Starting new job as a TA tomorrow...any tips?

[Subway]

Howdy all.

Tomorrow is my first day in a new, full-time job as a TA in a secondary school, supporting young people with SEN and behavioural /emotional needs.

I haven't worked full-time for the last 6 years (have had part-time work and studied in between stints as a SAHM to two) and feel a bit out of the loop.

Any tips for success? I'm afraid I am having a last minute attack of 'OMG - I can't do this - I am crap and I know nothing - The house is a tip - I will never see the kids - Why am I dong this again?'-itis. Help!

hi, best of luck tomorrow.
Afraid I have no experience of being a working mum to offer, have just gone on maternity leave for first baby so will be grappling with the same issues in the next year.
I have worked a lot with TA's though and they do a fantastic, and sadly sometimes under appreciated, job. I'm sure you will learn lots of the technical stuff along the way but as a teacher I think that a lot of the time students really benefit mostly from just having a supportive, caring adult to give them a little extra attention and encouragement to stop them going off task and getting into trouble or often they are so afraid of failing that they won't give things a try without a bit of help.
I hope it all goes well :)

You'll be fine Subway. Just be prepared for a bit of a shock at the way schools have changed since you were a lass and keep your sense of humour about you at all times!

It's a great job if you've got kids. You get all the holidays off and you don't have to take your work home with you.You'll learn a lot about children that will help you to raise your own. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wish they could bring back corporal punishment but it will never be dull.

Good Luck tomorrow.

You know what, just enjoy it. They wouldn't have hired you if you were not up to it. Good luck! :)