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Examples of a Teaching Assistant's Personal Statement

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Examples of a Letter of Intent for a Teaching Job

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• List of Goals for Elementary Teacher Aides

A teaching assistant position gives you the chance to work with kids, even if you don't have a teaching license. The application and hiring process varies, but it may include writing a personal statement covering your beliefs about education, discussing your teaching skills as well as other relevant information that highlights your qualifications. Taking time to craft a well-written statement can put you ahead of the competition, when applying for teaching assistant positions.

Succinct Opening

Your entire personal statement should be to the point. A large block of text may cause the hiring manager to skim or skip the section entirely. Personal statements typically start off with a simple description of your job title as a teaching assistant, how much experience you have in education, and the expertise you have or specific position you're seeking. This is your first impression and your chance to hook the hiring manager, so choose powerful words that make an impact.

"Energetic teaching assistant with two years of classroom experience in supporting elementary students with reading, writing, math and science activities."

Education and Teaching Experience

Describing your training and education in the field shows that you're qualified and knowledgeable about how to work with students. If you have experience in the classroom as a teaching assistant, highlight that work to show that you're ready to work with students. Other experience outside of the classroom can also fit into the personal statement, if it somehow relates to teaching or can translate to work as a teaching assistant.

"While completing my studies in elementary education, I gained knowledge on child development, teaching strategies and behavior management. I completed three practicum experiences in elementary classrooms, which gave me the opportunity to plan lessons, manage behaviors in the classroom and support student learning."

Strengths and Skills

The goal of your personal statement is to set you apart from other applicants. To do that, you want to highlight your special skills and strengths that relate to being a teaching assistant. Some people excel at connecting with students. Others have excellent communication skills with parents and colleagues. Some might know how to support kids who struggle with the learning activities.

"As a teaching assistant, I have a unique ability to see where students need support, enabling me to reteach the ideas in a way the students can understand. I also communicate well with lead teachers and with other teaching assistants, to support a team atmosphere."

Reasons for Wanting the Position

Your personal statement usually includes a section that explains why you want the position. It's your chance to emphasize why you're a good fit for the role and what you can offer the school.

"This position offers the challenging environment I enjoy, while allowing me to work with elementary students, which is the level in which I have the most experience. I welcome the opportunity to support the classroom teacher, while continuing to add to my experience."

• University of Kent Careers and Employability Service: PGCE Personal Statements
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Writing the Personal Statement
• Fish4Jobs: Teaching Assistant Personal Statement
• Total Jobs: How to Write a Personal Statement

Shelley Frost holds a degree in education and has experience in educational management, insurance and software testing. She currently runs her own business and writes frequently on business and job topics for Chron and Intuit QuickBooks.

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Teaching Assistant Personal Statement

• CV Templates & Advice

Are you seeking advice to improve your chances of landing your dream teaching assistant role? Fish4jobs is here to help! Follow our expert advice and guidance to create a teaching assistant personal statement for your CV that helps you to shine.

We recommend that you use this 100-150 words to successfully present your knowledge, skills and past experience, as well as your great personality, to create a fantastic first impression on a prospective employer.

You can also check out our complete guide on how to write a personal statement .

What to include in your teaching assistant personal statement

Why you’re applying for the specific role:.

• Mention why have you applied for that specific role - what appealed to you in the job description?
• Highlight any past experience that relates to the role.
• Provide information on your previous education – School/University/Courses attended or completed.
• Highlight any relevant qualifications.

Your teaching experience:

• Mention what year groups have you assisted in teaching in the past.
• What subjects you have taught, or specialised in assisting with.
• Any use of assessment strategies or special features of the practices, for example, open-plan, multi-ethnic, team teaching.
• Provide examples of assistance to teachers.

Short Example:

A kind, friendly, passionate and highly experienced teaching assistant. I am an enthusiastic and motivated assistant, who has a passion for supporting children with all aspects of school life. In previous teaching assistant roles my daily tasks included encouraging students, assisting with learning, and providing support to the class teachers. This role has appealed to me as I have a keen desire to continue learning, as well as assisting students and teachers in all aspects inside and outside the classroom. With my previous experience, responsibility, dependability and enthusiasm for education I feel that I would be a great asset to your team.

Check out our guide on how to become a Teaching Assistant for more details on the role and requirements. Alternatively, check out the latest Teaching Assistant jobs on Fish4jobs today.

Related links

• How to Become a Teaching Assistant
• Teacher CV Template
• How to Write a Personal Statement

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Teaching assistant CV examples & guide

If you’re looking to land a top teaching assistant (TA) role, it’s vital that you have a quality CV.

A strong teaching assistant CV needs to be well formatted, and contain the right content to impress recruiters and teaching employers.

This guide tells you everything you need to know about writing a first-class CV for teaching assistant roles, and even contains a teaching assistant CV example , to show you exactly how your CV should look.

CV templates 

Teaching assistant CV example

Build your CV now 

SEN teaching assistant CV example

Early years teaching assistant CV example

Teaching assistant CV example (no experience)

See also : Our teacher CV example 

How to write your teaching assistant CV

Now that you’ve seen how your CV ( curriculum vitae ) should look – the following guide will tell you how to write your CV step-by-step and what content should be going into it.

Guide contents

• Format & structure your CV
• Work experience 

Teaching assistant skills

• Education & qualifications
• Hobbies & interests

CV structure and Format

Before you type one word on your CV, it’s important to understand how it should be laid out and formatted .

This diagram gives you a very high-level view of how your CV should be structured.

Try to stick to this layout as closely as you can.

Key CV structure points

Personal/contact details

Make sure recruiters can contact you easily by placing your contact details at the top of your CV.

Profile/Personal statement

Grab recruiter’s attention with a catchy paragraph selling your most valuable skills.

Core skills

A bullet pointed list of your skills split over two columns will give readers a great snapshot of your value.

Work experience

Show employers the impact you make in the workplace by detailing your previous roles thoroughly.

Round your CV off with a detailed list of your education to prove you are qualified.

Remember to keep your CV at around 2 pages in length  – anything longer and you risk losing readers’ attention.

Keep your CV style very simple with a clean font and muted colours – don’t be tempted to jazz it up with wacky colours or pictures, this can look unprofessional and messy.

Now let’s take a look at those sections in detail, and see what content needs to go into each one.

Contact details

At the very top of your CV, add your name and contact details, using up minimal space on the CV.

You want to make it extremely easy for recruiters to contact you – after all, that is the purpose of your CV!

Be sure to include…

Your phone number (mobile ideally so you can answer calls about jobs 24/7)

Your email address (Use a professional looking email address and not a nickname)

Your location (Just a rough area such as London/Leeds/Oxford)

Do not include…

Your full address – it’s not needed at this stage and will take up too much space

Your date of birth – Your age shouldn’t have any effect on a hiring decision

A photograph – Employers are only interested in what skills and knowledge you can bring to their school, they aren’t concerned with how you look.

CV profile / personal statement

To hold the attention of recruiters and school staff reading your CV, it’s essential to sell yourself with a quick punchy paragraph at the top.

Your profile or personal-statement should give a nice summary of your skills , experience, qualifications and knowledge.

(You can see more CV profile examples here )

The idea is to sell yourself, and encourage readers to continue reading your CV.

So, what kind of info should you put into your teaching assistant CV profile?

At this stage in your CV, schools will want to know these types of details…

• Types of schools you have worked in
• Ages of children you work with
• Teaching related qualifications
• Subjects or curriculums you have knowledge of
• Skills related to teaching – Classroom management, supporting teachers etc
• Anything else that could be relevant to the jobs you are applying for.

Avoid writing too many cliché phrases like, “ works well in a team or individually ” because they don’t tell readers anything factual about you.

Quick tip:  If you worry that your spelling and grammar might not be correct, try using our quick-and-easy CV Builder  to eliminate the risk of making mistakes.

Core skills section

If you really want to make sure that you grab recruiters’ attention in those vital first few seconds of them opening your CV – you need to add a core skills section.

Like this one.

All you need to do is list your most vital skills and knowledge in a bullet pointed list.

By adding this section, anybody who opens your CV can get a very good idea of your abilities from just a quick glance – perfect for creating a big impact.

Your work experience

To show recruiters and potential employers that you can contribute plenty of value in the workplace, you need to give a detailed account of your work experience.

If you have experience working within schools or other educational settings, that’s great – and you should focus on it within your CV.

If you don’t have any direct education experience – that’s OK. You just need to focus on drawing out transferable skills from your previous work (I’ll talk about what those skills are later in this post) or even consider getting some voluntary experience first.

To start with, order your roles in reverse chronology, which means start with the most recent job, and work down to your older roles – like the diagram below.

Structuring your role descriptions

To ensure that your roles are easy to read and show recruiters how you contribute to employers’ success, it’s important to structure your roles properly.

Use this simple but effective method to structure your roles.

• Responsibilities
• Achievements

This annotated example shows you how it works in practice

Start by detailing the start and finish dates of your roles (month and year) along with the name of your employer and job title

Jan 2013 – Nov 2016                 Long Lane Primary School | Primary Teaching Assistant

Then head the role with an outline which tells readers, who you work for (school, year group etc.) and what the overall goal of the role is.

Then list your responsibilities for the job in a series of short sharp bullet points to explain your input, show who you interact with, and showcase your skills.

Typical responsibilities could look like this:

• “Designing and creating classroom displays to aid students in learning ongoing topics”
• “Supporting class teacher in classroom management and keeping students focused”

Once you’ve listed your responsibilities, throw in some impressive achievements to really wow recruiters.

Achievements should give examples of times where you have gone the extra mile to help your employer, students or colleagues

For example…

• Ran after school revision workshops and all attendees achieved 80% + exam scores
• Introduced new reward system which greatly improved classroom behaviour

See our  best CV templates  for more examples of role structures.

When writing your CV roles (and the rest of your CV) it’s important to know exactly what recruiters are looking for, so you can reflect relevant skills.

So here is a quick list of some important skills and knowledge that recruiters will be expecting from a teaching assistant.

Some of these will require direct experience previously working in a teaching related role, whereas some of these skills can be gained in other workplaces or even study – so be creative if you don’t have the exact experience.

• Working with children – Teaching assistant work involves constant interaction with children of varied ages, so it helps to have some previous experience working with young people. This could be gained in a school, or perhaps in youth centres, sports clubs etc.
• Communication – Communication skill are vital in the classroom, so it pays to pack your CV with examples of your written, spoken and visual communication talents.
• Supporting teachers – The TA role revolves around supporting the class teacher so be sure to include this on your CV, or at least occasions where you have supported other senior staff.
• Behaviour management – Ensuring students are well-behaved and focused on work.
• Reading, writing and numeracy – An educational role will require you to have high standards across all three of these areas.
• Planning – Helping students to make progress requires long-term planning , which TA’s will likely support their class teacher with.
• Administration tasks – Admin is a vital part of many roles, and within a TA’s role it could involve photocopying class work, or filing attendance records.
• Creating displays – Teaching assistants need a healthy dose of creativity and artistic flair to create engaging classroom displays.
• Teaching qualifications – Whilst teaching qualifications aren’t necessarily needed for TA roles, it can be helpful to have them. GCSE’s in maths in English are an entry requirement though.

Round your CV up by listing your education at the bottom, including GCSE’s, A-levels, vocational qualifications etc.

Format the roles by listing:

• School/college attended
• Attendance dates
• Qualifications

Any qualifications that are highly relevant to teaching assistant roles (such as Maths GCSEs or teaching qualifications) should also be mentioned at the top of your CV in the profile to ensure they aren’t missed.

Hobbies and interests

Hobbies are an optional section, but you can add them if you think they will add value to your applications.

For example, if you don’t have much school experience, but you volunteer at local kid’s clubs in your spare time, then it would certainly be worth mentioning that in your CV.

Conclusion – create an impressive teaching assistant CV

If you’re looking to land a top teaching assistant job, use the above outlines to ensure you attract recruiters and impress employers.

Start by doing some research and looking at teaching assistant roles online to find out more about what your target employers are looking for.

Create an easy-to-read structure for readers, kick your CV off with an eye-catching profile, and cram your roles full of highly relevant skills and knowledge.

Once you’ve perfected your CV, proofread it and remove any typos before sending it out to plenty of recruiters and employers.

Good luck with your job search

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Guide to Writing a Unique Personal Statement for a Teaching Assistant

Table of Contents

Are you looking for a personal statement for a teaching assistant job? Writing a good personal statement is essential to your job application and can make the difference between being invited to an interview or not. 

In this blog, we’ll provide some top tips on writing a standout personal statement. As well as some practical examples you can use when writing yours. Read on to find out more! 

What Is a Personal Statement for a Teaching Assistant?

 A personal statement is a short paragraph in your CV or job application that outlines who you are, why you’re applying . And also, why you are the ideal candidate for the job based on your skills and abilities. It should be to each position you apply for – this way, employers can quickly see how well-suited you are to the job. 

Steps to Writing Personal Statements for Teaching Assistant Jobs

1. highlight your experience.

 Focus on the experience that makes you the best candidate for this position. It’s important to show employers how your previous job roles, qualifications, and extracurricular activities have prepared you for a teaching assistant role. 

2. Show Your Enthusiasm

Use positive language to demonstrate your keenness and commitment to the role. Employers want to see that you’re genuinely passionate about teaching and helping others learn and develop. 

3. Demonstrate Relevant Skills

Consider what skills make you an ideal candidate for this role (e.g., communication, problem-solving, organization), and include examples of when you’ve used these skills. 

Writing Tips for a Teaching Assistant’s Personal Statement

• Keep it concise – don’t exceed two pages, but ensure you include all the necessary information about yourself. Make every word count! 
• Focus on why you want the role. Be specific about why you chose this particular job. And what skills or experience you have that makes you the perfect candidate.
• Demonstrate your commitment – explain how you’re prepared to go the extra mile for this job and why it is essential to you. 
• Show your personality – let your unique qualities shine through to stand out from other applicants.
• Proofread -read your message until you are satisfied that there are no typos or grammatical errors.

Personal Statement Examples for Teaching Assistant

I recently earned a degree in primary education, and I’m enthusiastic about changing the lives of kids. My experiences are working in an educational environment, teaching assistant roles, and leading my classroom activities. I am a patient and kind instructor with strong organizational abilities and the ability to get things done under pressure. I possess the skills needed to become a successful teaching assistant and can bring enthusiasm, dedication, and energy to this role. 

I am an experienced teaching assistant with five years experience in primary schools. During this time, I have developed excellent communication skills when working with teachers, parents, carers, and other professionals. I have also worked on various projects within the school. Such as developing new resources for use in class, helping children with special needs, and leading activities outside the classroom. My biggest strength is building relationships with all pupils, regardless of their background or ability level. This has enabled me to form strong bonds with them, which has helped me to support their learning better. 

1. What Is a Teaching Assistant?

Teaching assistants help teachers with children’s learning. They gain experience of supporting children as part of their learning. This enables them to plan lessons and work effectively in different schools.

2. What Is the Training Course Like?

The training is a combination of classroom support and classroom management. The classroom support aspect has been designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to support children’s learning in the classroom. The classroom management aspect prepares you in case you are asked to assist in the classroom.

We hope this blog has provided valuable tips and examples of writing a standout personal statement for teaching assistant jobs. Remember – make sure your personal statement is tailored to the specific role and showcases why you are the perfect candidate! 

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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How To Write A Teaching Assistant Personal Statement

12 December 2022

Personal statements are often overlooked as a crucial element in the recruitment process, but they can be incredibly rewarding when conducted correctly.

Including a balanced blend of various sections, bringing together the perfect teaching assistant personal statement can enhance your application and give your potential employer an ideal glimpse into your professional and personal background. 

What is a Personal Statement for a Teaching Assistant?

A personal statement is a professional document that details your achievements, experience and interests. Personal statements are usually written as part of a job application to showcase the positive qualities of an applicant to a potential employer. 

In a personal statement, information such as the applicant’s work experience as well as previous education should be included. Goals and aspirations are also beneficial to include as it proves to an employer that you are focussed on working towards something.

Additionally, the personal statement should include any other relevant information that may apply to the desired position. By doing so, the employer can see how the applicant is the correct fit for the role and will gain an understanding of their personality and interests. 

What Should a Teaching Assistant’s Personal Statement Include?

There are many different combinations of aspects to include in a personal statement. Below are the five key elements we believe you should include to get the best out of your personal statement. 

A Brief Opening

A brief opening is an ideal way to introduce your personal statement to the employer. It should be descriptive and give the reader the opportunity to understand more about yourself, including your experiences and why you are right for the job. 

You should also include in this section the reasons for applying to work in this particular company and why they should offer the position to you. This brief opening is the perfect chance to express your personality, and it’s crucial that you do this before continuing on the remainder of your personal statement. 

Next, you should include an education section to align the position’s duties with your previous education. 

The education section of your personal statement isn’t just the chance to inform the employer of the school you attended. The section is designed to describe accomplishments and academic awards you may have achieved throughout your time in education.

Any significant achievements are key to include as it shows the employer how you strive to achieve the best and are willing to go the extra mile for success. 

The experience section of your personal statement should detail your professional experiences and how these would benefit you in your ideal role. 

For example, for a personal statement written for the position of teaching assistant, you should include any previous work experience that will demonstrate your competence in this sector.

By including these experiences, you can prove to your potential employer that you have the professional background to succeed in the chosen role. 

In your skills section, you should aim to include any skills that will help you in your role as a teaching assistant.

You could begin with your own educational skills and develop this to explain how this will help when interacting with students. 

Why You Want the Position

Finally, you should aim to detail exactly why you want the position offered at the conclusion stage of your personal statement. 

Explain to the employer how this position would assist you in developing your career should you be successful in the hiring process and when this opportunity would take you in the future. Including this near the end of your personal statement will force the reader to remember it as the last thing in their mind. 

