Teaching Assistant

The nature of this role is one that is bound to vary from time to time, or specifically on a daily basis. This is because the needs of each child differ from the other.

Therefore, the SEN teaching assistant must be able to show great flexibility on his/her job.

Performing the duties and responsibilities of a SEN teaching assistant may sometimes seem daunting and time consuming; this is why to be successful in this career, patience and attentiveness are major qualities you will need to have to effectively help children with learning difficulty.

Special Education Needs teaching assistants must follow the prevailing school curriculum; however, they should employ innovations and adaptation when necessary to effectively handle students with learning difficulties.

They should also show sincere concern and willingness to help in every situation when attending to each child. That is to say that each SEN teaching assistant should be as friendly as possible always.

Special Education Needs teaching assistants perform various functions as they strive to make learning easy for children with learning difficulties.

Given below is a job description example highlighting major duties, tasks, and responsibilities SEN teaching assistants commonly perform:

• Prepare lessons and resources with which to teach each child as frequently as is required
• Carry out administrative duties in the nature of keeping and maintaining records of each child’s progress
• Work with fellow SEN teaching assistants to identify specific needs of each child
• Work hand‑in‑hand with the classroom teachers to ensure that activities that are being put in place for children are related to national curriculum
• Work closely with other professionals like educational psychologists or physiotherapists
• Teach and mentor students, both collectively and individually
• Look after children’s social and emotional needs
• Attend occasional review meetings so as to plan and have a broader view of better ways to be more effective when dealing with children
• Communicate with students to determine their needs and ensure they are equally met
• Observe children to find out changes in behavior or in other areas and report such observations to the classroom teacher

If you are interested in applying for the job of SEN teaching assistant, the following are common requirements, including skills, knowledge, abilities, and qualifications that most employers may want you to meet to be considered for the role:

• A SEN teaching assistant should be able to manage the different behaviors that each child exhibits at every given time
• He/she should have interest in children’s education
• He/she must possess good and effective communication skills so as to be able to determine the needs of each child and help him/her when necessary. The need to be attentive to and be patient with children at all times is also important
• Good verbal and numerical skills are also important
• Excellent interpersonal skills to be able to freely relate with people from diverse background
• The ability to be sensitive to the needs of children and to be firm when necessary
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team