006 20:21

Rethink -waste of worsa saying I am applying.....

I have the skills to perform well in the role. I am flexible, patient and work well under pressure. I excel at motivating children and get a great sense of satisfaction at seeing results of my work. I work well under supervision and as part of a team.

Original poster
LadyTophamHatt · 27/04/2006 20:36

I like those dropsilla, and they have given me this idea....

I have always been able to communicate well and build a good rappor (how do you spell that???) with children of all ages. Now that my children are older it seems the perfect opportunity to put my "natural abilities" to good use in the education system with them.

It s that straight forward and honest or boring and dull

OP posts:
SenoraPostrophe · 27/04/2006 20:38

Grin rapport

SenoraPostrophe · 27/04/2006 20:39

it is straightforwrd and honest imo. I take it you are mentioning the volunteer work elsewhere on the form though? if not can you squeeze it in?

Original poster
LadyTophamHatt · 27/04/2006 20:39

Ha...I thought it was wrong, DH's fault

rappor if the bloody coffee, isn't it!

OP posts:
Whizzz · 27/04/2006 20:40

I'm doing the Level 2 BTEC distance learning course at the mo - just on Module 2 !!
I like that last phrase !!

'Empathy with children' always seems to crop up a lot !

Original poster
LadyTophamHatt · 27/04/2006 20:43

yes on a question about what training have I had I've written

No official training, however the voluntary work I do has given me a good insight into the classroom environment and all it's "workings"

again, it's very tiny space to "workings" covers alot!

OP posts:
Original poster
LadyTophamHatt · 27/04/2006 20:55

Ok..it's done.

wish me luck for tomorrow.

OP posts:
gladbag · 27/04/2006 20:58

Sorry if I confused matters earlier...didn't realise you were so short on space.

Thought your statement sounded great - simple and to the point.

Good luck with the application Smile

Whizzz · 27/04/2006 20:59

Best of luck - keep us posted !

Original poster
LadyTophamHatt · 28/04/2006 13:29
OP posts:
Original poster
LadyTophamHatt · 28/04/2006 13:35

men= mean

OP posts:
Original poster
LadyTophamHatt · 28/04/2006 20:13

bumping this because I know you all want me tooWink

OP posts:
fullmoonfish · 28/04/2006 20:26

when will you hear if you've been accepted?

unpaidcleaner · 28/04/2006 20:31

Can i be rude and ask how much you'll get paid for the job. Term time only work, sounds good, just wondering if it's something i could do..what's the salary?

Original poster
LadyTophamHatt · 28/04/2006 20:33

Hmmm, thats the bit they were a bit vague about to us.

I assume, as we have to pay for it, we are accepted simply by appling for the course.

She said they only contact us now if there's a problem with the test result.

OP posts:
Original poster
LadyTophamHatt · 28/04/2006 20:35

TBH I have no idea what the salary is.
ShockBlush

OP posts: