10 Tips to Start the New Academic Year Right!

The start of a new academic year can feel overwhelming. You're dealing with new students and new challenges, while trying to maintain a work-life balance. However, with a few simple tips, you can kick off the new academic year right and give yourself the best chance of success. Whether you're a new teacher or an experienced educator, read on for our top 10 tips to start the academic year on the right foot.

1.       Set goals and intentions: It's important to set goals for the academic year. What do you hope to achieve? What are your priorities? Write down your goals and intentions and keep them in a visible place as a reminder of what you're working towards.

2.       Get organised: A cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind. Take some time to organise your workspace, your lesson plans and your schedule. Use a planner or online tools like Google Calendar to keep track of all your tasks.

3.       Prepare your lessons in advance: Planning and preparing your lessons in advance means you'll be less likely to feel stressed or overwhelmed when it comes time to teach. Make sure you're familiar with the curriculum, have all the necessary materials and are fully aware of the learning objectives.

4.       Get to know your students: It's important to get to know your students as individuals. This means learning their names, their interests, and their learning styles. Take the time to build relationships with your students, and create a positive and welcoming classroom environment.

5.       Be flexible: No matter how well you organise your day, things don't always go to plan. Be prepared to be flexible and adaptable, and always have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.

6.       Build a support network: Teaching can be a lonely job, so it's important to build a support network of colleagues, friends, and family. Reach out to other teachers for advice and support, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

7.       Prioritise self-care: Teaching can be demanding and tiring, so it's important to prioritise self-care. This means making time for exercise, hobbies, and relaxation, and avoiding burnout by taking time off when you need it.

8.       Keep up to date with professional development: Professional development is crucial for keeping your skills and knowledge up to date. Attend conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and stay up to date with the latest research and best practices in your field.

9.       Set boundaries: As a teacher, it's easy to get caught up in work and forget about other aspects of your life. Set boundaries around your work hours, and make sure you're making time for your personal life, friends, and family.

10.   Celebrate your successes: Last but not least, it's important to celebrate your successes. Whether it's a successful lesson, positive feedback from a student or colleague, or achieving a personal goal, take the time to recognise and celebrate your achievements.

Starting the new academic year can feel challenging, but with these tips, you can set yourself up for success. Remember to set goals, get organised, and prioritise self-care and professional development. Build relationships with your students and colleagues, and don't forget to celebrate your successes along the way.

How to become a SEN Teaching Assistant?

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.

If you are interested to find out more about teaching assistant role and request a call or upload your CV, please press the button below.