Teaching Assistants are always needed!

Teaching jobs There are usually plenty of opportunities for teaching jobs in the UK. The route to becoming a teaching assistant is open to people with all different types of experience. It's fairly simple to go from another career to becoming a teaching assistant, and teachers from lots of different backgrounds are welcome.

Teaching assistants If you're not sure whether you want to commit to being a teacher, but you still want to work in the education sector, then perhaps a teaching assistant position is best for you. The qualification period is not as long or difficult. Also, it is easier to get a part-time or flexible teaching assistant position, which is ideal for working mothers or those who don't have time for a full-time job.

Teaching assistant positions are also very rewarding. Nowadays, with such large class sizes, teaching assistants are highly valued, as providing extra help for the children that need it and taking pressure off the teacher. As a teaching assistant, your main aim is to provide extra support to the teacher. This may mean that you will be doing a wide variety of tasks, such as providing extra help to children with special needs, helping out with sports, music, or arts and crafts, helping children with reading, etc. You may be helping in the classroom or working with smaller groups of children outside the classroom.

What qualifications do I need? - There are no specific qualifications necessary. You should contact the local school authority to find out their requirements. Experience working with children or in a school is highly desirable. Don't worry if you don't have this experience - you can get this by volunteering at a school.

This is a fantastic career path for those who want to do rewarding and enjoyable work.