How to get into teaching

Maybe you want to go into teaching because of a Teacher who left a lasting, positive impression on you. A survey carried out by The Guardian shows that 29% of new Teachers got into education because of a great experience in their own education.

One of many ways you can get into teaching is by becoming a Teaching Assistant.

Teaching Assistants support every factor in a school; from teachers and students, to the school itself and the curriculum that they offer. But their main responsibility is to help children with their educational and social development throughout their school years, both inside and outside the classroom.

Each school will set their own requirements for Teaching Assistants, including which qualifications and experiences are necessary, these are usually at the discretion of the Local Education Authority (LEA).

You can be employed by any educational establishment, including nurseries, primary and secondary schools, colleges, and sixth forms.

Sometimes Teaching Assistants will have specialisms e.g. speaking an additional language, or numeracy or literacy. These skills are used to support children who speak English as a second language, or who struggle with dyslexia or numbers, making the Teaching Assistant a crucial figure in the classroom for one-to-one, granular development.

Before you can start working with children, you are required to undergo an enhanced background check which will be carried out by the school through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to check for any criminal record.

Are you looking to become a Teaching Assistant? e-Careers offer a range of online Teaching Assistant Courses, as well as multiple CPD courses to aid your professional development.