If you’ve got a passion for helping kids learn and want to work in a school, teacher assistant jobs could be the perfect first step for you. These roles give you a hands-on way to support students and teachers while making a real difference in the classroom. Plus, they’re a great way to get a feel for a career in education without jumping straight into teaching.
Whether you’re looking for teacher assistant jobs near you, curious about what the job involves, or want to know the types of roles available, this blog has you covered!
What Does a Teacher Assistant Do?
So, what does being a teacher assistant actually mean? Essentially, you’re there to help the classroom teacher keep things running smoothly. This could involve working with individual students, assisting with lesson planning, or helping out with classroom activities. The teacher assistant job description can vary, but the goal is always to support both the teacher and the students.
You might also be known as a teaching aide or classroom assistant, depending on the school. Either way, you’ll be making sure the students get the attention they need, while the teacher can focus on what they do best: teaching.
What Qualifications Do You Need?
You don’t need a degree to apply for most teacher assistant jobs, though having some qualifications can help you stand out. Many schools prefer candidates with a Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant qualification.
Plus, if you’ve got experience working with children—whether from previous jobs, volunteering, or internships—that’s a big bonus.
Here are some key skills you’ll need:
- Good communication
- Patience and empathy
- Ability to work well in a team
- Organisation skills
If you’re thinking about going into special educational needs (SEN) teaching, you might need some extra qualifications, but it’s a super rewarding area to work in.
➡️ Bonus reading: 5 Real Life Skills You Learned At School
Different Types of Teacher Assistant Jobs
Teacher assistant jobs aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are various types of roles you could take on, depending on what interests you and where your skills lie:
General Teaching Assistant
You’ll help the teacher with pretty much everything—lesson planning, marking work, keeping the class engaged, etc. It’s the most common type of teacher assistant job you’ll find in schools across the UK.
SEN Teaching Assistant
If you love the idea of helping children with additional needs, an SEN assistant role might be perfect for you. These jobs involve working closely with students who need extra support, whether that’s due to learning difficulties or disabilities.
Early Years Assistant
If you love working with younger kids, you could be an early years teaching assistant. You’ll be helping children learn the basics and develop key social skills, mostly in nurseries or reception classes.
Assistant Head Teacher Jobs
If you’re thinking long term, roles like this are a good step up. You’d help the head teacher with school admin while still supporting in the classroom.
Why Choose Teacher Assistant Jobs?
There are loads of reasons why becoming a teaching assistant could be a great move for you. For starters, it’s a super rewarding job where you’ll be making a real difference in kids’ lives every day.
If you’re interested in eventually becoming a teacher, working as a teacher assistant is a great way to gain valuable experience and get to know how classrooms function.
You’ll develop skills in classroom management, build confidence working with children, and get a real sense of whether teaching is the right career for you.
But even if you’re not planning on becoming a teacher, teaching assistant jobs are still a brilliant way to work in education and progress your career in different ways—like taking on SEN roles or assistant head teacher jobs.
➡️ Extra content: In-Demand Skills: What Employers Want
What’s the Pay Like?
OK, let’s talk money. Teacher assistant jobs aren’t the highest-paying roles in education, but they do offer a decent salary for an entry-level job with varying hours (16 to 36 hours/week). In the UK, starting salaries typically range from £21,000 to £25,000 a year, depending on where you work. In cities like London, you might see a bit more due to the cost of living.
With experience and qualifications, especially in SEN or more senior roles, you can earn quite a bit more. As such, it’s worthwhile to stick it out for a few years and see where the role takes you.
Where to Find Teacher Assistant Jobs Near You
If you’re ready to start a rewarding career in education, teacher assistant jobs are the perfect way to get your foot in the door. They’re also in high demand. So, whether you want to eventually become a teacher or just love the idea of helping children succeed in school, these roles offer fantastic opportunities.
Check out Developing a Student’s teacher assistant jobs board to find the latest teacher assistant jobs near you and start your journey today!
Our Support Hub is packed with advice and guidance for students and graduates. From career advice to writing a cover letter, our goal is to empower you to find the career of your dreams.
Contact our team if you have any questions.
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