Working with my TA

[PiemareeT]

I am working with the same TA next year and to be honest, she does her own thing all week. She sits with the kids during the lesson time (just about) but any other time she’s doing self directed admin jobs. Whilst this is (usually) helpful and within her job role, it is taken to the extreme and she doesn’t do jobs for me or hear about the plans for the day etc. when I’ve approached directing her more closely before it’s gone down badly and she’s become angry and upset with me (sometimes for days!).

Do you have any suggestions of how to approach things with her in the new year?

That sounds tricky!
Have you tried emailing her your weekly planning each week with her expectations on it and highlighted so she can see in advance what's expected and doesn't feel as if she's being criticised.

I find that TAs can often get asked to do jobs like keeping the reading folder up to date, then get pressure from higher up the school whilst their class teacher doesn't give them enough time to do it...which must be frustrating.

I would suggest giving her some responsibility and use her organizations skills

Agree a timetable /

First 1/2 daily readers
English - sit with X group
Maths assist Y group - give them targets and next steps in what your doing and ask for feedback.
science - Resourses and outcomes needed
Interventions in the afternoons, look at OT, spelling, volcano in my tummy etc and ask for feedback

I think you need to be organised and then allow her the freedoms to sort out her groups.

Glad some schools have class TAs still.
How I wish...
Most TAs in our school work with complex 1:1s and would so love to support interventions, etc.
Back to you op though. She needs to assist not hinder and sulk!
I agree with others. Send her the weekly planning and make sure she is directed there for support/ group work/ interventions, etc. Give her an individual general plan if need be as well to shape her day. Good luck!

I’ve had this situation with so many TA’s over the years. Most don’t want to work with children, preferring to stick things in books or laminate etc. i have now taken to hiding admin work that needs to be done and insist that they support such and such group.

TAs in our school have no time to breathe let alone laminate!
If a TA has the luxury to faff about they need direction...