Teaching Assistant Work

[Jellybeanlovehearts]

I have experience as an MDS and also relief and fixed term TA work. However, I failed to secure a permanent position at my school. It seems the roles keep going to qualified teachers. Fair enough I suppose but where does it leave me a qualified TA2 but not an actual teacher? Granted, it was my first ever TA interview so it was unlikely I would get it but I am now wondering whether I should keep pursuing this as it left me heart broken and really disheartened. If I am going to continue I am going to have to develop a thick skin and resilience. Lots of qualified teachers in the area are applying for these TA roles. I currently have over 6 months TA experience and have worked with all age groups in primary.

Granted, it was my first ever TA interview
I mean this gently, but, yes, you do need a thicker skin. TA jobs are hotly contested (as are most school hours roles) so you did well to get an interview. See that as a positive, not a reason to give up.

I currently have over 6 months TA experience and have worked with all age groups in primary.
Whereas the teachers (and experienced TAs) will have much more than six months’ experience and will have worked for extended periods with different groups of children.

Chin up. Best foot forward. Keep applying for jobs and gaining more experience.

Thank you, I know you are right and ultimately they have to do what is best for the children and the school. I will have to keep trying and gain more experience.

It must be hard for TAs this year because teacher recruitment it really bad. Lots of trainees, plus trainees from last year who didn't secure teaching jobs due to Covid, all competing for fewer jobs than usually because of COVID. I've heard lots of trainees are going to TA jobs because they can't secure a teaching position. Which must then make it harder for TAs to get the TA jobs when going against qualified teachers. Rubbish year for all! Keep going and maybe next year will be better?

You might want to consider secondary rather than primary. I think jobs are easier to come by and once you have gained some experience there, the primaries will snap you up. Have a look at school websites for jobs and complete some on-line free courses - have a look at the Open Uni.