Struggling.

[StrugglingTA]

This could be so outing. I'm struggling and I can't quite put my finger on why. I'm a new TA (since just before Easter). Currently in in EY with a job share. I've found it difficult but I do enjoy it in the whole. I knew that at the end if the year I would be moving class.
I rather stupidly hoped that as I was employed as a class TA I might get an easier year with just one class and one teacher. As it turns out in going to be an additional TA in a class that already has a TA and then provide interventions to get people up to scratch for yr 2 sats.

My confidence is already low and now I feel like I'm really not suited to the job if I'm going to be shoved in a room away from the class. I think I'm feeling a bit tired, a bit over emotional and a bit like I'm not wanted. I've had some very snidey comments made to me as well which have left me in tears this week.

Apparently the SLT are happy with me so why haven't I been given a class? I'm feeling a bit despondent and not at all looking forward to next year .

I will of course give it a go but I just don't think I'll be any good at an intervention role

Surely it's a compliment to be given an intervention role?

How would it be a compliment? Class TA are more favoured and more involved? I'm not seeing it as a good thing, more of a failure on my part. Though i do understand that I'm new and i need experience.

As a teacher my immediate response was you must be good if they are trusting you to do intervention as where l am that would only be done by a trained teacher. So maybe rethink this and get yourself into a different frame of mind. Being positive will mean you do a better job and that will lead to where you want to be.

I'm a teacher and echo the above posts. Intervention is a compliment- take it!

Class TA are more favoured and more involved?
More favoured by whom? The kids? You sound as if you think it's a popularity thing, but chances are you will be trusted to plan individually tailored intervention and build good relationships with kids who really need that extra attention. The teachers obviously think you will be better utilised in this role. You can't always get the fun roles!

Not favored by the children - more the adults!

I hadn't thought about it as a positive thing for me - I think the comments and the digs I've had this week have been playing on my mind a bit. Everyone is tired and the staff room atmosphere is interesting to say the least.

I will try and get my mood sorted - after all I'm there for the children and not myself. I just don't want to let anyone down if I'm not what they think I am!!!

I'm really surprised you don't see this positively- you are bring trusted to work independently with the most complex children. Perhaps the 'digs' are jealousy that you're shining so early on?
End of term is grim and I find I become really over sensitive - try and take it with a pinch of salt and look forward to your new role!

Just to echo what everyone else has said- the really good TAs do the interventions as it's very important. And yes, everyone gets grumpy and stressy in the last few weeks. It's a funny old time of year. The kids are tired and ready to move on and so are we!

My school only gives intervention roles to strong TAs who can build relationships with children who aren't in their class to see everyday.

Have you got a line manager you can talks to about how you're feeling?

Oh dear, this speaks volumes about staff's attitudes towards children with additional needs.

Are the school just leaving TAs to 'babysit' children with additional needs away from the classroom because their needs are not being fully met which causes disruption?

Do you feel you have 'drawn the short straw' because this is what you've being assigned to do?

What about making a difference to these children's prospects?

No they are not left to be babysat at all. We have a programme of interventions that take place across the school every afternoon - and dedicated interventions TA posts.

I think this is more about me feeling that the goalposts have been changed for me after just a few months and that I'm being given a role that I did not apply for ( was also an intervention role advertised at the same time).

Every child deserves a chance to be the best they can be clarity. If I didn't think that then I'd definitely be in the wrong job. I don't do it for the money

I don't do it for the money
Nope, it's usually because it fits in well with having kids at school, or a former teacher stepping down a gear

I can't lie it does fit in well but I was a SAHM before so it doesn't fit as well with family life as that!

Well we have now all been officially told our new roles and I'm the only one that has lost a class. People are muttering about me being 'demoted'.

I feel like shit and really demoralised. I don't want to go in today 😓

Is this the other TAs or all teaching and support staff saying this? It just sounds so bizarre. TAs don't have a class, or a right to a class. They're there to support whichever children the head deems fit, just as teachers are there to teach whoever/whatever the head decides. It sounds such a strange attitude to me!

I echo what other people have said. They don't give Yr2 intervention to just anybody. The SLT must think you're doing a good job!

Thank you. Was a struggle to get through today but I did. It's the other TAs. I'm there for the good of the school. I just didn't realise that they could change your role to something different if you were employed as a class TA.
Any how. I have not the first clue about interventions or how they are run or what I'm supposed to prepare nor has anyone bothered to explain as yet. I like that every day is different but things do get sprung on you at short notice in schools don't they!

I think your main problem is your colleagues. Snide comments and suggestions you've been demoted are ridiculous. I suggest you book an appointment with your line manager 'to ensure you understand the new role' and mention the unpleasantness at the same time.

I agree, speak to management, and be honest, and say that maybe if you were made to feel valued in your new role, you may have a more positive approach to it. Please try and ignore the negativity, but it may be worth asking why your role has been changed and why you are best suited to it.