What Other Jobs Can Teaching Assistants Do?

What other jobs can teaching assistants do? Way more than most people think.

Ask around, and you’ll hear things like, “They help the teacher,” or “They work one-on-one with pupils.” Sure, that’s part of the picture. But it’s not the full story.

Teaching assistants (TAs) have skills that stretch far beyond the classroom. The best ones guide, plan, support, calm, and coach—all before lunch. And many of them go on to do much more. They change careers. They climb the school ladder. They even leave education and land top roles elsewhere.

If you’re asking what do teaching assistants do now, and what they could do next—this is your answer.

Meet Ayesha: From Classroom Calm to Corporate Cool

Let’s start with a real story. Ayesha worked as a TA for five years in a London primary school. She ran phonics groups, supported autistic learners, and co-led the school’s digital club. She was the go-to person for tech issues. Kids loved her. Staff relied on her.

Then she made a move. Today, she works in EdTech as a product manager. She helps design tools for schools. She uses her classroom insight daily. “I know what teachers need,” she says. “I’ve lived it.”

Her journey proves the point: teaching assistant roles build skills that transfer.

Now, let’s see where else they can lead.

1. HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant)

First up, the next step in school. HLTAs support learning like other TAs—but they take on more. They lead full sessions. They sometimes plan and deliver lessons. They even cover classes while teachers do planning.

To become an HLTA, you need extra training and a school willing to back you. But it’s worth it. Pay improves. Responsibility grows. You move closer to teaching.

Stat check: Over 30,000 staff now hold HLTA status in England. It’s a recognised path. And it opens doors. 

Check out our online HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) course at Wise Campus.

2. SEN Specialist or Behaviour Mentor

Some TAs shine in special needs support. They connect with children who need extra care. They learn how to use visual aids, help with speech therapy, or guide children through anxiety spikes.

That work can lead to roles like: SEN Learning Mentor, Behaviour Support Lead, or Family Liaison Worker. These roles focus on support, not teaching. But they change lives. They also come with training options and career growth.

If you’ve got patience, empathy, and calm under pressure, this path suits you.  

3. Teacher

This one surprises no one—but it still deserves a spotlight. How do you become a teaching assistant? For many, it’s the first step to teaching. And guess what? It works.

More than 38% of trainee teachers started out as TAs. They used the job to test the waters. Then they took the leap. How? You need to complete teacher training. That could be a PGCE or a School Direct route. But your time as a TA counts. You’ve got classroom hours. You’ve seen behaviour management in action. You know the school day.

TAs who become teachers often say they felt more ready than their peers. 

4. Pastoral Lead or Wellbeing Coach

If you’re the TA who students always run to—this might be your path. Schools now hire roles like: Mental Health Champion, Wellbeing Officer, and Safeguarding Lead.

These staff keep children safe and supported. They track emotional needs. They help with attendance and behaviour. They work with parents too.

You’ll need training in things like child protection or counselling basics. But TAs already have the heart for the job. And many schools promote from within. 

5. Admin, Office or Data Role

Not all progress means staying in the classroom. Some teaching assistants move into school admin. They become: Attendance Officers, Data Managers, Exams Officers, or Office Coordinators.

They already know the pupils. They understand school systems. They’re used to juggling 20 things at once. If you like systems, emails, and detail—you might love this switch.

Plus, these roles often pay better. And they’re less physically demanding.  

6. EdTech and Training Jobs

Remember Ayesha? She’s not alone.

TAs bring real-world school insight. That’s gold for companies who make tools for education. They hire: Product testers, Customer trainers, Curriculum writers, and Education sales reps.

TAs know what works and what doesn’t. That’s something you can’t fake. EdTech firms value that. And they often train you up in the rest.  

7. Early Years or Nursery Work

Some TAs fall in love with younger age groups. If that’s you, early years could be your calling. You can work in: Nurseries, Pre-schools, or Family centres.

These jobs need a different skillset. You’ll play more. Support toilet training. Sing a lot of songs. But the core is the same: support, nurture, and teach through play.

To move here, you might need an Early Years Level 3 qualification. But many employers help you train on the job.  Step into Early Years with our online Early Year Practitioner Course.

8. Community and Youth Roles

TAs understand young people. That makes them a great fit for wider community work. You could become: A youth worker, A family support officer, A community learning tutor, or A careers advisor.

These roles sit in councils, charities, or youth organisations. They aim to help young people thrive outside school too.

If you like mentoring, group work, and working with parents—these jobs use the same skills you build in schools. Open new doors with our online Youth Work course at Wise Campus.

Bonus: Freelance or Self-Employed Work

Some teaching assistants branch out on their own. They become: Private tutors, Home education advisors, Creators of teaching resources, or Trainers for other support staff.

It’s not for everyone. But if you’ve got drive, there’s a market. Websites like TES or Twinkl hire freelance writers who know classrooms inside out. Parents hire tutors who understand learning needs. And many schools buy training from people who used to be TAs.

Your classroom experience becomes your business.

What Makes TAs So Transferable?

Let’s stop and ask: why do teaching assistants land so well in other roles?

Because they have the skills employers love:

• Communication: You explain things clearly, even to a restless Year 4 on a rainy day.
• Calm under pressure: Ever managed a class while the fire alarm goes off?
• Organisation: You prep, plan, and adapt every day.
• People skills: You talk with teachers, parents, carers, and kids.
• Observation: You notice small changes that others miss.

These aren’t soft skills. They’re superpowers. And they don’t only belong in schools.

What Are the Requirements to Be a Teaching Assistant?

Let’s rewind. How do you become a teaching assistant? And what are the requirements to be a teaching assistant in the first place?

Here’s the basic rundown:

• Level 1 or 2 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning helps—but isn’t always needed.
• GCSEs in English and maths are often expected.
• Experience with children—paid or volunteer—is a big plus.
• Clear DBS check is a must.

Many people start as volunteers or midday supervisors. Then they get trained on the job. Others take a Level 3 course and dive in with more confidence.

Career Tip: Plan Your Path While You Work

Here’s a smart move: treat your current TA job as training.

• Want to work in SEN? Ask to support that pupil.
• Eyeing a career in admin? Offer to help with data entry.
• Thinking of teaching? Observe how your class teacher plans.
• Use every day as a learning day. Jot notes. Save ideas. Ask questions.
• You don’t need to leap overnight. But each step you take adds up.

Real Voices, Real Moves

We asked a few former TAs where they are now. Here’s what they said:

1. Sophie, now a school attendance officer:

“I loved working with kids, but I wanted a quieter day. Office work still lets me help them.”

1. Jordan, now a SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator):

“Started as a TA. Trained as a teacher. Got a passion for SEN. Now I support the whole school.”

1. Leah, now a youth worker:

“The stuff I did in school—mentoring, building trust—I do that now, just outside the school gates.”

Their journeys started in the same spot. Where yours goes next? That’s up to you.

Final Word: Your Skills, Your Choice

So—what other jobs can teaching assistants do? Loads. From classrooms to offices, from youth work to tech startups—the path isn’t fixed. Your experience matters. Your growth counts.

Being a teaching assistant isn’t just a job. It’s a launchpad. You build trust. You solve problems. You change lives.

That doesn’t disappear when you hang up your lanyard. It just starts looking different.

So if you’re wondering where to go next, here’s your answer: almost anywhere.

Ready to unlock your next career move? Enrol in our expert-led Teaching Assistant Course at Wise Campus—your journey starts here!