Teaching Assistant Review

The experience was for teaching and so day to day you would shadow a member of staff at the school. You would deal with the lower years, so year 7 & 8, and simply observe whilst acting as a teaching assistant (helping students out who ask for help, hand stuff out, collect stuff in). I was also given the opportunity to run the occasional lesson.

My communication skills have developed a lot. Having to stand in front of large groups of people means you have to adapt to project your voice and appear confident.

I found it very rewarding and enjoyable as you built up an enjoyable relationship with the students you were working with. I also learnt a lot and it made me realise that teaching was the career for me.

I didn't feel all that important in the grand scheme of things, but to the teacher I shadowed and those i interacted with they were all very friendly and polite, and tried to help me out as best as possible.

The programme worked well as I was integrated into the staff quite easily, and adjusted to the work very successfully.

I didn't receive a great deal of support, the occasional message to check in with me that's all.

I received a lot of support as they frequently gave me feedback and advice on the job, and how best to carry it out. It helped me out a lot:

It was unpaid so did not meet my costs. But I have a part time job on the side and live at home so I was able to support myself.

There are quite a few opportunities available. Online i have seen a few apprenticeships with companies like jaguar etc that look quite intriguing.

Yes

Because it is thoroughly enjoyable, and you have the opportunity to learn a lot in the short period of time that you're there.

Make sure you're confident enough to teach a class if you're not sure, and also be friendly and polite and respect the staff there.