29 January 2023
The four best reasons to become a special education needs (SEN) teaching assistant
Pathway Education knows all special education needs teaching assistant and SEN learning support officer do an amazing job supporting young people in our partner schools. We are always looking to recruit new brilliant and passionate candidates.
Teaching Assistants and believe TA really stands for (Totally Amazing!)
1. A Rewarding and Fun Working Day!
Making a difference to the lives of young people is a very rewarding working day! As a special education needs (SEN) teaching assistant you will act as a role model for pupils, helping to support them with their academic work, but also to develop socially and foster a love of learning.
The results of your hard work are seen every day in the achievements and progression of the children you work with. The “Eureka” moments are truly special as you support a young person to find a correct answer, or overcome a learning challenge they may face.
No two days are the same, they are fast-paced and fun! Special education needs (SEN) teaching assistant can help across all subjects, school trips and school clubs. The best special education needs (SEN) teaching assistant have patients and empathy and can build positive learning relationships with the pupils and teachers they help support. Days can be challenging when pupils need that extra support managing their behaviour or motivational support to complete tasks, so a good sense of humour and positive attitude will help too!
2. Career Progression
Whilst supporting the development of young people, you can also progress in your own career within the education sector. As you gain valuable hands-on experience in the classroom you can progress into other specialist support positions or even follow a pathway into qualified teaching. By supporting teachers with their lesson plans, leading small groups of pupils, or working 1:1 with a young person with special needs, you can develop the transferable skills and experience to progress in your own career.
Our partner schools will support outstanding candidates with extra training to become a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA). These positions obviously come with more responsibility and a higher salary. There are also potential Pathways to a qualified teaching career as you progress within our partner schools.
3. A Work/Life balance
One of the best things of being a special education needs (SEN) teaching assistant is that you can work in school hours! (Between 8.45am-4pm) This is why the this role is ideal for those with their own family or responsibilities that require an earlier workday finish. There are also regular school holidays where you will not be required at work, so can spend more time with your family and loved ones or pursuing your own hobbies and interests.
4. You Will Make a Huge Difference!
You are helping to create the citizens of the future! You are also helping teachers, parents, and the local community. By working with colleagues to create a positive learning environment and making education accessible to all pupils, you’re making a positive impact on society! Special education needs (SEN) teaching assistant can often be role models and mentors to young people as you can build slightly less formal learning relationships. Happy pupils, that are positive and productive citizens, become valued members of their local area. This can help in their family life, social mobility, respecting the environment or overcoming the many other challenges facing a young person today.
Any qualifications and experience in childcare, youth work, special needs, sports coaching, and play are desirable. Also, basic literacy and numeracy skills, usually GCSE or equivalent in Maths or English.
It takes a “Totally Amazing” person to become a TA!
You’ll need to have the following skills and attributes:
You’ll need to have the following skills and attributes:
- A positive and confident approach to working with young people.
- The ability to motivate, inspire and build positive learning relationships.
- Creativity, patience, resilience, empathy, and a good sense of humour.
- A genuine concern for pupil safety and well-being
- Respect for diversity, as you’ll be supporting a range of pupils from all backgrounds
- Strong communication, organisation, and team-working skills
If you are looking for a career in special education needs (SEN) teaching assistant or SEN learning support officer register with Pathway Education today. Alternatively email candiate@pathwayeducation.uk