How to Become a Teacher from a Teaching Assistant?

Have you been a teaching assistant and now find yourself wondering if becoming a full-time teacher is the next step? It’s a common question among teaching assistants who enjoy their work but feel ready for more responsibility. Transitioning from a teaching assistant (TA) to a teacher is possible, and with the right steps, you can make this move.

In this blog, we will go through the process in detail so you know what to expect and how to prepare. Becoming a teacher takes dedication and requires specific qualifications, but it’s also a career change that brings greater job satisfaction, increased income, and a larger impact on students’ lives. So, how can you go from a TA to a teacher? Here’s how.

Why Consider Moving from Teaching Assistant to Teacher?

There are several good reasons for making this transition. Firstly, teaching allows you to have a more direct influence on your students’ learning and development. As a teacher, you create and deliver lessons, set the classroom tone, and make more of the day-to-day decisions. Secondly, teachers earn more than TAs, and while the role comes with more responsibility, it also brings the satisfaction of guiding your own classroom.

For many TAs, the work itself inspires them to want more. Working closely with teachers gives a glimpse of the challenges and joys of leading a classroom, sparking a desire to take on that role.

Benefits of Becoming a Teacher from a TA Position

There are several advantages to transitioning from a teaching assistant role to a teacher position:

• Greater Job Stability and Income: Teachers earn more than TAs and often have better job security.
• More Influence in the Classroom: Teachers set the learning pace and have a more direct role in students’ success.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Teachers often receive more professional development support and can move into higher positions.

Steps on How to Become a Teacher from a Teaching Assistant

If you’re ready to move from a TA role to teaching, here’s a step-by-step guide that will help you make the change.

Step 1: Research Teaching Requirements

The first step is knowing what qualifications and requirements are necessary to become a teacher. These can vary depending on where you live, the type of school, and the subject or age group you want to teach. So, here are some of these given:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Most teaching positions require a bachelor’s degree. So, if you already have one, you may need to complete specific teacher training.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): In the UK, you need QTS to work as a teacher in state schools. Several paths can lead to QTS, including Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programmes.
• Additional Courses and Exams: Depending on your background, you may need extra coursework or exams to meet certain requirements.

Step 2:Gain Relevant Experience

As a TA, you already have experience working in schools. However, additional relevant experience can help. Schools value applicants with a broad understanding of classroom management and teaching techniques. Some options include:

• Working with Different Age Groups: Try to gain experience with various age groups if possible. As a result, this can demonstrate your versatility and adaptability.
• Volunteering: Volunteering to support extracurricular activities or tutoring can give you valuable teaching experience. Hence, it will help you to develop your teaching skills in informal settings.

Step 3:Choose Your Training Route

When looking at how to become a teacher from a teaching assistant, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right training route. Here are a few popular options:

• University-Based Programmes: Enrolling in a full-time PGCE or other teaching programme at a university is a traditional route. It offers both academic and practical training, often with teaching placements built into the course.
• School-Based Routes: Many schools offer school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT) programmes, where you can train on the job. As a result, this allows you to learn in a real classroom setting from the start.
• Teach First: Teach First is a program for graduates with a high level of motivation who want to make a difference in underprivileged schools. It combines paid work with teacher training. Thus offering an intense and hands-on way to qualify.

Step 4:Complete Your Training and Gain QTS

Once you’ve chosen your training path, you need to complete it to gain QTS (if you’re in the UK) or equivalent certification in other regions. The process generally includes a mix of academic coursework, exams, and hands-on teaching experience.

During your training, make the most of every opportunity to gain practical experience. So, pay close attention to classroom management techniques and learn from seasoned teachers. Additionally, ask for feedback and use it to improve your skills.

Step 5:Build Your Network and Apply for Jobs

After earning your teaching qualification, the final step is finding a position. Building a professional network during your training can be very beneficial when it’s time to apply for jobs. So, here’s how you can start:

• Attend Education Fairs: These events offer a chance to meet potential employers and learn about job openings.
• Connect with Your School Network: Stay in touch with mentors, former colleagues, and trainers who might know of open positions.
• Use Job Sites and Recruitment Services: Many job sites specialise in education roles, making it easier to find the right job.

Skills You’ll Need to Make the Jump

Transitioning from a teaching assistant to a teacher requires several key skills. So, here are a few that will help you succeed:

• Communication Skills: Teachers need to communicate ideas clearly to students, parents, and colleagues.
• Organisation and Planning: As a teacher, planning lessons, assignments, and exams is essential.
• Classroom Management: Maintaining a productive environment is one of a teacher’s biggest responsibilities.
• Patience and Empathy: Understanding and connecting with students is crucial in education.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Teachers often encounter unexpected challenges and need to respond calmly and effectively.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to be a teacher from a teaching assistant can be difficult at first, however, with patience and planning, you can make the transition smooth by following each step. So, take time to collect information, increase your experience and choose the right and qualified training path. Moreover, becoming a teacher doesn’t happen overnight. But it can definitely be done with determination.

So, if you are driven by a desire to be a leader in the classroom or advance your career, going from a TA to a professor can open up rewarding opportunities. If this path appeals to you, start preparing today with the expert assistance from Wise Campus.