The role of the teaching assistant has changed immeasurably in recent years. There was a time when a teaching assistant was simply a teacher’s helper and an extra pair of hands in the classroom. They might have been called on to listen to children reading but equally they were as likely to be asked to photocopy worksheets or to put classroom displays up.
Nowadays, there is so much more expected from the role of the teaching assistant. It has evolved into very much a professional role. In many ways, the roles of the teaching assistant and the teacher are virtually indecipherable. A teaching assistant role is now a wholly professional one that puts a teaching assistant at the heart of the school team. Totally focused on learning, the TA is now a partner in lesson planning and data analysis.