Last but not least, finish your personal statement by thanking the recipient for their time. Doing so demonstrates that you are thankful for the opportunity and shows awareness of the importance of their time in considering you as an applicant. 

Teaching Assistant Roles from Always Flourishing.

At Always Flourishing, we are experienced in landing individuals in their perfect teaching roles. 

Whether you are looking to become a fully qualified teacher, a teaching assistant or a supply teacher, we have every opportunity for you. If you would like more information on the job roles we can offer, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

AUTHOR: Vicky Snee EMAIL: [email protected]

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How to Write a Personal Statement for an SEN Teaching Assistant Role

• June 27, 2022

A personal statement (usually placed near the top of your CV beneath your contact details) is your chance to summarise your qualifications, experience, and key skills to highlight what you can offer to a prospective employer. 

Ideally, you should tailor your personal statement to each job that you apply for. This should be relatively easy to do since the jobs you’ll be applying for will probably be similar if they’re all in an SEN (special educational needs) environment. However, we advise that you always read the job description every time you apply for a new role. This is to ensure that you can provide relevant information in your personal statement which will help demonstrate the qualities a prospective employer is seeking in order to fill the role. For example, if you’re applying for an SEN teaching assistant job, then you’ll need to highlight your experience of working with SEN students and the key skills you acquired.

To help you successfully gain a special educational needs teaching assistant job, you need to have a personal statement that stands out. Your personal statement should be professional, but the key word here is personal; make it distinctive by providing the facts, such as the where and when (where did you teach and in what year), and then infuse your characteristics by detailing the how and the what (how you went about the day-to-day tasks and what you achieved). 

The start of a good personal statement should look something like this:

An empathetic, patient, and extremely dedicated teaching assistant, with experience and particular enthusiasm for working in special educational needs. In my previous role, as an SEN teaching assistant, I supported students in their learning, helping them to achieve their individual goals by adapting my teaching methods accordingly.

To create a personal statement that will make you stand out to a prospective employer, there are a few key pieces of information that you must include. With this in mind, we have put together a small list that should hopefully assist you when you come to write your personal statement for an SEN teaching assistant job.

What to include in an SEN teaching assistant personal statement:

1. mention any top achievements you’ve had.

Hopefully, these are relevant to the position you are applying for. However, even if your top achievement isn’t related to special educational needs, it is worth still mentioning it as employers like to see you have other passions in life. But you should also try to add another achievement or something that you’re particularly proud of, which you can relate to SEN.

2. Describe yourself using attributes needed for the role you are applying for

An example of this would be:

An empathetic, patient, and extremely dedicated teaching assistant, with experience and particular enthusiasm for working in special educational needs.

SEN teaching assistants need to be empathetic, patient, and very dedicated in order to effectively achieve their day-to-day tasks and, ultimately, help their students meet their learning goals. But there may be other personal qualities a prospective employer is seeking, which is why you should always check the job description so that you can tailor your personal statement to suit. 

3. Highlight any previous experience you have and the skills you acquired

You should link these skills to the job you are applying for. For example, you may be applying for an SEN teaching assistant position within a school, whereas your only previous experience could be from working voluntarily at a community centre where you supported children with SEN.

Although the previous role wasn’t within a school, the skills gained while working in a community centre will still be very relevant; you would have been exposed to children of various ages with numerous needs and you would have had to adapt your communication skills and your method of support.

This level of commitment and adaptability is exactly what prospective employers are looking for. This is also your opportunity to mention any qualifications you may have gained which will further demonstrate your dedication to the sector. 

4. Think about your aspirations for the future

Explain how the job you are applying for fits in with these future goals. A prospective employer wants to see that you have a genuine interest in pursuing a career within a special educational needs environment. So, to get an idea of what you’d like to be doing further down your career path, do some research into the sort of jobs that are available, and to where/how you can progress from the job you are applying for.

This will give you further insight into the SEN sector to enable you to establish your goals. You’ll then be able to include these goals in your personal statement which means a prospective employer will, hopefully, see longevity if they were to hire you.

5. Demonstrate you know what the job entails

If you have covered all of the above four areas in your personal statement, then you should have successfully demonstrated that you know what’s expected of an SEN teaching assistant. But, again, make sure you have thoroughly read the role description of the job you’re applying for, and include a couple of short examples from your previous experience that can prove you have exactly what it takes to be an SEN teaching assistant.

Now that you know how to successfully write a personal statement, take a look at the SEN teaching assistant jobs currently available.

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Teaching Assistant Resume Examples: How to Stand Out

Teaching assistants play an essential role in ensuring the smooth functioning of educational institutions. A teaching assistant’s duties include helping teachers with lesson plans, grading, and providing support to students in the classroom. However, one of the most important aspects of applying for a teaching assistant position is submitting a well-crafted resume.

Definition of a Teaching Assistant

A teaching assistant (TA) is an individual who assists teachers in various activities related to classroom instruction. TAs help teachers in preparing lesson plans, grading assignments, monitoring student activities, and providing feedback on student progress. They may also work as assistants to professors and researchers in universities and research institutions.

Importance of a Good Teaching Assistant Resume

A well-written resume is essential for any teaching assistant applicant who wants to stand out from the competition. A good resume can effectively showcase the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience, making them more attractive to hiring managers. A poorly written resume may not even make it past the initial screening process, which can severely limit job prospects.

Understanding the Role of a Teaching Assistant

As a teaching assistant (TA), you play a critical role in the classroom, supporting the teacher and ensuring that students receive the education they deserve. Here’s what you need to know about the responsibilities and skills required to excel in this role.

A. Responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant

Some of the key responsibilities of a TA include:

• Assisting the teacher with lesson planning and preparation
• Supporting students with their learning needs, such as providing one-on-one guidance and feedback
• Monitoring student performance and progress
• Conducting class activities and exercises under the guidance of the teacher
• Grading assignments and exams
• Ensuring a safe and supportive classroom environment

As a TA, it’s important to be flexible and adaptable, as your specific duties will vary depending on the teacher, grade level, and subject matter. However, these core responsibilities make up the foundation of the TA role.

B. Skills Required to be a Good Teaching Assistant

To stand out as a TA, you need to have a specific set of skills that make you an effective and valuable member of the educational team. Here are some of the key skills required:

Communication: You need to be able to communicate effectively with students, teachers, and parents, both orally and in writing. You should be able to explain concepts in a way that students can understand, and be able to communicate student progress to the teacher and parents.

Organization: Managing classroom activities and student progress can be a lot of work, so you need to be organized and detail-oriented. This means keeping track of assignments, grading criteria, and progress reports.

Patience: As a TA, you’ll be working with a variety of students with different learning styles and needs. You need to be patient and understanding, and be able to provide support and guidance to those who are struggling.

Flexibility: The classroom environment can be unpredictable, so you need to be flexible and able to adapt to changes as they arise. This might mean adjusting lesson plans, handling unexpected disruptions, or helping students with unexpected needs.

Passion for education: Above all, you need to be passionate about education and committed to helping students succeed. You should have a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of young people, and be willing to put in the hard work required to support their learning.

By developing these skills and taking on your TA responsibilities with enthusiasm and dedication, you can build a successful career in education and make a positive impact on the lives of many students.

Researching the Target School or Institution

After crafting a strong teaching assistant resume, it is important to dedicate time to research the target school or institution. This section will cover the importance of research, the schools’ requirements and expectations, and understanding the school’s culture and values.

A. Importance of Research

Researching the target school or institution is a vital step in the job application process. It allows you to tailor your application and highlight your skills and experience that align with the school’s goals and values. It also demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and can give you an advantage over other applicants who did not do their research.

A significant factor to consider when researching the school is its mission statement, as it highlights the institution’s objectives and guiding principles. You should use this information to connect your experiences and skills to their mission, demonstrating how you can contribute to the school’s overall goal.

B. Schools’ Requirements and Expectations

Each school has unique requirements and expectations for their teaching assistants. These can range from educational qualifications to years of experience in the field. Therefore, it is important to research and understand what the institution is seeking in a teaching assistant.

In reading the job description, pay attention to keywords, specific language, and any required skills or certifications. This information can help guide your resume and cover letter, ensuring you highlight your qualifications that are relevant to the requirements and expectations outlined by the school.

C. Understanding the School’s Culture and Values

A crucial aspect in researching a target school is gaining an understanding of their culture and values. Understanding these elements can help you with tailoring your application and preparing for possible interview questions.

In addition to looking at the mission statement, explore the school’s website and social media channels to get a feel for their culture. Investigate their programs, activities, and events to see how they align with your interests and experiences. It is also advisable to examine the school’s faculty and staff to see if any have similar research or work interests to your own.

Researching the target school or institution is a fundamental step in preparing a successful teaching assistant application. By understanding the importance of research, schools’ requirements and expectations, and the school’s culture and values, you can tailor your application and demonstrate your qualifications and compatibility with the school’s mission and goals.

