At Athona, we know Teaching Assistants (TAs) are fantastic – they make a difference both inside and outside of the classroom. That’s why we’ve come up with our top five reasons of what makes them invaluable.
1. You’re the student’s rock – even if they wouldn’t like to admit it.
Working so closely with students on a day-to-day basis means you can build a positive bond that perhaps even the teacher can’t. You may be the only positive contact and reinforcement they have. You may be the vital missing link for an intelligent student who just can’t get their words on the page. Students will open up to you and when they remember you, they will remember that they couldn’t have done it without you.
2. It’s rewarding – and not necessarily in the obvious ways.
It may be that a student finally ‘gets it’. It may be that they actually smile or tell you about their weekend. It may be that they actually write a sentence or tuck in their shirt without arguing. Small steps can mean a whole lot of progress – and we’re not talking about progress based on charts and statistics.
3. The students can teach you.
The newest slang, the latest trend and celebrity news! Students with learning or behavioural difficulties often get stereotyped as being bottom set students who are academically weak. Some are in fact incredibly intelligent and talented, regardless of their academic ability. Whether their interests are in fishing, photography, anime, or politics, the students can teach you a thing or two as well.
4. You’re the teacher’s right hand ‘man’.
As clichéd as it sounds, amazing things can happen when teacher and TA work as one. You see the student in other lessons, with many teachers and different peers and can observe how other strategies work. More importantly, the student sees you working as a team.
5. The gossip.
Whether it’s about the students or teachers, or ex-teachers and ex-students, you’re a great source of information – even if it isn’t always work related!
Are you interested in working as a teaching assistant? Have a look at the current roles we have available, or contact us today:
T: 01277 245840
E: education@athona.com
