December 31st, 2010 
jvremec
Working as a Qualified Teaching Assistant to become a Teacher
Author: chakrahimansu@gmail.com
Many graduates leave university not really knowing what career to follow. In fact many graduates choose degree courses not really knowing what career they are going to take up. This is normal, how can they know at such an early stage in life what they will enjoy as a career.
Often our circumstances change; marriage, children, redundancy, separation and many other life affecting changes take place.
Thus a career change is prompted and many graduates then decide they would like to teach.
The subject of their degree may or may not be relevant but the fact that they have a degree shows they have reached a standard of learning that part qualifies them to teach. For that reason Graduate Teacher Programmes (GTP’s) have been set up to enable them to qualify as teachers on a “fast track”
Entry to a GTP course can be extremely competitive and as part of the entry requirements some providers insist that the “student” has some experience of working with children. The ideal way for the entrant to gain this experience is for the applicant to have been or actually be a Teaching Assistant. This role involves supporting the teacher and the children in learning activities as well as supporting the school and its curriculum. Providers look upon this experience with favour as there can be no other way of gaining such relevant experience. Also it gives the applicant a real taste of what teaching in a school is really all about. Thus enabling them to test their desire against reality!
So the question arises “How can I get a job as a Teaching Assistant?”
Sometimes schools will take Teaching Assistants on an unpaid voluntary basis and this is often a way of getting experience in a school. But by far the best way is to take a short home learning course to gain a level 3 accredited Teaching Assistant award. Normally courses can be completed on a part time basis in approximately 3 months and may even qualify for CATS points.
Another excellent option for graduates who wish to become teachers is to gain this accredited Teaching Assistant qualification, get a job as a Teaching Assistant and to enter a part time GTP so you are gaining valuable experience earning a salary and completing the course that will allow you to become a fully fledged teacher.
Bursaries are available for GTP learning going from £4,000 to £6,000 and topping out at £9,000 and these can be supplemented by other expense funding.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/international-studies-articles/working-as-a-qualified-teaching-assistant-to-become-a-teacher-2835694.html
About the Author
Teaching Assistant Centre – Developed to offer potential teaching assistants carefully selected and relevant courses, advice and job support. Useful information is also available for established teaching assistants and even teachers. See www.teachingassistantcentre.com
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American Heart Association CPR and First Aid Certification (Montessori Teacher Assistant)?
I don’t know which classes to take. I’m getting confused by all these titles AED, Family and Friends, etc etc.
I just need something very basic since I will be working with most children and other certified adults.
I supposed I should sign up for the HeartSaver CPR and First Aid courses, correct?
Heartsaver CPR and First Aid will be sufficient. AED is a defibrillator (it is a good idea to learn how to work an AED if the school you work in has one- if not, there really isnt a point.) Most CPR classes will bring out a defibrillator and briefly show you how to work it but you will not really learn how to use it unless you take a special course. Each course is between 2-4 hours.
I am applying for a job as a special education teacher assistant, should I include that I am a CNA?
I am filling out an application for a teacher assistant/ paraprofessional job in special education. My previous job experience has been as a certified nursing assistant. I am listing my CNA jobs on my work history obviously, but should I include my CNA license where it asks about my licenses and certifications? I’m not sure if it is related enough to include on an application for a job in an special education setting. I am including my CPR certification.
Yes, list your CNA license as well as your CPR. The CNA would be very relevant in working with children who are medically fragile. Also, it indicates that you have some experience with situations that many people are grossed out about. There can be situations in special education in which the students are not yet toilet trained, need assistance in wiping their noses, etc. I teach special education students grades K – 2, and even though a couple of my students with autism have high skill levels in academics, they still need assistance with personal care. So the fact that you are comfortable with that type of work is a plus.
I just got my Teacher Assistant Certification for NY state. I am not sure where to go in order to apply?
for a job. I have looked on Craigslist for jobs at private day cares and schools, but I don’t know where exactly to go, or what to do in order to fill out applications to public schools.
Is my teacher assistant level one certificate renewable for 3 more years?
If I work as a teacher assistant in NY State, and have completed all my prerequisites for Level 3 TA certification, but want to renew my level one TA certificate instead, would they allow it? What are the conditions to allow this? Thanks.
Yes they would. Talk to your school principle and she’ll give you the forms.
NYS Teacher Assistant Certification question?
I am looking to obtain my NYS Teacher Assistant Certification, and I have passed to exam to get my certification. I have also taken the Child Abuse Reporting and Identifcation and Violence Prevention course. The courses said to mail the paperwork I got back to state ed within 21 days…however I have not been fingerprinted yet! Should I wait until I get fingerprinted to mail the 2 course papers in as well or should I mail those ahead of time?
I got the finger print cards today. All I need to mail in is the 2 completed fingerprint card and the confirmation that I paid online right? I already did the consent thing online through the TEACH account.
Go get a form to do fingerprints and do everything at once. Or apply to a school district and they will give you the form for fingerprints. The cost is 100.00 dollars, last I knew. CVES usually has the form and you can only go to the City Police Dept. to have them done.