Structuring a Teaching Assistant Resume

As a teaching assistant, you want to ensure that your resume stands out from the rest of the competition. Your resume is the first point of contact with a potential employer, and it should convince them that you have the necessary qualifications and experience to excel in the role. Here are some tips on how to structure your teaching assistant resume effectively.

A. Different types of Resumes

There are different types of resumes that you can use to apply for a teaching assistant position. These include:

• Chronological Resume: This type of resume lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. It is suitable if you have a consistent employment history and you want to highlight your career progression.
• Functional Resume: This resume format highlights your skills and accomplishments rather than your work experience. It is suitable if you have gaps in your employment history or you are changing careers.
• Combination Resume: As the name suggests, this type of resume combines the features of both the chronological and functional resumes. It highlights your skills and accomplishments while also listing your work experience in chronological order.

B. Finding the Right Resume Format

Choosing the right resume format is crucial in making a good impression on the hiring manager. The format should be easy to read, well-organized, and aesthetically pleasing. You can choose from a variety of templates available online or create your own format.

When selecting a template, look for one that includes the sections you need to highlight your qualifications, such as your education, work experience, skills, and achievements. You can also add sections such as a personal statement, hobbies, certifications, and references.

C. Parts of a Resume

A resume consists of several sections that provide the hiring manager with an overview of your qualifications and experience. These include:

• Header: This section includes your name, contact information, and professional title.
• Personal Statement: This section provides a brief summary of your qualifications and experience. It should be concise and engaging and grab the reader’s attention.
• Education: This section lists your academic qualifications, including the name of the institution, the degree obtained, and the date of graduation. You can also include any relevant coursework, honors, or awards.
• Work Experience: This section lists your employment history, including the name of the company, the position held, and the duration of employment. You should also list your responsibilities and accomplishments in each role.
• Skills: This section lists your relevant skills and expertise, such as classroom management, lesson planning, and student assessment. You can also include your proficiency in languages, software, and other tools.
• Achievements: This section highlights your accomplishments, such as awards, publications, and presentations. It demonstrates your commitment to professional development and your ability to make a positive impact in your field.

Writing the Professional Summary and Objective Statement

When it comes to crafting a standout resume as a teaching assistant, writing a compelling professional summary and objective statement is crucial. In this section, we’ll cover the purpose of the professional summary, tips for writing a compelling summary, and the importance of an objective statement in your resume.

A. Purpose of the Professional Summary

The professional summary is a short and concise paragraph that highlights your most relevant skills and experiences as a teaching assistant. It’s usually placed at the top of your resume, below your contact information, and should grab the employer’s attention by highlighting your strengths.

The purpose of the professional summary is to provide a quick overview of who you are as a teaching assistant and what you have to offer to the employer. A well-written professional summary can convince the employer to keep reading your resume and ultimately lead to an interview.

B. Tips for Writing a Compelling Professional Summary

When writing your professional summary, keep in mind that you have a limited amount of space to convey your key strengths and experiences. Here are some tips to make your professional summary stand out:

• Use strong and action-oriented words that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments as a teaching assistant.
• Get straight to the point and avoid fluff or unnecessary details.
• Tailor your summary to fit the specific job description and requirements.
• Use metrics and numbers to quantify your achievements and impact.

Remember, the goal of the professional summary is to make a strong first impression and capture the employer’s attention.

C. The Importance of an Objective Statement

An objective statement is a short statement that outlines your career goals and objectives as a teaching assistant. It’s usually placed after the professional summary and should be tailored to fit the specific job you’re applying for.

The objective statement is important because it shows the employer that you’re focused and have a clear direction for your career. It also helps you stand out from other candidates by conveying your passion and enthusiasm for the position.

When writing your objective statement, keep in mind the following:

• Be specific and tailored to the job you’re applying for.
• Be realistic and show that you have a clear understanding of the position and requirements.
• Show enthusiasm and interest in the position.

By including an objective statement in your resume, you’ll show the employer that you’re committed to your career as a teaching assistant and have a clear direction for your future.

Writing a strong professional summary and objective statement can make a big difference in your teaching assistant resume. By following these tips and tailoring your statements to fit the job, you’ll stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Showcasing Relevant Work Experience

As a teaching assistant, showcasing your relevant work experience is vital when crafting a resume that stands out. This section should highlight the most significant roles you have held, and how they align with the requirements of the position you are applying for.

A. Highlighting Relevant Work Experience

To highlight relevant work experience, start by creating a section that focuses on your most recent positions. Emphasize real-life ways you’ve incorporated educational concepts and best practices into your work.

This section should be placed at the top of your resume so hiring managers can immediately see your experience. Make sure to use relevant buzzwords for the position you are applying for, to help your resume stand out.

B. Describing Relevant Work Experience

When describing your relevant work experience, be sure to describe any duties that display your ability to create useful educational experiences. Elaborate on the details of the roles you have held, and how you have made a positive impact in each one.

Think about tasks that reveal your ability to work independently, communicate ideas effectively, and collaborate with colleagues. For instance, if you’ve had experience with writing extensive lesson plans or grading student work, elaborate on that experience.

C. Quantifying Achievements & Accomplishments

Quantifying your achievements and accomplishments provides hiring managers with a clear sense of what you have achieved in your professional life. Be sure to include metrics whenever possible.

For example, if you launched a new program, explain how many students attended the program and the impact it had on grades, test scores, or other markers of student success. Additionally, If you aided in the creation of a compelling curriculum, share how many students participated and the outcomes of that lesson plan.

Remember that when crafting your teaching assistant resume, focus on the most significant roles you have held and try to highlight any experiences that showcase your ability as a teacher. When you quantify your achievements and accomplishments, you make it easy for hiring managers to recognize your value as a teaching assistant.

Listing Relevant Skills and Qualifications

A. listing the right skills.

When it comes to crafting a Teaching Assistant resume, it’s important to make sure that you’re highlighting the right skills. In general, you’ll want to emphasize your ability to work well with others, communicate effectively, and manage your time efficiently. You’ll also want to include any relevant experience you have in instructional design, curriculum development, or classroom management.

Here are a few key skills that you may want to include in your teaching assistant resume:

Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills are essential for any teaching assistant. You need to be able to explain complex concepts in simple terms, engage with students and parents, and collaborate effectively with other educators.

Classroom management: As a teaching assistant, you may be responsible for a variety of tasks, including monitoring student behavior, setting up lesson plans, and maintaining a safe and organized learning environment.

Instructional design: If you have experience developing lesson plans or creating educational materials, make sure to highlight these skills in your resume.

Curriculum development: If you’ve helped to create or implement curriculum in the past, be sure to mention these experiences in your resume.

B. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Qualifications

Q: What qualifications do I need to become a Teaching Assistant? A: Qualifications vary depending on the school and the specific job, but most Teaching Assistant positions require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Some positions may also require additional education or certifications.

Q: Do I need to have previous teaching experience to become a Teaching Assistant? A: While previous teaching experience can be helpful, it’s not always required. Many schools are looking for individuals who are passionate about education and have strong communication and organizational skills.

Q: What are some key qualifications that schools look for in Teaching Assistants? A: In addition to educational and professional qualifications, schools typically look for Teaching Assistants who are patient, flexible, and able to work well with others. Strong communication skills and a passion for education are also important.

Q: How can I make my Teaching Assistant resume stand out? A: To make your resume stand out, be sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences, including any instructional design or curriculum development work you’ve done. You should also tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, using keywords and phrases from the job description. Finally, proofread carefully to ensure that your resume is free of errors and typos.

Including Relevant Certificates and Training

In order to stand out as a teaching assistant, it’s important to not only have the necessary experience and skills, but also to showcase your relevant certificates and training. This section will cover the importance of certificates and training, how to choose the right ones, and how to showcase them in your resume.

A. Importance of Certificates and Training

Having relevant certificates and training not only shows that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to excel as a teaching assistant, but it also demonstrates a willingness to learn and improve. This can be especially important for entry-level candidates who may not have much experience in the field.

Certificates and training can also help set you apart from other candidates and make you a more competitive applicant. In some cases, they may even be required for certain teaching assistant positions.

B. Choosing the Right Certificate and Training Programs

When choosing which certificate and training programs to pursue, it’s important to consider the specific requirements of the teaching assistant positions you are interested in. For example, if you are interested in working with students with special needs, then certificates and training in special education may be necessary.

It’s also important to consider the reputation and quality of the program. Look for programs that are accredited and offer hands-on experience or practical application of skills. This will not only provide you with valuable experience, but also make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

C. Showcasing Certificates and Training in Resume

Incorporating your certificates and training into your resume can help demonstrate your qualifications and make you stand out to potential employers. Make sure to list any relevant certificates and training under a separate “Certifications” or “Education” section on your resume.

When listing your certificates and training, be sure to include the name of the program, the date you received the certification or completed the training, and a brief description of the skills or knowledge you gained. This will help employers understand the value you can bring to the position.

In addition to listing your certificates and training, consider highlighting any projects or assignments you completed during the program that demonstrate your skills and experience. This can help provide more context to potential employers and showcase your abilities.

