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The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

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Original poster

Newish TA with NQT teacher. How can I help her?

16 replies

AgadorSpartacus · 02/07/2014 21:29

I've been working as a TA since September and have just found out where I am next year. I've been put with an NQT and although I'm completely flattered (the Head said they needed someone 'good', who knows the routines and will be supportive) I'm worried that I won't live up to it.

Can anyone suggest how I can be most productive in this situation?

OP posts:

temporarilyjerry · 02/07/2014 21:35

In which year group will you be working?

toomuchicecream · 02/07/2014 21:37

Have a ready supply of chocolate for emergencies.

When I was an NQT my TA bailed me out on more than one occasion with suggestions for what I could teach - she knew the resources (ie textbooks) in the classroom much better than me and she also knew what they'd done the previous year.

Wolfiefan · 02/07/2014 21:40

Secondary or primary?

rollonthesummer · 02/07/2014 21:42

Which year group?

Original poster

AgadorSpartacus · 02/07/2014 21:43

Sorry I forgot to mention. it's year 3.

OP posts:

Original poster

AgadorSpartacus · 02/07/2014 21:44

Chocolate I can do

OP posts:

toomuchicecream · 02/07/2014 22:00

Tell her when she's doing things well. Give her lots of positive feedback, especially when you notice things are getting on top of her. Have a box of tissues handy for when she needs them.

Original poster

AgadorSpartacus · 02/07/2014 22:05

Thanks so much.

Yes I understand. Supportive practically and emotionally. It's going to be a stressful year and the current year 2 are not the easiest class, collectively.

Plus adapting to the new curriculum. It'll be full on.

OP posts:

CheckpointCharlie · 02/07/2014 22:07

My TA is my rock! You sound awesome.

My TA tells me when my flies are undone or my top is too low, she steps in and keeps a child behind for me if they haven't got a concept and then writes me a little note to tell me what she did.

She reminds me about dates and events that I can't keep in my head.
She tidies away all my resources after a lesson and reads my plans to make sure I have everything I need (I get stuff ready but she helps me if I forget something).

She also gives me hugs and tells me if I cock things up.

I sound like a rubbish teacher don't I! I adore my TA and am begging my SLT to let me keep her again next year!

Wolfiefan · 02/07/2014 22:10

If you know about the class then can you meet with her/him to discuss them? Strategies that have worked etc?
Be an ear. Someone to discuss what worked and what doesn't.
Make it clear that they are hard work (not before the first lesson but if things are difficult then reassure the teacher it is not them!)
Smile!

CharlesRyder · 02/07/2014 22:14

I would say tuck away a copy of any resource used in a file. Just in case. #hoarder

Ask if she would like you to mark the lit/ num books of the group you work with each day as you go along (it will just mean looking at it with the child and agreeing what is great and what they could improve- which you will talk about anyway). Marking 6-12 books less a day could make a big difference to her life. You should work with different groups so you won't just be marking one group all the time.

Keep the classroom tidy for her make the kids do it.

Make her tea.

Buttercup27 · 02/07/2014 22:17

I'm an nqt atm with an amazing ta . She's just helped me survive my first ofsted. She stayed late to help me organise, gave me reassuring hugs and told me I was doing great. Every day she helps me stay organised, leaving little notes here and there. She always makes sure I have time for the loo and tells me off when I'm working too late and should be home with my own children. She is my rock and mother hen. If you can think of anyway I can really thank her for her support that would be great (only been in the job 5 weeks)

Original poster

AgadorSpartacus · 02/07/2014 22:20

Ha! charlie you sound like an honest teacher

We've had a twilight today to plan for September based on the new curriculum and we worked as a class team which was nice. I've given her my number and email in case she thinks of anything she wants me to prepare before end of term.

wolfie the current yr 2 teacher was more than willing to fill her in on the class.

OP posts:

Original poster

AgadorSpartacus · 02/07/2014 22:31

I feel that class gets a bad rep as they've had an unsettled year.

I have spent this year with a teacher who is so organised and particular that I feel like I've been spoiledfor any other teacher as we are well matched.

Thankyou so much for your replies. They've really helped. I feel a bit more confident that I'll be useful. She's nervous. She said as much today.

OP posts:

CheckpointCharlie · 04/07/2014 22:22

Well you sound lovely to me, she is lucky to have you!

zingally · 05/07/2014 14:51

Just the fact that you are thinking about this tells me that your new NQT is lucky to have you!

My current TA's (they job share) are both absolutely amazing and have my back 110%! Assure her that you'll always "be on her team". Give her a heads up on the more "difficult" members of staff, and be ready with secret stashes of chocolates. :)

I'm meeting my new TA on Monday - bit nervous!

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