Career progression for TA secondary school

[Raeworth]

Hi,
I love working in a secondary school but sometimes feel like a spare part as a TA. Sometimes I'm not needed in lessons-the pupils dont need me and I feel like I want more of a meatier job.

I would love to become a teacher but my degree does not fit neatly into a school subject.

Any ideas really appreciated

Does it have to be secondary? My degree is very much not a National Curriculum subject but I was able to retrain as a primary teacher (PGCE route) when I had a 'midlife crisis career change.'

I'm not sure what the qualification requirements are as regards teaching subjects at secondary level - if your degree really won't 'do,' could you perhaps consider studying for a masters in your preferred subject area instead?

I think it's worth a call to a couple of PGCE/Schools Direct providers to see what they suggest.

Good luck!

Thank you @HarrietDVane- I really like the secondary age. Also I am passionate about English. If I did primary I would have to teach everything.
I will look into the Masters, thank you for your advice.

An hlta course?

I did an English masters, having done a related degree (performing arts...😬) years before. I really enjoyed it. For me, it was only afterwards (when I had started a PhD!!) that I realised I really wanted to teach. I then worked as a TA for a bit and then trained as a teacher. It’s been a complete privilege to be involved in education and work with kids - I’m loving it!
Depending on your degree, some pgce providers offer short courses to get up to speed. Several colleagues did this and found it really helpful.
Good luck and let us know about progress!

@dippyegg32 I will look into that. Thank you

@devoncreamtea thank you for sharing your experience. I do agree, its such a privilege to be part of a child's learning.
I think for now I will ask if I can be part of interventions. I want a bit more responsibility. I will also look at SKE's in English.

I'm starting teacher training in September and am due to start an SKE shortly. I studied something completely different at university but have the relevant A-Level plus a 20 year career behind me in a different, but not entirely unrelated, field.