Including relevant certificates and training in your teaching assistant resume is an effective way to set yourself apart from other candidates and demonstrate your qualifications and commitment to the field. By choosing the right programs and effectively showcasing your certificates and training in your resume, you can increase your chances of landing your desired teaching assistant position.

Highlighting Extracurricular Activities or Volunteer Work

As a teaching assistant, you might wonder if your extracurricular activities or volunteer work matter on your resume. The answer is yes! Including your relevant extracurricular activities or volunteer work can add value to your resume and help you stand out from other candidates.

A. Importance of Extracurricular Activities or Volunteer Work

Extracurricular activities or volunteer work can showcase your skills, strengths, and interests outside the classroom. These activities not only demonstrate your ability to manage your time and juggle multiple responsibilities but also highlight your involvement in your community. As a teaching assistant, your involvement in extracurricular activities or volunteer work can also demonstrate your passion for education and your willingness to go the extra mile to support students.

B. Including Relevant Extracurricular Activities or Volunteer Work

When including your extracurricular activities or volunteer work, make sure to only mention the ones that are relevant to the teaching assistant position. For example, if you volunteered at a summer camp for children with learning disabilities, this experience would be valuable to highlight as a teaching assistant. On the other hand, if you played intramural sports, it may not be as relevant.

C. Benefits of Extracurricular Activities or Volunteer Work

Including your extracurricular activities or volunteer work on your resume can offer several benefits. Firstly, it adds depth to your resume and enables employers to gain a better understanding of your character, work ethic, and interests. Secondly, it provides a way for you to showcase transferable skills that you may not have had the opportunity to develop in your academic and professional experiences. Finally, highlighting your involvement in extracurricular activities or volunteer work can help set you apart from other candidates who may have similar academic or professional backgrounds.

It is important to include your extracurricular activities or volunteer work on your teaching assistant resume. These experiences can demonstrate your passion for education, showcase relevant skills and draw attention to you as a unique candidate. So don’t be afraid to highlight your involvement in extracurricular activities or volunteer work and leverage them to stand out and get noticed by potential employers.

Adding Relevant Keywords and Power Words

As a teaching assistant, having a well-crafted resume is crucial for catching the attention of potential employers and standing out from other candidates. Part of that resume creation process involves incorporating relevant keywords and power words that align with the job description and showcase your skills and experiences.

A. Importance of Keywords and Power Words

Including relevant keywords and power words in your resume not only makes it more readable and understandable for potential employers, but also improves your chances of getting noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS). ATS are software programs used by many employers to filter through resumes based on certain keywords and phrases. By including relevant keywords and power words, you increase the likelihood that your resume will pass through the ATS and get seen by a human recruiter or hiring manager.

Power words, on the other hand, are words that carry strong emotional or descriptive meanings and can help you convey your experience and accomplishments in a more impactful way. They create a powerful impression on the reader and make your resume stand out from others.

B. Tips for Finding Relevant Keywords and Power Words

To find relevant keywords and power words, start by closely studying the job description and highlighting key phrases and expectations. Use these words throughout your resume, especially in the summary section and bullet points. Additionally, use online resources such as job boards, LinkedIn, industry publications, and company websites to identify buzzwords and common terminology used in your field.

For finding power words, refer to online resources and keep in mind the desired characteristics for the job. Choose words such as “achieved”, “exceeded”, “formulated”, and “innovated” that express your accomplishments in strong terms.

C. Implementing Keywords and Power words in Resume

To implement keywords and power words in your resume, be strategic in your use of language. Start by including relevant keywords in the summary section, which should ideally be at the top of the resume. Use bullet points to highlight achievements and responsibilities in previous TA positions or other relevant roles. Make sure to incorporate action verbs and power words while highlighting key points as well.

Additionally, include any relevant skills and certifications in your resume. For example, if you have experience with special needs students, include keywords related to that experience such as “inclusion”, “individualized education program”, and “behavioral support”.

Including relevant keywords and power words in your teaching assistant resume can increase your chances of landing an interview and ultimately getting hired. By taking the time to thoroughly read through job descriptions, conduct research, and strategically implement these words throughout your resume, you can create a stand-out document that showcases your skills and experiences in a compelling way.

Tips for Applying and Interviewing for a Teaching Assistant Position

Are you interested in becoming a teaching assistant? If so, it’s important to make sure that your resume stands out and that you are prepared for the application and interview process. Here are some tips to help you succeed in your search for a teaching assistant position.

A. Tips for Applying

Tailor your resume to the job: Make sure that your resume highlights your relevant experience and skills. Research the job description and make sure that your resume includes keywords and phrases that match the job requirements.

Emphasize education and certifications: Highlight any relevant education or certifications you have earned that make you a strong candidate for the position.

Include relevant experience: Whether you have worked as a teaching assistant before or have experience working with children or in a related field, make sure that your resume highlights this experience.

Provide references: Be sure to include references who can speak to your qualifications as a teaching assistant.

B. Tips for Interviewing

Prepare for the interview: Research the school and the position and prepare answers to common interview questions. Make sure you understand the school’s mission and culture.

Dress appropriately: Dress professionally and conservatively for the interview.

Be confident and enthusiastic: Make eye contact, speak clearly, and show enthusiasm for the position and the school.

Ask questions: Be prepared to ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the position and your willingness to learn and grow as a teaching assistant.

C. Common Interview Questions

Here are some common interview questions that you might encounter when applying for a teaching assistant position:

What experience do you have working with children?

How would you handle a difficult student?

What are your strengths as a teaching assistant?

How would you adapt your teaching style to meet the needs of different learners?

Can you tell me about a time when you had to work collaboratively with a teacher or administrator?

How would you handle a situation where a student was not following the rules?

What is your approach to lesson planning and preparation?

How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively?

What strategies do you use to motivate students?

Can you tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem creatively?

By following these tips and being prepared for common interview questions, you can increase your chances of standing out as a strong candidate for a teaching assistant position. Good luck!

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How to Write a Teaching Assistant CV (with templates)

Introduction

A well-crafted CV is essential for securing a Teaching Assistant position. As a TA, your role is vital in providing support and assistance to teachers and students in educational settings. A strong CV showcases your qualifications, skills, and experience, helping you stand out from other applicants. In this guide, we will provide clear, actionable advice for creating a Teaching Assistant CV that highlights your strengths and maximises your chances of landing your dream job.

Understanding the Role of a Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistants play a crucial role in the classroom, providing support to teachers and students alike. They assist with lesson planning, classroom management, and individualised instruction. Teaching Assistants often work with students with SEN (Special Educational Needs), or who require extra attention, making patience, empathy, and effective communication vital qualities for success in this role.

Teaching Assistant CV Template

For design, we've got you covered. You can find a full summary of where to find great Teaching Assistant CV designs here .

These designs make finalising your CV – and ensuring it stands out to schools – easier than ever. There are a few options in the above article, but our biggest recommendation is the education CV templates page on Canva. Customising your CV to be as minimalist or as fun as you'd like is a breeze. We can't believe it's free to use!

What to Include in Your Teaching Assistant CV

Now, let's get into the content. When crafting your CV, there are several key sections to include:

Personal Information

Include your full name, contact details, and professional title at the top of your CV. Make sure to provide a professional email address and a link to your LinkedIn profile, if applicable.

Professional Summary

Write a brief, impactful statement of around 3 sentences that summarises your experience, skills, and what you bring to a TA role. Highlight your strengths and key qualifications, demonstrating your passion for education and commitment to student success.

Work Experience

Detail your previous work experience, focusing on roles that are relevant to teaching or education. Describe your responsibilities and achievements, emphasising your ability to support teachers and engage with students effectively. Ensure you include the start and end dates for each role!

List your academic qualifications, including any specific training or certifications relevant to being a Teaching Assistant. Highlight any coursework or projects that demonstrate your expertise in education.

Certifications and Awards

Highlight any additional certifications or recognition that could bolster your application. Include any relevant Teaching Assistant certifications, first aid training, or awards that demonstrate your commitment to professional development and excellence in your field.

Volunteer Experience

If you have relevant volunteer experience, particularly in educational or child-focused settings, include it in this section. Volunteer work can demonstrate your passion for education and your ability to work with children.

Apply for Teaching Assistant Roles with Zen Educate

If you're ready to take the next step in your education career, consider applying for supply roles with Zen Educate. Zen Educate connects TAs directly with schools, making it easier to find positions that suit you. Check out the current Teaching Assistant jobs near you here .

What Not to Include in Your Teaching Assistant CV

While it's important to provide a comprehensive overview of your qualifications and experience, there are certain things you should avoid including in your Teaching Assistant CV:

• Personal details unrelated to the job, such as marital status, full address, or date of birth. It might sound obvious, but some people do think some of these are mandatory!
• Clichés and buzzwords without concrete examples to back them up. Focus on providing specific examples of your skills and accomplishments.
• Oversharing personal information. Keep your CV professional and focused on your qualifications for the TA role.

