Join the class of 2018
You could be an inspiration to youngsters as an assistant in their classrooms
DO YOU have a passion for learning, an interest in education and a desire to help young people succeed?
If so, working as a classroom assistant could be the ideal job for you if you have a good level of literacy and numeracy skills.
It’s a role that is both challenging and rewarding and one that could make a difference to a child’s life.
THE LOWDOWN
The main purpose of a classroom assistant is to work alongside and support a teacher in a learning environment.
It’s a job that is more important than ever due to bigger classrooms and staff shortages.
You could work in a nursery, primary school or secondary school and will mostly provide tailored support to pupils on a one-to-one basis or in small groups.
This will involve working with pupils across a range of abilities, possibly including those with special educational needs or who don’t have English as a first language.
You will be responsible for motivating and encouraging students and monitoring their progress.
Other duties are likely to include preparing the classroom for lessons and clearing up afterwards, and marking and correcting work.
The role will mostly be classroom based but may occasionally involve working outside the classroom environment, such as assisting on school trips.
It’s a job that can be hugely rewarding but it’s not without its challenges, especially when dealing with misbehaving children!
Personal attributes needed include patience, enthusiasm, good communication skills and a responsible nature.
THE PAY
The starting salary for classroom assistants is usually between £11,000 and £15,000 for entry-level positions.
With more experience, earnings could rise to about £21,000.
You’ll be required to work typical school day hours, during term-time, from Monday to Friday if it’s a fulltime position.
In some cases, classroom assistants will be required to work additional hours outside classroom time, such as attending parents’ evenings.
THE TRAINING
Unlike teaching, you don’t need a degree to be a classroom assistant.
You will need to demonstrate a good standard of reading, writing and numerical skills, while previous experience working with children may be required for some positions.
A course in a relevant subject – such as NC Early Education and Childcare or NQ Playwork and Childcare – could also boost your job prospects.
THE CONTACTS
Scottish Qualifications Authority, www.sqa.org.uk
Education Scotland, www.education.gov.scot
Learning and Teaching Scotland, www.ltscotland.org.uk