Becoming a TA?

[HakunaM]

Are there any TAs on here that might be able to help me with the path to becoming one?

I'm 40, have a good uni degree and have been working in various private and public sector roles for the past 19 years.

I think I'd like to be a TA - I'd like to be a teacher but I don't think the work life balance would work for me. I have primary school age children and a sibling with special needs who I help look after. My parents also need more and more help as they get older.

I think people might say 'get some classroom experience first to see if you like it' which is very sensible but I work FT at the moment so would have to resign to do this. Before I do I'd like to know as much as possible about the route into becoming a TA (is additional education essential) and what it's really like. Can you actually work just school hours? Is it easy to find a job? Do you enjoy your work?

Thank you

It can be highly skilled work but there is little status to the role and you'll often get looked down upon by a variety of people both in school and out.

I love my job to bits but this is unfortunately true. Most people I work with are fantastic but have run into those who look down on you. The problem is theirs and not ours. I have a good degree but still needed at least a Level 3. The school I work in is fantastic and as PP have said the money may be shit but the job itself can be incredibly rewarding. I worry constantly about cuts but wouldn't change my job or place of work for the world.

I agree my salary is better than most. But at my school TA's are extremely well respected and valued. I don't think anyone has ever looked down on me for being a TA.

There are several LSA's who don't earn as much but their hours are shorter and they are not expected to plan anything.

The worst thing about my job is constantly feeling shit about not having enough time to do everything you want/need to do for the children who need it the most. I've also spent a fair bit of time this summer worrying about some of the kids and how their parents are coping over the summer and if they are getting enough to eat and are safe.

Good luck if you decide to go ahead.

After tax, NI, pension etc my take home pay is just over £1300 a month

That is good-you are lucky, no TAs in our area are on that or those sort of hours. My friend left teaching as it was too stressful and took on a ‘full time’ TA role a few years back. The ad was rather misleading with the pro rata/full time pay and she took home much less than she had thought. I think it was about £700 a month.

Thank you again for all these very helpful insights. I hope I didn't give the impression of underestimating the job when asking if a specific qualification is needed, I just wondered whether it would be possible or even preferable to start getting classroom experience straight away.

I've found a couple of people working in local schools to chat to over the coming weeks so it'll be interesting to hear what they say. I am interesting in working with children with SEN but it is sad to read the resources are so limited.