Instincts and Advice From a Teaching Assistant
12 Mar, 20241-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- About the expertise and experience of a Teaching Assistant.
- Gain insight into the education sector and learn valuable lessons from a Teaching Assistant.
- How to find and apply for the best Teaching Assistant jobs.
We recently sat down with Shafoon, a Teaching Assistant with a desire to make a difference, to discover more about her responsibilities, top tips and plans for the future.
After over 20 years working for an online shopping service, and then caring for her father with Alzheimers, Shafoon decided it was time for something new. On a whim, she applied for a Teaching Assistant job and has never looked back since.
Throughout this insightful interview, you will get an inside look into the roles and responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant and how Spencer Clarke Group helped her find her perfect role.
Tell us about your career journey so far Shafoon
Originally I worked for a company called Studio for over 20 years dealing with customers who were struggling to pay their accounts and helping them to set up a direct debit. My general office duties included sending emails and photocopying etc.
After 20 years, I decided that I wanted a change. I knew that I wanted to challenge myself and that I wanted to make a positive difference to someone else. I helped my mum look after my dad who had suffered from Alzheimers since I was a teenager. I really enjoyed it, even with all the challenges it brought - although I’ve got to admit, it was hard at times.
I’ve got so much to give and believe you can overcome anything if you really put your heart and soul into it. Since I'm a single parent, I have that parental instinct to help people and wanted a job that reflected that. I believe that everyone deserves love and respect and if you can make that difference – big or small – in someone's life, wow what an awesome achievement. This inspired me to become a Teaching Assistant.
I later saw a job vacancy for a Teaching Assistant role and applied for it. I had studied Health and Social Care at college, volunteered to work in a school for two weeks, and previously worked with teenage kids for a month and really enjoyed it.
What does your role consist of?
My job role is to work 1 to 1 with a young boy in year 4 who has behaviour issues. I assist and support him by encouraging him to achieve his potential, nurturing him and just generally being there for him.
How do you keep up-to-date with changes in the education industry?
I tend to keep up with all the changes via the government education hub and blogs.
What’s the most valuable lesson that you’ve learned in your career?
Being patient is the key to getting closer to your goals and is the most rewarding. Children pick up on bad atmospheres and can say and do all sorts. Teaching staff need to be patient, be able to rise above it and be a good person. You need to be able to handle uncomfortable situations and be patient, no matter what obstacle is in your way.
It’s also important to be consistent and able to adapt to any situation as things can always take a turn unexpectedly. Always be prepared for a challenge!
What is your favourite aspect of your role as a Teaching Assistant?
My favourite part about being a Teaching Assistant is making a difference in someone's life and especially having a positive impact on a child’s life. You can inspire them to become a better person and impact their achievements. I love being able to encourage children to achieve their life goals no matter what.
What advice would you give to anyone considering a career in education?
A career in education is very rewarding and definitely requires hard work, but if you give yourself a chance and love helping young people, this is the position for you!
What’s next for you?
I just want to continue to make a difference in people’s lives. Even if you think it's nothing or just something small, you don’t realise the impact you could have now or in the future.
What was your experience of using Spencer Clarke Group’s services to find a Teaching Assistant job?
Spencer Clarke Group has amazing benefits and is an efficient recruitment agency! They offer an amazing experience and go to any odds to help you out. The staff are polite and on the ball. They keep you updated via email or phone calls, and help you with any queries you may have. You can access all sorts of benefits such as shopping vouchers*. But most important of all, they are very supportive and successful. *By making a successful referral.
Become a Teaching Assistant
If you think this sounds like the role for you, check out the latest Teaching Assistant jobs currently available, or upload your CV and we will be in touch to notify you when a relevant opportunity becomes available.
We work with hundreds of SEND and mainstream schools, predominantly in the North West area, so why not get in touch to see where your career could lead today?
If this interview was useful, you might also like these blogs:
- Teaching Assistant handbook.
- What questions do they ask in a Teaching Assistant interview?
- Interview with a Teaching Assistant.
- How do Teaching Assistants support schools?
Struggling to recruit Teaching Assistants?
As leading education recruiters for mainstream and SEND schools, we can connect you with some of the best and most empathetic supply Teaching Assistants in the North West!
If you’re struggling to fill a Teaching Assistant role, why not get in touch with our Managing Consultant Jamie Heath on 01772 954200 to discover how we can help?
Share your experience
Every individual brings a unique set of experiences, thoughts, and insights to the table. We believe in giving a voice to a community of professionals to inspire positive change and champion reform in the education sector.
If you work in the education sector and would like to share your own personal and professional experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Perhaps you have a different perspective, could offer a fresh angle, or want to challenge assumptions.
Simply reach out to our Head of Content, Nicole Sherwood, to discuss a collaboration which makes your voice count.
Meet Jamie Heath
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Since 2017 we have been committed to finding clients outstanding individuals for their team and helping candidates secure a fulfilling job position. We have a wealth of expertise across eleven different specialisms and we are on hand to assist with every stage of the recruitment process.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
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