What working as a teaching assistant in a SEN-School has taught me

Whether as a graduate you are thinking about a career as a teacher, banker, civil servant or any other profession that requires a level of responsibility and leadership, then the experience that you can gain working as a Teaching Assistant is invaluable. If, like myself, you have recently graduated and want to develop your skills, experience, and CV, then seeking out work at an SEN-School is a must. Alongside these benefits, it is a wonderfully rewarding experience and one that has undoubtedly had a lasting impact upon myself.

Therefore, I have decided to put together some of the key things that I have learned whilst working as a Teaching Assistant (TA) at a complex needs school:

• Patience – As TA, every-day will be different and bring new challenges. You will have to come up with considered, effective and appropriate solutions in response to these obstacles. At an SEN-School, you will develop incredible patience, drawing on various resources and logic in overcoming stubborn or resolute problems.
• Self-development – As the teacher that I was supporting told me during my first day, ‘no teacher or TA is perfect.’ Development is vital for long-term success in any profession, least of all teaching. As a TA, you will quickly learn to be aware of your performance, strengths, and weaknesses and how you can do better. In the ever-changing environment of the classroom, you will encounter steep learning curves every day.
• Resilience – Undoubtedly one the greatest qualities that I have developed during this my time as a TA. At an SEN-School, you will learn how to use patience and endless energy to persevere through the difficult times. When faced with obstacles, you will learn how to be tenacious, flexible, versatile and maintain a positive mindset.
• Communication – As one of the fundamental skills of any workplace, you will see your communication skills experientially grow. As a TA, your capabilities to communicate will be constantly assessed. Not only will your pre-existing abilities develop, but you will also learn new techniques such as Makaton and other forms of non-verbal communication. Moreover, the need to be clear in your instructions and requests will set you in good stead for future employment.