Teaching Assistant

Today I wanted to share something about teaching assistants, even though in Albania we do not have teaching assistants beside the international schools I think that they play a crucial role in a classroom  . Here are some reasons why every classroom needs a teaching assistant. 

1.      They offer one on one support.

 Many children are overwhelmed by packed classrooms and are unable to take things in. And, with a staggering 1 in 5 primary school children unable to read well when they head to secondary school, teaching assistants play a pivotal role in important one on one reading sessions. We don’t need less. We need more in order to tackle what is a major problem.

     2. They provide access for children.

 Many children who wouldn’t have previously been able to access education find that they can with the help of specialized support from an expert. With assistants trained in supporting with physical disabilities, speech and language issues, behavioral difficulties and a range of other conditions, children at a disadvantage have a serious chance. It can’t be an easy job, but many men and women do it day in and day out, usually for an uninspiring wage. They do it to help and to make a difference and they certainly achieve that.

     3. They provide an extra set of eyes.

 Because let’s face it, teachers don’t have eyes in the back of their heads, as much as they like to claim to.

     4. They take some of the pressure off of the teacher.

 A class full of thirty children all needing help during a difficult lesson is impossible ground to cover for one person. Chuck in a TA or two and the load is eased off of the teacher allowing them to focus on what they do best – teaching. Meanwhile, no matter what level of ability children are, they can find support and assistance if they are finding the topic a bit tough. Teaching assistants aren’t just for disadvantaged children or children with special needs. They can be utilised in situations for all students to see the benefit. Your child will enjoy this experience at least a little bit but potentially a lot.

     5. They implement strategies.

 A teacher and their assistant can get their heads together and identify a group of people that need some intervention. Whether it’s a group finding the work difficult and need a helping hand or a group needing a good push because they’re excelling, having someone to take them aside means that there’s less chance of your child being left behind or held back.

    6. They’re friendly and approachable.

Teachers are lovely, wonderful people but given that they are the position of power, they can be harder to approach. Many students find themselves able to confide in the teaching assistant which can only be a good thing.

   7. They help your child find a Eureka breakthrough.

Reading a tough word for the first time, reaching the end of a book or finally cracking a Math problem, that excitement on your child’s face when they explode back into the house with a gold star could be thanks to the TA.

8. They do a lot behind the scenes.

Let’s ditch the rumors of an army of mums helping to read occasionally and clearing up pencils. Teaching assistants train, plan lessons, assess, monitor and report on progress as well as throwing themselves in to school life and getting the best out of your child. 9-3 TA job? Good luck with that one.

     9. Class control.

The prospect of their child being held back because of a rowdy class is the bane of the lives of many parents but assistants can also contribute to classroom control by homing in on those difficult students or helping the teacher implement rules.

    10. They can team teach too.

Children love interactive lessons that are a bit different and are not just the same face lecturing them from the front of the room. Having seen teaching assistants and teachers join forces to deliver exciting presentations, pieces of drama and even singing a song together, I know what a difference it can make in keeping your child focused and enthralled by their learning.

     11. Parents love them.

 Any parent whose child has had significant support from a teaching assistant will understand their value. The gratitude they convey makes the TA’s job more than worth it.

    12. The students will always remember them.

 The TA is more than just a face in the class. For many children, potentially including yours, they are a big part of their life who can have a serious impact on their future. 
   
The Guardian wrote an interesting article for TA , you can find attached below the link .
  https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2015/apr/01/teaching-assistants-classrooms-research-impact

 Thank you :)