The following are the experiences of Mrs H. a qualified teacher who works four days a week as a teaching assistant.

My name is Mrs H, I am a qualified primary school teacher, but I currently work most days as a TA. 

Why did I make the switch from teacher to ta?

There are lots of reasons, some that were deliberate and some that were not. I hope that my experience will help others when considering the same route. 

At college and university, I studied History people often suggested that I should look into teaching. I was initially reluctant until I gained some work experience in a primary school. I loved helping the children and watching their learning journey was so special for me. After this experience I went back to university and looking into applying for a PGCE course.  

My path into teaching wasn’t smooth. I received a conditional offer – I needed a 2:1. However, when my results arrived, I had gotten a 2:2. I contacted the university to see if they would reconsider. It was a hard blow. It took support from my mum - who never takes no for an answer, to decide to complete a master’s course in Education. I completed my masters in 2012 and got started my PGCE in September of that year. 

My experience of supply teaching. 

I passed my QTS tests later into my course (currently you have to pass them before the course starts). As such I signed up to a supply agency and for 18 months I supplied in a wide variety of schools and will all age ranges.  I liked the variety and after a while I built up a bank of schools that I regularly supplied in. The best bit of supply was the variety and meeting new children. The worst bit was the uncertainty. You could get a phone call at 8 o’clock and be told to be in school by half 8 or 9. Looking back I am grateful for the period I did supply work. It helped to build up my resilience as a teacher. The experience you could gain from different teachers and educators was invaluable. 

My own class. 

After this period, I began to have some longer-term employment. I taught at a primary school for 2 terms and then had maternity cover in another school. The members of staff there were so helpful and generous with their time. I also could now begin to complete my NQT year as I had a permanent school. My mentor was firm but fair. My class taught me a lot as well, having a mixed age group was a big challenge but an enjoyable one. By the time I had completed my NQT year I had cemented my love of teaching.

My role as a TA

After this role I took up a position as a TA, it turned out to be a perfect choice for me – I was supporting two students, the teacher of the class was an NQT. We were beginning to find our feet - but then in the October half term my family suffered 2 blows. My father in law died after a very short illness and in the same week my mother was diagnosed with cancer. After a change such as this in my personal circumstances I found that the bonus of being a ta means you can leave at 3:30 if needed. Without the need to plan at home and mark, time out of the school building is truly yours. This was the biggest help during those next few months and helped me to support my family.   

My role changed again in school. I became a general ta four days a week I teach for one day covering PPA. It took my first year in this new role until I found my feet. Today I work as a 1:1 ta in the year 3/4 class and a teacher in reception one day a week. 

I feel I have the best of both worlds at the moment. I don’t have to plan or work from home apart from my one teaching. If I need to go home at 3:30, I can. It allows me to enjoy time at home with my family and friends. 

I always say I was lucky to fall into Ta work; I was in the right place at the right time. It gave me the opportunity to continue working in the environment I love, helping children, but without the added pressure and workload of a full-time teacher.

Would I consider full time teaching again?

I honestly don’t know, but I can say I am happy and lucky to be where I am. 

If you have any questions or would like some advice about becoming a teaching assistant. Please contact us.