Meet Susan, Teaching Assistant at Amersham School…

I am an Assistant Teacher, SEN Literacy Intervention Co-ordinator and Access Arrangements Administrator at Amersham School. I work 1:1 and in small groups with students, plus coordinate access arrangements across the school.

Tell us about your career journey…

I left school at 16 and went straight into employment. Over the years, I worked in a number of administrative jobs, plus overseas in the travel industry. I then moved into recruitment, working with Capita before starting a family. When I returned to employment, I chose a school setting.

I started as a TA (Teaching Assistant) at Amersham…

Then I took on the role of Access Arrangements Administrator. I have previously run literacy interventions in KS2, so I will also be using this experience in my new role as SEN Literacy Intervention Coordinator in the next academic year. My TA role involves working side by side with designated children and assisting additional children in class, as required. As Access Arrangement Administrator, I monitor the use of provision, discuss provisions with students and investigate possible need, based on feedback from teachers and other staff.

What is a typical day like for you?

It varies, which I like. Some days I spend more time in class, and on other days, I have dedicated admin time to organise, and update access arrangements. The school environment can be unpredictable, and sometimes I need to suddenly go to different classes or cover lessons.

There are many ways that my job is rewarding…

For example, connecting with a student who is struggling, watching a student learn how to do something they were worried about doing, being challenged by students about the world and how it works, seeing progress and watching students become young adults our community can be proud of.

After many years working, I have never felt so much job satisfaction as I do at school…

If you love learning new things, are open to change, reflective, honest and passionate about seeing past the obvious and finding solutions — even when it’s hard, school is for you.

We’re looking for people with a positive attitude to join our team…

Someone who is willing to learn. Someone who can be friendly, respectful and professional to staff and students alike.

Looking for Learning Support Assistant and Teaching Assistant opportunities? Visit: https://bit.ly/3PsOdrH