Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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.

First Time Teaching Assistant

2 replies

Hime14 · 22/09/2025 17:58

Hello! This is my first post, so I apologise if anything if formatted incorrectly. I'm a recent university graduate, I went through all of school with no gap years so I'm 21 with only volunteering and part time sales work experience. I was recently offered a job as a Teaching Assistant in a high school, but it's my first time both working full time and working with kids. I'm only 21, and I have a huge baby face (as in, I still get children's tickets on the bus!) and I'm worried about the new job. I'm worried the kids won't take me seriously, or I won't be any good at my job. I'm doing this through an apprenticeship, so I do get six hours training a week, but I'm still so nervous. Has anybody else worked as a TA in a high school? What was it like? Do you have any advice for me? Also, what sort of clothes should I wear! I mainly wear colourful dresses and skirts, so I'm having to rebrand my entire wardrobe to be darks and navy's, and much more professional, but I'm not sure what I should aim for. I don't even have a single pair of pants, only skirts, that's how new this is for me! Thank you all so much. ♡

OP posts:
Bluecat7 · 22/09/2025 20:39

You don’t have to have dark and navy clothes! Just perhaps not too casual. Take your lead from the class teacher. Be consistent, watch how things work. You are there to learn, so don’t be too hard on yourself either and ask the teachers for some guidance or in you need it. See where you can be most helpful. You’ll see a massive range of teaching styles and get lots of ideas for how you want to approach your work.

Hime14 · 22/09/2025 20:46

Thank you Bluecat7!! I just always assumed dark clothes were the norm to be professional. I think I'm going to try and get some blouses, long skirts and slacks, maybe some nice fall cardigans since its getting cold! Thank you for responding, you've given me courage! :) I'm going to try my best! ♡

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page