Thinking of looking for a TA job

[friendlessme]

I used to be a primary teacher. I don’t want to go back to it but wondering what working as a TA would be like. Has anyone done this? Would I find it difficult being in a classroom but not being the teacher or would it be some of the fun bits without the added stress? I just want a job I can leave and not have to worry about until the next day. I know it is crap pay and still hard work.

My friend (teacher) works as an HLTA and covers classes so gets to do the good bit (teaching) without the crap bit (everything else) so she still has a teaching role effectively, the pay is dreadful though - and the school is getting a VERY good deal out of it!

I'm a cover supervisor (was a TA) and love it. It's mostly behaviour management half the time but I feel like I get the good bits without the shit that goes with teaching. The pay is appalling though and I barely get time to go for a pee as I usually cover all registrations and all lessons as well as doing interventions in lunchtimes. My school certainly get their pound of flesh.

If you can manage on the money then go for it. I've been a TA for about 10 years now, I'd never go back to being a class teacher.

Thanks for your replies - the money is a definite con but I’m so sick of the pressure of teaching. And feeling like a performing monkey all the time!