Writing Tips

To create a standout Teaching Assistant CV, follow these tips:

• Use clear, concise language and bullet points to ensure easy readability.
• Tailor your CV to each application, highlighting the experience and skills most relevant to the specific TA position.
• Quantify your achievements when possible. For example, mention how you assisted in improving students' exam results by a particulary percentage, or how you successfully managed a certain number of students in the classroom.
• Use a professional yet approachable tone of voice. Remember, as a Teaching Assistant, effective communication is essential, so your CV should reflect your ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
• Proofread your CV carefully to ensure there are no errors or typos. Attention to detail is crucial in the role of a Teaching Assistant, and a CV with mistakes can create a negative impression.

Example of Skills to Include

When highlighting your skills in your Teaching Assistant CV, consider including the following:

• SEN (Special Educational Needs) support
• Literacy and numeracy support
• Effective communication
• Patience and empathy
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Organisational skills

As important as these are, it's always better not to baselessly name your soft skills – make sure you give examples to back them up!

Tips for Writing a Teaching Assistant CV with No Experience

If you're applying for Teaching Assistant roles without prior experience, there are still ways to make your CV stand out:

• Highlight any relevant extracurricular activities or volunteer experiences that demonstrate your ability to work with children and support their learning.
• Emphasise your education and any training you have received that is relevant to the Teaching Assistant role.
• Showcase transferable skills, such as communication, organisation, and teamwork, that can be applied to the TA position.

Crafting a strong Teaching Assistant CV is crucial for securing your desired role. By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this guide, you can create a tailored CV that showcases your unique strengths and qualifications. Remember to customise your CV for each application, highlighting the most relevant experience and skills. With a well-crafted CV, you can increase your chances of standing out and landing your dream Teaching Assistant position.

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This Example Teaching Assistant CV Will Help You Land Your Next Job

About about 2 years ago By Eloise Gladwyn

Download example teaching assistant CV here

When it comes to job hunting, a great CV is your best friend. With just a brief glance, a recruiter will decide if you are the right fit for the job. In fact, this glance can be so short, the chairman of the popular recruitment company REED stated that recruiters can spend as little as 7 seconds looking at a CV! With only a fraction of a minute to make an impression, your CV really needs to stand out.

Before we start, take a second to download the example teaching assistant CV we linked to above. We’re about to go each section in detail and discuss what you need to include in your CV to keep those eyes on the page!

1.     Personal Statement

The personal statement is the first part of your CV that a hiring manager will read, so you need to make it stand out and grab their attention. It should include a clear, succinct explanation of your experiences in the industry, or any relevant experience if you do not have direct experience from a school. You should highlight your key areas of strength here and show how you can fulfil the role of a TA. Things you can include are:

-       Ages of children you have worked with

-       Abilities of children you have worked with

-       Skills necessary for the classroom

-       Any subjects you have a particularly strong knowledge of

 You should finish your personal statement with a short summary of your personality and how it makes you a good fit for a role working with children in education. Avoid cliché, overgeneralised statements such as ‘I love working with children’ and think more granular – what about working with children do you like? Is it breaking down information into a digestible manner, or when children get that ‘eureka!’ moment when they finally get something you’ve been helping them learn?

You can finish this section by listing your core skills underneath to hook the recruiter into reading more about your experiences.

For example:

I am an able and supportive teaching assistant with over five years’ experience working with children of primary school age. I have proven experience of being able to develop effective and successful working relationships with school staff and students. I have a strong understanding of the primary school national curriculum and have tested experience of supporting teachers with lesson planning and classroom activities. I am empathetic and sensitive towards the varied needs of the students I assist, and I am passionate about working towards the collective goal of student independence.

CORE SKILLS

·       Relationship builder with teachers and pupils

·       Excellent team member with strong communication skills  

·       Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning

·       Supportive and patient disposition

2.     Employment history

This is where you list your previous work history. You can either make a list running from most recent to the least recent, or you can list by relevance to the role. Make sure to include what your job title was and list your key responsibilities. Always highlight what you did well there, and your stand-out achievements. Be sure to highlight any experience gained in behaviour management, special needs, planning, assessment, and supporting teaching staff.

Teaching Assistant

Reading Road Primary School, Epping

From MM/YY to MM/YY

Primary school of c.150 students, provided teaching assistance from reception level to Year 6 across a range of subjects.

·       Supporting the class teacher and individual needs of the students day-to-day

·       Participating in a range of lessons from classroom to games

·       Managing incidents and challenging behaviour

Achievements

·       Commended by headteacher for the continued progress of four Year 5 pupils in history

·       Asked to attend parents’ evening and provide feedback on individual pupil performance

3.     Education and Development

In this section, you should list all your educational qualifications and agreements. Schools will set their own educational requirements for applicants, but generally most schools ask for a grade 9-4 (A*-C) in GCSE Maths and English. If you are applying to teach at primary schools, GCSE Science will also be beneficial.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

·       Teaching Assistant NVQ Level 2, Epping College July 2015

·       8 GCSEs including Maths (C), Science (C), English (B), Epping Secondary School July 2013

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

·       Teaching Assistant NVQ Level 2 (2015)

·       Clean UK driving license

·       Five day intensive First Aid course (2015)

4.     Personal interests

This section is optional, but letting your personality shine through could be the cherry on top of a winning application. Schools are incredibly social places, so a hiring manager might want to know a bit about your hobbies and interests to get a better idea of you as a person.

Standing out from the crowd is the name of the game, so if you possess a special talent you could utilise in your teaching that is perhaps hard to come by – for instance, if you are a confident instrument player or are good at a particular sport – then mention it. Your qualifications and employment history are the parts of a teaching assistant CV that will get you the job, but there is certainly no harm in letting your individuality shine through.

·       Swimming

·       Playing the flute

·       Spanish cinema

Top Tips for your CV writing

It is always good practice to check out the job description for the role you are applying for. It will contain a lot of key points and terms to respond to and weave into your CV. This will show the recruiter you have taken the time to consider what the school wants from the applicant and how you can fulfil those needs. Extra points if you provide examples of how you have fulfilled the needs in the past!

Keep your CV under two pages in length in order to keep the reader’s attention. Overloading your information with text can put recruiters off; keep your information in short, punchy bullet points.

If you’re looking to land a teaching assistant job, we hope these tips and tricks will help you get there. Follow these steps and you’ll be a teaching assistant before you know it!

Protocol Education can help you find your next role

As one of the UK’s leading educational recruitment agencies, we help hundreds of teaching assistants every year put their skills into practice in primary schools , secondary schools , special schools or as part of the National Tutoring Programme .

Even if you have no previous experience as a teaching assistant, our consultants will find you the right opportunities to get into the classroom and start changing lives. Browse our latest TA job listings or register with us to be the first to know about the best placements.

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How to write the perfect teaching personal statement

Application and interview, tes editorial.

When applying for a new job, you may be competing with tens or hundreds of other applicants in a race for the role.

The HR manager or headteacher recruiting for the job will be scrutinising every detail of your application to make sure they are bringing in the right people for interview.

The application form is the first hurdle you have to get over and sets the first impression of you as a person in the recruiter’s mind.

• Advice on honing your job search
• How to write a personal statement for teacher training
• How to write a must-read CV

The personal statement: why does it matter? 

The personal statement presents the perfect opportunity to show you are an exceptional candidate, understand teaching and know the school you are applying to.

It is not an easy task and is a tricky thing to get right. It requires being concise and clear – it shouldn’t be too long or read like a list.

You should talk about yourself and your professional achievements, while at the same time apply those experiences to the school itself.

We spoke to Malcolm Trobe, deputy general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders , about what goes into the perfect personal statement. Here's what he said:

What does a great teaching personal statement look like?

"In general, I would say no longer than two sides of A4 – typescript. It needs to be well structured and linked to the specific school. It will need to include a number of key areas, including behavioural management, educational philosophy, subject expertise, pedagogy, personal organisation and skills and enrichment activities that the candidate can bring."

What should it contain?

"I would recommend that candidates include three elements in each of the key areas:

• What their beliefs/philosophy/approach is – i.e., the theory
• Their experience in that area
• How they would use that experience in the school they are applying to and specific to the job they are applying for

The statement should also include something personal in terms of their outside interests to indicate that they live an interesting and well-balanced life."

What are school leaders looking to read in a good personal statement?

"They will want to see something of the person’s character come through. It must not be just a list of achievements or repeat of the CV. It needs to be well-written, error-free and mention the school they are applying for – but not too many times. It should read as if it has been specifically written for the school and job they are applying for. I would be looking for something similar to the approach I have indicated above, covering all of the key areas and indicating that they have a vocation for working with young people. Somehow I would like to see a ‘generosity of spirit’ come through in the statement."

How can a candidate stand out in a personal statement?

"A good personal statement needs to include something of the person themselves. It has to make the reader believe that the candidate has something special without bragging or appearing arrogant – but something a bit above what other candidates may offer. A really good introduction and ending are important, and it's worth spending a great deal of time crafting those sections of the statement. Hook the reader in at the beginning and finish on a high note so that they want to meet the person and explore what has been written."

