What is your current job role?
My job role is a SEN teaching Assistant. I am an HLTA and an ELSA. I work at Gracewood Academy with over 15 years experience.
Please can you describe your journey into education (How did you qualify for your role, what were the key steps, and what inspired you—did you always plan to work in education?)
I first started helping at my children's primary school, where I worked alongside the SENCO helping students read and write. I then went onto college to study supporting and teaching learning both Levels 1 and 2. I never considered working in education until I realised what it means to make a difference in young people's lives to find their hidden strengths and make them shine. It is inspiring to be part of their education journey, very rewarding and so worth it. The key steps to qualify for my role included not only qualifications but passion to work with young people to reach their potential. It is the most rewarding role I do, especially to see the smile on their faces when they reach their goal. It is unconditional.
What are they key things you love about your job?
I love the rapport with students, building trust and being their champion when they find school hard.
I absolutely love my role as an ELSA. I get to support their emotional development and help them navigate how their feelings work through stresses of not only education but their anxieties and worries. The most important part of my role is how different each day can be and looking our for the glimmer and successes in our young people.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to work in a similar role?
Keep an open mind, smile, enjoy the journey and simply be there to listen to the voices of our future generation.
What makes a great teaching assistant?
Personally for me the most important qualities for this role is communication and talking with young people. Be approachable and have time above everything else. You are the their trusted adult who they can come to, talk to and listen to. Being creative and showing your initiative is so vital for this role. Quite often the TA role is thinking on your feet and being adaptable.
Being patient and allowing students to think for themselves helping them to become independent learners. Getting to know young people personally, not only by their names but by their interests, this helps build trust and rapport.
Having knowledge of SEN needs is invaluable because it allows all students the same opportunities to reach their goals.
Be calm, smile and enjoy as you are part of their educational journey. Helping to teach the next generation. It is a hugely rewarding role.
I absolutely love what I do and the impact I can give on a young person's life.