Qualities of a good Teaching Assistant
The saying ‘teaching assistants are the backbone of any classroom’ has become a well-known fact in schools today. There is even a National Teaching Assistant Day each year on 16th September to celebrate and thank them for the indispensable work they do. And, it’s really no surprise why.
They provide important support to teachers and dedicate time to pupils making sure each and every one has the support they need to get through each lesson. Schools recognise the importance of a strong relationship between a Teaching Assistant (TA) and class teacher. A successful collaboration between the two will make for better lessons and faster progress through the curriculum.
It’s worth pointing out that at times, you may find yourself referred to under the general title of ‘teaching assistant’ within your school, but you may also be called a classroom assistant, school assistant, individual support assistant, special needs assistant, or learning support assistant. These different job titles have come into effect due to the different types of work which assistants are required to do within the classroom.
Whichever classroom support role you are undertaking, they all require the same qualities to be successful.
Above and beyond
Being a good teaching assistant requires dedication – going above and beyond the job role to help in the classroom and ensuring every child has the support they need. Going the extra mile when helping the class teacher or taking on additional responsibilities will not help you become an efficient TA but also contribute towards your career ambitions.
You can have an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career as a TA but working with children does come with its challenges. Always being one step ahead, having a positive and dedicated attitude will only help you in the long run.
Flexible and adaptable
The needs of every child will differ and so a different approach to each child is needed. As a great teaching assistant, you’ll be able to adapt to how the class teacher provides the lesson. One minute you could be attending to a child individually, the next working in a group or helping with setting up the classroom. So being flexible and able to adapt is really important.
Forward thinking
Being able to forward plan and staying one step ahead will help free up the class teachers who can focus on delivering teaching tasks knowing that things are taken care of behind the scenes.
Ability to communicate effectively
Being able to build good relationships is essential when working as a TA as you’ll be talking to pupils, staff, and parents too. Having the ability to communicate clearly and build a trusting relationship with the students you are supporting will help you develop their educational needs and also allow their parents to feel confident that their child’s development is in safe hands.
Explore CPD opportunities
Anyone who shows commitment to developing and learning will always be at an advantage. Having up to date skills and knowledge is always beneficial and will maximise your impact in the classroom. We offer a range of online CPD courses which are flexible and fully certified by CPD.
Those TAs who engage in training the most are often the best in the business. As such, they are offered the best jobs which can go permanent since schools are always looking for excellent teaching assistants.
Strong literacy and numeracy skills
As a teaching assistant, it is crucial to have strong literacy and numerical skills as they convey the knowledge of reading, writing and arithmetic to younger generations, they do so correctly. But the ability to know it and to explain it are two different things. That’s why, in addition, to knowing, they need to have the communication skills to explain it. That’s what makes the best teaching assistant.
Friendly and approachable
This might seem like an obvious one, but it’s an important one to remember. Think about the impression you might be giving. In order to be a successful TA, you must be friendly and approachable otherwise pupils might not feel comfortable with you which will make them less likely to contribute.
Show your passion
Actions speak louder than words, so whatever task you undertake as a Teaching Assistant, carry it out with pride and let everyone know how passionate you are about your role.
Patience and understanding
These two go hand in hand and extremely important to have these traits. One minute you could be gauging the support required by individual students on a daily basis and the next managing the occasional temper, your ability to diffuse tension will be key.
If you plan on moving up the career ladder and becoming a classroom teacher yourself in the future, having such a hands-on approach will really give you an insight into the world of education and more of an understanding of the everyday life of a classroom teacher.
Remain calm
At times the environment in schools can be stressful and it is easy to get overwhelmed, however, remember to take a deep breath and stay calm. Rather than focus on the negatives of the situation, try to focus on the positives - everything will be okay in the end.
The qualities and traits mentioned above are no different to the ones a teacher or anyone working within a school would need in order to be successful. In fact, it’s worth checking out our tips for teachers being top of the class as there are many useful points you can apply as a Teaching Assistant.
Do you think you would make a good teaching assistant?
Now you know what makes a good teaching assistant, do you think you would suit the role? Here, at TLTP Education, we have a wide variety of teaching assistant roles available and can even help you gain experience through our volunteer days. From Primary TA roles, secondary subject specific roles to SEN roles – we may have the perfect opportunity for you.
Click on the roles below to look at the Teaching Assistant vacancies we have.
Primary Teaching Assistant jobs
