There’s no doubt, being a teaching assistant is very demanding, but it’s also a very rewarding job.
As a TA, you are responsible for supporting children and young people in their learning, often in a one-to-one capacity, and you get to witness first-hand how much they progress and improve.
It’s a hugely important role and one which comes with great responsibility. So, what makes a good teaching assistant?
What Makes a Good Teaching Assistant – 10 Qualities of a Good Teaching Assistant
1. Patience
One of the most important qualities of a good teaching assistant is patience. Dealing with young children can be challenging, especially when they are trying to learn something new.
A good TA is patient with both the students and the class teacher, they understand that it takes time to learn something new and are willing to help each student reach their potential.
2. Strong Work Ethic
A good TA must also have a strong work ethic, this means being willing to put in the extra time and effort to ensure everything gets done according to plan.
A good TA is always looking for ways to improve and grow in their role, they’re also willing to go above and beyond what is asked of them.
3. A Passion for Teaching
Another standout trait that all good teaching assistants have in common is their passion for teaching, this means having a love for teaching and a desire to help students learn.
A good TA is excited about coming to work every day and making a difference in the lives of their students.
4. A Good Sense of Humor
A good TA must also have a good sense of humour. This means being able to laugh at yourself and not take things too seriously.
A good TA knows that there will be days when things don’t go as planned and is able to laugh it off, they also know how to use humour to defuse tense situations in the classroom.
5. Creativity
Another important quality of a good TA is creativity. A good TA is able to come up with new and innovative ways to teach a concept, they’re also creative in their approach to behaviour management and they know how to keep students engaged and motivated in the classroom.
6. Good Communication Skills
A good TA must have excellent communication skills. They need to be able to communicate effectively with the class teacher, other TAs, and most importantly, the students.
A good TA is able to explain things clearly and concisely and they also know how to listen carefully to better understand what others are trying to say.
7. Good Organizational Skills
A good TA must be organized, this includes being organized in the classroom as well as having organized lesson plans and materials.
They’re able to stay calm and collected when things get chaotic in the classroom and they know where everything is and can easily find anything that is needed.
8. A Positive Attitude
A good TA must have a positive attitude, this means being able to see the good in every situation and the silver lining in every cloud.
They know that every day is a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of their students.
9. Good Time Management Skills
Time management is essential for a good TA, they must be able to prioritize and manage their time effectively in order to get everything done that needs doing while also keeping on top of other responsibilities.
10. Flexibility
Finally, a good TA must be flexible, this means being able to adapt to different situations and being able to think on your feet.
A good TA knows that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching and they are willing to adjust their methods to meet the needs of their students.
Summing up
To be a successful teaching assistant you need to have certain qualities, these qualities are essential in order to create a positive learning environment and support the development of those you work with.
If you are thinking about becoming a TA, or are already working in this role, you’ll know exactly how vital it is to possess some or all of these qualities.
Leave a Comment