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10 Tips for Writing the Perfect Personal Statement

Posted on 11 March 2021 by Becky Duncan - Kent-Teach in Career

The reason for application or personal statement is possibly the most important part of any job application. Your ‘Reason for Application’ is where you can show schools why you are perfect for the job, so it is important to take your time to get it right.

Here are 10 tips to ensure your personal statement is the best it can be and give you the best chance of securing an interview.

1) Use the Person Specification. Person Specifications are provided on most adverts on Kent-Teach and these should form your starting point for writing your reason for application. Work your way through the document and include as many key words as possible and criteria listed into your statement. This will ensure that when your application is shortlisted you have addressed the criteria and can demonstrate that you meet any competencies required for the role.  

2) Ensure you write a new personal statement for each role you are applying for . We recommend that you keep a template saved on your device which you can use and add to or amend to fit each vacancy. Each application should be tailored to the role and the school you are applying to work in. So if are applying for a role as a 1:1 teaching assistant talk about instances where you have supported children with additional needs. If you are applying for a position for a teaching assistant you will include different examples than what you would include for a 1:1 TA role.

It is important that you use the correct school's name in your application and reference the correct job title, it is easy to copy and paste the statement without including a specific school name but it is well worth the time to personalise each application you send. 

3) Use examples in your reason for application , for example you could include ‘I am able to teach using a wide range of teaching strategies to meet differing learning styles’, you can expand this statement by explaining what strategies you have used and how these were successful in supporting pupils to learn new skills.

4) Ensure you write enough to showcase your skills and talents but equally try not to write too much . 1 side of A4 is normally sufficient but we recommend you do not exceed 2 sides of A4 as this will be too long and the shortlisting team may lose interest before they reach the end. Imagine reading 20 applications forms each with reasons of applications that exceed two pages, and you will understand this tip!

5) Show you are passionate. What do you love   about working in your profession or about the role you are applying for? What draws you to the specific vacancy or the school you are applying in? Ensure you read the school's ethos on their website and if there are any points that resonate with you then talk about this in your personal statement. If you are applying for a role in a church school then you may wish to include information about your faith (if applicable) and explain how you would be a good fit for the school. 

6) Visit the school beforehand if possible or take a virtual tour on their website. It is commonplace in education for potential candidates to visit a school prior to submitting an application. If you have visited the school or done a virtual tour then mention that in your personal statement. This shows that you have invested time and are a serious candidate, it will also give you time to talk to current staff members and get a feel for the school which will also help you decide if you actually want to work there. 

7) Explain why you want to work at that specific school. Does the school have a reputation for excellence in a particular field or perhaps they have a large number of disadvantaged pupils which you feel you can impact positively? Whatever the reason you want to work there then make sure you explain this.

8) Talk about career progression. Schools will be interested in candidates that can demonstrate that they are thinking of their professional development. A good example of this would be an individual looking to start their career as a teaching assistant with the aim to undertaking a teaching qualification in the future. 

9) Mention any volunteering experiences. If you are limited in your work experience or you are looking to change career to the education sector then volunteering can be a great way to gain valuable experience. Voluntary work can give you useful experience and skills which you can use to show why you are suitable for the role, especially if your voluntary work was with children or young people. 

You can even talk about your hobbies in your personal statement, for example if you are applying for a role as an IT Technician and your hobby is building websites then it would be beneficial for your application that you mentioned this. 

10) Check once, check twice, and check again. For our final tip we recommend that you check your personal statement and the whole application form before you submit it. Spelling and punctuation are really important and need to be correct. Make sure that you check your application yourself and ask a family member or friend to check it too, a fresh pair of eyes will often pick things up that you have missed.

So, there we have it, our top ten tips to writing the perfect reason for application. Follow these steps to give yourself the best chance of being offered an interview. 

Face to face interviews are similar to virtual interviews but not being in the same room as the interview panel can seem slightly strange or surreal. Here are 12 ways you can prepare for an online interview and help you get the job of your dreams.

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Trump hints at expanded role for the military within the US. A legacy law gives him few guardrails

FIlE - Surrounded by Army cadets, President Donald Trump watches the first half of the 121st Army-Navy Football Game in Michie Stadium at the United States Military Academy, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in West Point, N.Y. Experts in constitutional law and the military say the Insurrection Act gives presidents tremendous power with few restraints. Recent statements by former President Donald Trump raise questions about how he might use it if he wins another term. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

FILE - Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Claremont, N.H. (AP Photo/Reba Saldanha, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 26, 1957, file photo, members of the 101st Airborne Division take up positions outside Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. The troops were on duty to enforce integration at the school. During the Civil Rights era, Presidents Johnson, John F. Kennedy and Dwight Eisenhower used the law to protect activists and students desegregating schools. Eisenhower sent the 101st Airborne to Little Rock, Arkansas, to protect Black students integrating Central High School after that state’s governor activated the National Guard to keep the students out. (AP Photo/File)

FILE - President George H.W. Bush addresses the nation on May 1, 1992, from the Oval Office in Washington. George H.W. Bush was the last president to use the Insurrection Act, a response to riots in Los Angeles in 1992 after the acquittal of the white police officers who beat Black motorist Rodney King in an incident that was videotaped. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook, File)

FILE - A fire burns out of control at the corner of 67th Street and West Boulevard in South Central Los Angeles, on April 30, 1992. On April 29, 1992, four white police officers were declared innocent in the beating of black motorist Rodney King, and Los Angeles erupted in deadly riots. George H.W. Bush was the last president to use the Insurrection Act, a response to riots in Los Angeles in 1992 after the acquittal of the white police officers who beat Black motorist Rodney King in an incident that was videotaped. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

FILE - National Guard members take a staircase toward the U.S. Capitol building before a rehearsal for President-elect Joe Biden’s Presidential Inauguration in Washington on Jan. 18, 2021. Experts in constitutional law and the military say the Insurrection Act gives presidents tremendous power with few restraints. Recent statements by former President Donald Trump raise questions about how he might use it if he wins another term. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

FILE - In this June 1, 2020 file photo, President Donald Trump departs the White House to visit outside St. John’s Church, in Washington. Walking behind Trump from left are, Attorney General William Barr, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Experts in constitutional law and the military say the Insurrection Act gives presidents tremendous power with few restraints. Recent statements by former President Donald Trump raise questions about how he might use it if he wins another term. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Campaigning in Iowa this year, Donald Trump said he was prevented during his presidency from using the military to quell violence in primarily Democratic cities and states.

Calling New York City and Chicago “crime dens,” the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination told his audience, “The next time, I’m not waiting. One of the things I did was let them run it and we’re going to show how bad a job they do,” he said. “Well, we did that. We don’t have to wait any longer.”

Trump has not spelled out precisely how he might use the military during a second term, although he and his advisers have suggested they would have wide latitude to call up units. While deploying the military regularly within the country’s borders would be a departure from tradition, the former president already has signaled an aggressive agenda if he wins, from mass deportations to travel bans imposed on certain Muslim-majority countries.

A law first crafted in the nation’s infancy would give Trump as commander in chief almost unfettered power to do so, military and legal experts said in a series of interviews.

The Insurrection Act allows presidents to call on reserve or active-duty military units to respond to unrest in the states, an authority that is not reviewable by the courts. One of its few guardrails merely requires the president to request that the participants disperse.

“The principal constraint on the president’s use of the Insurrection Act is basically political, that presidents don’t want to be the guy who sent tanks rolling down Main Street,” said Joseph Nunn, a national security expert with the Brennan Center for Justice. “There’s not much really in the law to stay the president’s hand.”

A spokesman for Trump’s campaign did not respond to multiple requests for comment about what authority Trump might use to pursue his plans.

Congress passed the act in 1792, just four years after the Constitution was ratified. Nunn said it’s an amalgamation of different statutes enacted between then and the 1870s, a time when there was little in the way of local law enforcement.

“It is a law that in many ways was created for a country that doesn’t exist anymore,” he said.

It also is one of the most substantial exceptions to the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits using the military for law enforcement purposes.

Trump has spoken openly about his plans should he win the presidency, including using the military at the border and in cities struggling with violent crime. His plans also have included using the military against foreign drug cartels, a view echoed by other Republican primary candidates such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, the former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor.

The threats have raised questions about the meaning of military oaths, presidential power and who Trump could appoint to support his approach.

Trump already has suggested he might bring back retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn , who served briefly as Trump’s national security adviser and twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI during its Russian influence probe before being pardoned by Trump. Flynn suggested in the aftermath of the 2020 election that Trump could seize voting machines and order the military in some states to help rerun the election.

Attempts to invoke the Insurrection Act and use the military for domestic policing would likely elicit pushback from the Pentagon, where the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is Gen. Charles Q. Brown. He was one of the eight members of the Joint Chiefs who signed a memo to military personnel in the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The memo emphasized the oaths they took and called the events of that day, which were intended to stop certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory over Trump , “sedition and insurrection.”

