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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.

How do I ace this job interview? TA at an IB school - PYP

7 replies

QuintessentialShadow · 20/10/2016 23:11

It is a dream job. 60% position so a little more than strictly part time.
It is an IB international school (overseas)

I have never worked in education, I have taught adult language courses, and I have been a parent helper in my dc schools.

I think my positive sides are the following:
Good English from living in London (and teaching is in English)
I am a mum to a 14 and an 11 year old
I know from being a parent UK primary and secondary education, local primary and secondary education
I have international experience
I have various degrees from UNI
I have plenty work experience and professional courses

How do I convince them I am serious about a career change and that I will be their dream PA (after decades in business doing finance and marketing related work)

OP posts:
monkeysox · 22/10/2016 07:04

Ta or pa?

It is part-time. Anything less than full time is described as part time.

They would not waste time interviewing you if you didn't have skills and experience they're after.

Good luck

Lilaclily · 22/10/2016 07:12

Meet all the criteria on the job spec with clear examples to get an interview first Smile

TheFallenMadonna · 22/10/2016 07:14

Are you familiar with the IB learner Profile? I would link that to your experience.

Fourmantent · 22/10/2016 09:04

Think of all the questions they are likely to ask, write them down and then get someone to give you a practise interview.

QuintessentialShadow · 23/10/2016 21:55

Thanks for replies.

Teaching Assistant.
I looked at the learner profile, and I think it looks very interesting, I will think of ways of linking my experience - great because I have never been a TA before.

I have the interview at 9 am tomorrow morning, so I am a little nervous! Worried about what to wear as well!

I had a sort of practice interview over the phone with my cousin, who is a teacher. We were talking about my strenght and weaknesses and how to show my values correspond with school values.

OP posts:
Avebury · 23/10/2016 23:52

What country are you in and what age group would you be working with?
In general I think a TA needs a combination of initiative and willingness to be directed but also just common sense and confidence.
Good luck

QuintessentialShadow · 25/10/2016 19:55

I did not get it.
But I feel that I did a good interview. Just not good enough.

Turns out it is a full time position, from 7.30 in the morning till end of the school day. It is just calculated as 60% due to the grade being "office worker", but having holidays the same length as teachers, so.... It is Norway, so works a little differently here. I cant do full time anyway, as I am alone, and I also study two full days per week.

The HT looked at my uni education, and said it would be unwise to settle for a TA position in primary years when I was just some 18 months off being a qualified teacher for secondary level. She felt it would be difficult to combine work and studies, and she said she rather see me again as a teacher in a few years time.

So, that is what I will do, continue focus on my studies (and my other part time work) and ensure I can as quickly as possible "get out there".

I am also registered for bank work now, which is a start and will give me some experience.

OP posts:
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