If you are a parent, family member, or friend of a child with learning difficulties, you know how rewarding it is to see them make progress, overcome challenges, and succeed. But did you know that you could turn this passion into a career as a teaching assistant (TA) in the special education needs (SEN) sector? This article will take you through the role of a teaching assistant, take you through the steps involved in becoming one, and explain how you can apply for a job in SEN sector.
Role and responsibilities
As a teaching assistant, you will work closely with the classroom teacher to provide one-to-one or small group support to children who need extra help. This may involve adapting teaching materials, supervising students during lessons, assisting with classroom management, and helping with personal care. The role comes with its challenges, but it is also extremely rewarding if you want to help children thrive in their education. If this sounds interesting to you, here’s how you can start your career in SEN:
Step 1: Gain Experience in SEN Sector
To become a teaching assistant in the SEN sector, you’ll need to have some experience working with children with learning difficulties. You may already have some experience through supporting a family member or friend. If not, you could consider volunteering with local charities or organizations that support children with special needs, completing a work placement or apprenticeship. This will give you a chance to work with children and learn about the various strategies and approaches used to help them learn.
Step 2: Research Training and Qualifications
To work as a teaching assistant in the SEN sector, you’ll need to have certain qualifications and training. These will vary depending on the school or organization you work for and the specific role you’re applying for. Generally, you’ll need to have a minimum of a Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools or an equivalent qualification. You may also need to have additional training in areas such as autism, behaviour management, or speech and language therapy.
Step 3: Apply for Jobs
Once you have gained some experience and qualifications, you can start looking for teaching assistant jobs in the SEN sector. The first place to start is to search for vacancies within schools or educational organizations or simply contact our team to get full support in the process. Give us a call on 0203 011 0044 to find out more about current opportunities.
Step 4: Attend Interviews
When attending interviews, be prepared to answer questions about your knowledge of SEN education, talk about your experience, qualifications, and ability to adapt to different learning needs. You may also be asked to provide examples of how you have supported children with SEN in the past and explain how you would approach specific scenarios. Show that you are passionate about working with children with SEN and are committed to helping them to achieve their full potential.
Becoming a teaching assistant in the SEN sector is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can gain the experience, qualifications, and skills needed to work in this sector. Your passion for helping these children will make a significant difference in their lives and lead to a long and fulfilling career as a teaching assistant.
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