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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

Anyone gone from being a teacher to a TA

18 replies

hels71 · 11/05/2019 20:38

So, i currently work 1 full day and 4 mornings as a Year 5 teacher.
I have been advised that from September the school can offer me 3/4 day a a PPA teacher and the rest of the week as a TA.
Obviously this is a huge pay cut...but presumably a huge workload cut...
So, is it worth it?
Jobs in this area are few and far between and almost all want NQTs. I have been teaching for 22 years, 13 in my current school.
I am all of a dither as to what to do. anyone got any words of wisdom for me?
The paycut will make finances tricky but not totally impossible and i certainly can not afford to have no job..

OP posts:

AppleKatie · 11/05/2019 20:44

Eh? They’ve just said they are demoting you? Surely they can’t just decide that for you?

Original poster

hels71 · 11/05/2019 20:50

Well, basically they have said I can do the 3/4 of a day as PPa and the rest as TA or not have a job...

OP posts:

Theworldisfullofgs · 11/05/2019 20:56

What does your contract say?
If your job is not there then they should offer you redundancy, surely?
It's not a like for like job....often in a situation like this they might be able to change your job, if you agreed but would have give you protected pay.
Are you in a union?

TreadingThePrimrosePath · 11/05/2019 21:01

It sounds illegal. I know 5 different teachers who choose to work as TAs and occasional supply cover for which they are paid as teachers, but it was something they chose, not imposed on them.
You might consider asking what redundancy package they will offer you, and certainly get advice from your union. Is it a state school?

Original poster

hels71 · 11/05/2019 21:03

It is a state school...

OP posts:

shatteredandstressed · 11/05/2019 21:06

Are you a supply teacher because if you're contracted (13 years) I don't think this sounds legal. Are you in a union?

Theworldisfullofgs · 11/05/2019 21:08

Constructive dismissal?

Chilledout11 · 11/05/2019 21:10

Wouldn't that be very strange to work as both teacher and TA? Would you end up taking more responsibility than a typical TA? Just be careful

StickOfRhubarb · 11/05/2019 21:10

That’s outrageous! Whether you are a supply teacher or not.

I certainly wouldn’t want to be a TA somewhere I was a teacher as well. They are going to expect you to be a teacher but they aren’t going to pay you.

Elpheba · 11/05/2019 21:13

Agree it sounds like a demotion which they can’t do like that. So definitely talk to union...
If you do go for it, with a generous redundancy package I would think?! Then being PPA is very different but ok. Some people hate not having a classroom/base but I quite liked the variety when I did it. Definitely less workload with planning but they might have you in regular slots and then expect you to plan those? And you are normally expected to mark what they’ve done with you too which can mean having to squeeze it all in as not easy to take books away. Lots of questions to ask them and your union I think.

ShinyRuby · 11/05/2019 21:13

That doesn't sound right, I know a few teachers who have become TAs but that was their own choice & never at the same school where they had been a teacher. It certainly shouldn't be your head teacher's choice. Yes it will be a reduced workload but an awful lot is expected of TAs & the fact that you ARE a teacher could lead to you still being expected to do teacher's duties while on TA pay. Definitely speak to your union.

Original poster

hels71 · 12/05/2019 11:02

I have a feeling my contract has always just been for a year at a time, just it's always been renewed so I expect I have not got a leg to stand on...

OP posts:

DippyAvocado · 12/05/2019 11:05

It's my understanding that if you have been working on the same contract terms for more than two years you are entitled to the same rights as a permanent member of staff. Do you have a union you can contact?

tam23 · 12/05/2019 11:07

After four years of rolling contracts you are entitled to redundancy pay if your job no longer exists. Do talk to your union.

LittleAndOften · 12/05/2019 11:08

Please talk to your union. If you're not in one you can join now and still get help. They have legal teams and are experts on contracts. You have rights. Don't just roll over and accept this without fighting your corner, and don't assume school have your best interests - they really don't.

PotteringAlong · 12/05/2019 11:10

Talk to your union. As a PP says, after 4 years of rolling contracts you are entitled to redundancy pay. They can’t just decide this is happening.

shatteredandstressed · 12/05/2019 11:43

Just to reiterate: join a union now if you're not already a member. Good luck, this is not right.

Original poster

hels71 · 12/05/2019 14:10

I am in a union. I had not thought of contacts by them....I know I am a numpty! Thanks for the advice!!!

OP posts:

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