The Benefits of Working as a Teaching Assistant Before Teacher Training
Embarking on a career in teaching is an exciting and fulfilling journey, but it can also come with challenges. One of the most effective ways to prepare for a successful career in education is by working as a Teaching Assistant (TA) before beginning a formal teacher training program. This role provides hands-on experience, invaluable skills, and unique insights that will ease your transition into teaching.
Working as a TA or in a similar support role also opens the door to various routes into teaching, with some schools offering direct pathways into teacher training programs following successful placements. Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits of becoming a TA and the potential next steps for progressing into a teaching career.
1. Gain Real-World Classroom Experience
As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll step into the heart of the classroom, supporting teachers with lesson planning, managing group activities, and engaging with students. This hands-on exposure allows you to experience the day-to-day realities of teaching, offering a solid foundation upon which to build during your training.
Why It Matters: This practical experience not only strengthens your understanding of classroom dynamics but also helps you hit the ground running once you begin your teacher training.
2. Develop Crucial Classroom Management Skills
Managing a classroom is one of the most vital and challenging aspects of teaching. Working as a TA allows you to observe and assist in maintaining classroom order, encouraging positive behaviours, and managing disruptive situations. These experiences will equip you with tried-and-tested strategies to confidently handle a variety of scenarios in your own classroom.
Pro Tip: Take note of how experienced teachers balance discipline with empathy and create an environment conducive to learning.
3. Build Meaningful Relationships with Students
One of the most rewarding aspects of working as a TA is the opportunity to connect with students on a personal level. You’ll provide one-on-one support, understand their individual learning needs, and celebrate their progress. These relationships enhance your communication skills, deepen your empathy, and prepare you for the student-focused nature of teaching.
Why It Matters: Strong communication and rapport with students are cornerstones of effective teaching.
4. Learn from Experienced Teachers
As a TA, you’ll work closely with seasoned educators, gaining valuable insights into their teaching methods, lesson planning, and assessment strategies. Observing their approach to instruction and classroom management will inspire your own teaching style and provide you with practical techniques to apply in your future career.
Pro Tip: Treat this experience as an informal mentorship—ask questions, seek advice, and reflect on the practices you observe.
5. Boost Your Resume and Career Prospects
Experience as a Teaching Assistant signals to teacher training programs and potential employers that you’re serious about your career in education. It highlights your commitment, adaptability, and hands-on knowledge of the classroom environment, giving you a competitive edge.
Why It Matters: Many teacher training programs value candidates with prior experience in education, making this role a great stepping stone.
Explore the Routes Into Teaching
Your time as a TA can help you explore and prepare for the many different pathways into teaching. Some schools you work in may even offer you the chance to transition into teacher training directly through their partnerships or internal programs. Here are some of the most popular routes into teaching:
- SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training): SCITT programs allow you to train in a school-based environment, learning on the job while gaining a teaching qualification. Schools often value candidates with prior experience as TAs or Academic Mentors for these roles.
- Teach First: Teach First is a competitive leadership development program that places candidates in schools serving disadvantaged communities. Your experience as a TA demonstrates your commitment to education and strengthens your application.
- University-Led PGCE: Many aspiring teachers pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Your hands-on experience as a TA will prepare you for the practical elements of this training.
- School-Led Training Options: Some schools offer direct teacher training pathways, such as apprenticeships or partnerships with local training providers, to staff who have excelled in roles like TA or Academic Mentor.
- Teach While You Train Programs: Some schools may allow you to train as a teacher while working in a paid teaching role, giving you financial support while earning your qualification.
Why This Matters: Schools are increasingly recognising the value of developing talent internally. A successful placement as a TA or Academic Mentor could be your first step toward a long-term teaching career within the same school or trust.
Other Roles to Enhance Your Experience
Whether as a Teaching Assistant, Academic Mentor, or another school-based role, the experience you gain will be invaluable:
- Comprehensive Insight: Understand the inner workings of a classroom and the broader school system.
- Skill Development: Hone essential skills, including organisation, communication, and problem-solving.
- Professional Networking: Build connections with experienced educators who can guide and support your journey.
- Confidence Building: Develop the confidence to tackle classroom challenges and responsibilities.
- Enhanced Employability: Stand out in applications for teacher training programs and future teaching positions.
Take the First Step Toward Your Teaching Career
At JobsinED, we specialise in connecting aspiring teachers with opportunities that lay the foundation for a successful career in education. Working as a Teaching Assistant, Academic Mentor, or in a similar support role will not only prepare you for teacher training but also make a positive impact on students’ lives.
Working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant is the perfect stepping stone toward a teaching career. Explore our wide range of opportunities and find the ideal role to gain hands-on classroom experience, build skills, and prepare for teacher training.