What's the best way to become a teaching assistant?

When i wanted to become a teaching assistant, the agency i wanted to work for needed me to do at least one week's work experience in a school (so they could get a reference etc) and then i was able to work as an LEA (learning support assistant). Obviously you need to have the relevant checks, but this is normally done once you are working so it doesn't stop you working in the meantime. To get qualified (NVQ etc) at college they normally expect you to have or be working in a school beforehand. The best advice would be get some work experience so you can say you've had experience and have a reference and then just look into agency work, look at council jobs, write to local schools etc and go for it! The more enthusiatic you are the better!

Contact your local council's Education Dept and let them know exactly what position within the school you would like. Our local council puts you on a ''supply list'' where all supply assistants get experience working a few hours here and there to cover absence etc. This usually builds up in no time. You will be trained on the job and will get the opportunity to study and go on courses to gain more qualifications. It does benefit if you have previous experience of either working with children or have children of your own. If not, it's no big deal. You can also contact your local school/s and they will give you relevant information needed for your area. Safety checks are compulsory if you wish to work with children. The Dept will make sure this is carried out. Good Luck.

i want to know the same thing. will add this question to my watch list. I think the most obvious way would be to go into schools, and ask if you would be able to help out as a volunteer or classroom helper. I think you'll need a degree to be a qualified teaching assistant, but id say it will come in handy if you have some classroom experience. But id also like to know the most direct way of doing this too.

You don't need a college degree to be an assistant, just a diploma. Go to a school and fill out an application.

you need to attain an NVQ level 2/3 at least, if you want to be a special needs classroom asst u will need level 3. These courses last one year each but in some areas you can pay a fee and do both courses together, be prepared for lots of course work, placements and assessments. good luck

You need to apply apply apply for jobs within schools.

You don't need to have a teaching degree for this role at all.

It also helps if you know people that are working in schools already, to put in a good word for you, and in turn let you know of vacancies as and when they arise!!!!

Go to college, get a degree, then head to schools and send our your appliations, duh! LOL Actually, I don't really know.