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Trump and his party nevertheless retain wide support among those who have served in the military. AP VoteCast, an in-depth survey of more than 94,000 voters nationwide, showed that 59% of U.S. military veterans voted for Trump in the 2020 presidential election. In the 2022 midterms, 57% of military veterans supported Republican candidates.

Presidents have issued a total of 40 proclamations invoking the law, some of those done multiple times for the same crisis, Nunn said. Lyndon Johnson invoked it three times — in Baltimore, Chicago and Washington — in response to the unrest in cities after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.

During the Civil Rights era, Presidents Johnson, John F. Kennedy and Dwight Eisenhower used the law to protect activists and students desegregating schools. Eisenhower sent the 101st Airborne to Little Rock, Arkansas, to protect Black students integrating Central High School after that state’s governor activated the National Guard to keep the students out.

George H.W. Bush was the last president to use the Insurrection Act, a response to riots in Los Angeles in 1992 after the acquittal of the white police officers who beat Black motorist Rodney King in an incident that was videotaped.

Repeated attempts to invoke the act in a new Trump presidency could put pressure on military leaders, who could face consequences for their actions even if done at the direction of the president.

Michael O’Hanlon, director of research in foreign policy at the Brookings Institution think tank, said the question is whether the military is being imaginative enough with the scenarios it has been presenting to future officers. Ambiguity, especially when force is involved, is not something military personnel are comfortable with, he said.

“There are a lot of institutional checks and balances in our country that are pretty well-developed legally, and it’ll make it hard for a president to just do something randomly out of the blue,” said O’Hanlon, who specializes in U.S. defense strategy and the use of military force. “But Trump is good at developing a semi-logical train of thought that might lead to a place where there’s enough mayhem, there’s enough violence and legal murkiness” to call in the military.

Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan of New York, the first graduate of the U.S. Military Academy to represent the congressional district that includes West Point, said he took the oath three times while he was at the school and additional times during his military career. He said there was extensive classroom focus on an officer’s responsibilities to the Constitution and the people under his or her command.

“They really hammer into us the seriousness of the oath and who it was to, and who it wasn’t to,” he said.

Ryan said he thought it was universally understood, but Jan. 6 “was deeply disturbing and a wakeup call for me.” Several veterans and active-duty military personnel were charged with crimes in connection with the assault.

While those connections were troubling, he said he thinks those who harbor similar sentiments make up a very small percentage of the military.

William Banks, a Syracuse University law professor and expert in national security law, said a military officer is not forced to follow “unlawful orders.” That could create a difficult situation for leaders whose units are called on for domestic policing, since they can face charges for taking unlawful actions.

“But there is a big thumb on the scale in favor of the president’s interpretation of whether the order is lawful,” Banks said. “You’d have a really big row to hoe and you would have a big fuss inside the military if you chose not to follow a presidential order.”

Nunn, who has suggested steps to restrict the invocation of the law, said military personnel cannot be ordered to break the law.

“Members of the military are legally obliged to disobey an unlawful order. At the same time, that is a lot to ask of the military because they are also obliged to obey orders,” he said. “And the punishment for disobeying an order that turns out to be lawful is your career is over, and you may well be going to jail for a very long time. The stakes for them are extraordinarily high.”

Associated Press writers Jill Colvin and Michelle L. Price in New York, and Linley Sanders in Washington contributed to this report.

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City Council concerned about Columbus ransomware attack, but remains silent on specifics

While Columbus City Council expressed deep concern over the ongoing cyber hack that has plagued the city for nearly a month, none of its members Wednesday offered specifics to their reaction to or oversight of Mayor Andrew Ginther's response to the situation.

“City Council members remain deeply concerned about the impact of the cyber incident on our employees and residents," Council spokesperson Jose Rodriguez said in a written statement. "Members were individually briefed again today (Wednesday) by the Mayor’s office and will continue to monitor the complex situation. Members will not be commenting in detail about an on-going local and Federal investigation.”

The statement comes a day after Ginther held a press conference in which he said the data stolen by hackers in a weeks-long ransomware attack on the city was corrupted or encrypted, and likely unusable to any criminals .

But only hours later, on Tuesday evening, The Dispatch reported that a local IT professional not involved with the city's official investigation had found that more than 470,000 people in Columbus and outside of the state of Ohio had their personally identifying information on the dark web, including names, addresses, birth dates, driver license numbers and Social Security numbers.

The expert, who goes online by the name Connor Goodwolf, a Columbus cybersecurity specialist who fears using his real name as to not provoke cybercriminals, showed the Dispatch the names of domestic violence and sexual assault victims and juveniles who are either victims or suspects in crimes, and the information of anyone visited city hall in the last decade and had their driver's license scanned into a system by security, just so they could attend a public meeting.

"This is bad, and I haven't even gone through all of (the data)," Goodwolf said Tuesday.

The council statement did not address this discrepancy and on Wednesday individual members could not be reached for comment. Reached by telephone and asked whether she had any comment on the ongoing ransomware situation and the administration's response, Councilperson Shayla Favor's only reply was: "No, I don't."

President Shannon Hardin, President Pro Tem Rob Dorans, and members Nick Bankston, Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, Nancy Day-Achauer, Melissa Green, Emmanuel Remy either didn't pick up their calls or respond to a voice mail or email. Member Christopher Wyche couldn't be reached. The Dispatch also asked the Council's media-relations office if it would notify councilmembers that the newspaper wished to speak with them.

They join other city officials, including City Auditor Megan Kilgore and City Attorney Zach Klein, in having generally deferred all inquiries into the incident over the past month to Ginther, whose IT Department has refused to comment since the incident reportedly occurred on July 18. The Dispatch first reached out to city Director of Technology Sam Orth on July 19th - the next day - and he has yet to make any public statements on the extent of the damage and who was affected.

"The silence from Ginther and city officials in this case indicates catastrophe," said Joe Motil, who challenged Ginther for the mayor's post in November, losing two-to-one after being badly outspent.

It's unclear that any member of council has been briefed on the extent of the damage, or that the city even knows - since Ginther on Wednesday said he was pursuing the information brought forth by Goodwolf.

"Yesterday, I shared information that had been verified through our cybersecurity investigation," Ginther said in a written statement released Wednesday following news reports of citizen data being compromised. "This information was shared in good faith, was based upon rigorous investigation and reliable sources, and was shared an in effort to offer transparency into the events of the past weeks.

"We are now aware that an individual has come forward with information. We are pursuing this information with the foremost concern of protecting and serving Columbus residents. We are actively evaluating additional resources to support the public and the city. As we continue to investigate, we will act on and share verifiable information."

Previously, Ginther had effectively said to stop listening to third parties who were describing what city information was being released on the dark web.

"With much respect, I share with you that speculation by individuals external to the investigation may not benefit the objective of educating the public on this incident," Ginther said last week. "Claims being made by sources external to the investigation about the actions of the threat actor do not match the assessments of cybersecurity experts and law enforcement actively working on the case."

No law enforcement official, federal, state or local, has yet said anything about the crime.

“I am aware of recent reports that data containing certain identifying information of crime victims and other citizens could have been accessed during the criminal cyber attack on the City’s IT infrastructure and may have been exposed on the dark web," City Attorney Klein, an elected official, said in a written statement Wednesday.

"I take this very seriously because our mission is and always will be to serve and protect victims. The City Attorney's Office will continue to do all that we can to protect our community and victims, both in and out of the courtroom. Moreover, we will continue to support ongoing efforts of the Department of Technology and the City's experts, as well as the FBI and Homeland Security, as they sort through the possible exposure of personal information by these criminals."

Kilgore, the city auditor, declined again Wednesday to say if the latest revelation of public data available on the dark web indicates that city personal income-tax information may have been compromised. Through a spokesperson, the office referred all questions to Ginther - despite that she, too, is an elected official, who doesn't answer to the mayor, and it is unclear why Ginther would speak for her office.

Enzyme family-centred approach identifies helicases as recurrent hemizygous tumour suppressor genes

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An important goal in cancer research is to identify driver genes and mutations. Reasoning that such mutations often alter enzymatic functions, we investigated the cancer driver role of enzyme families. Using pan-cancer genomic data and established driver mutation catalogues, we found an unexpectedly high rate of mutations in helicases, making helicases the most frequently mutated enzyme family in cancer. Based on both functional perturbation screens and cancer genomic analyses, we provide evidence that cancers with mutated helicases converge on increased genomic instability and faulty DNA repair. We identify a striking phenotype in cells with loss of the helicase Aquarius (AQR). AQR was exclusively hemizygous lost in cancer genomes, which was associated with elevated levels of structural variants and point mutation signatures indicative of homologous recombination deficiency. Finally, we leverage large dependency maps to show that hemizygous loss is a common tumour suppression mechanism among helicases. In summary, we uncover a striking frequency of mutated helicases with key roles in genomic maintenance, and we nominate novel hemizygous cancer driver genes including AQR.

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The authors have declared no competing interest.

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