There are some professions in today’s world that tend to be somewhat undervalued. The career of a teacher assistant is not among the most popular ones, but it actually offers plenty of opportunities to those who are prepared to seize them. The demand for teacher assistants in the UK and in the London area in particular is continuing to grow. The same trend is observed in the salaries of individuals who have chosen this career path. Furthermore, the requirements for the job are not among the highest.
The teacher assistant has two main jobs to perform. They have to aid the teacher in preparing teaching programs and schedules. They are also responsible for all the secretarial work teachers need done from printing copies to supplying materials for the certain class. In many cases the assistants work as tutors with smaller groups of children. They are either helping students with poor literacy and/or numeracy skills or those who are more advanced by teaching special classes.
The salaries vary from one school to another depending on different factors such as the area and the type of work the assistant has to do. The average salary is around £19,000 per year, but you can expect the remuneration in London to be above £23,000. There are teacher assistants who receive £30,000 per annum. Generally, those individuals who do secretarial work mostly are likely to be paid less than those who tutor students. In addition, the remuneration for part time work is also lower. Still, this should not stop you from securing such a position. This type of work experience is valuable for those applying for full time teaching positions as well as for those wishing to pursue a teaching career.
In recent years the demand for teacher assistants in London has grown significantly for a number of reasons. Thanks to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 more and more people with this profession work in the so called Title-1 schools with students from low income families. Another factor that provides for the increase in the available job positions for teacher assistants is the rise in the number of immigrants coming to the UK with their families. In a large number of cases the children of expatriates have poor or no English speaking and writing skills. They are entitled to full-time education and as a result more assistants are required to help with the teaching process.
You do not need to have special qualifications to become a teacher assistant. You have to have good literacy and numerical skills. The computer and communication skills are highly valued as well. In most cases you are required to have a high school diploma only. However, given the greater job responsibilities involved in the work with immigrant children and ones from low income families, the criteria has increased. Applicants with college education have higher chances of securing a position. Many employers are looking for individuals who speak a foreign language.
When applying for a teacher assistant job make sure to prepare your CV and cover letter in line with the requirements for the position and with those of the employer.