ASK SUE
I can’t get on with my
teacher Sue Ross, former teaching assistant, now a TA assessor, gives her advice on some of the problems any TA can face
Q
I don’t seem to get on with my teacher this year. She is new to school, just qualified and I could be doing a lot to help her but instead spend most of my time photocopying or clearing things away. Last week I took a whiteboard pen off a child who was scribbling with it. I later noticed she had given it back to him. This upset me as I feel it undermines me in the class. The behaviour of some of the children is also a bit of a concern, but she doesn’t seem to worry about it. Agnes
separate your feelings and opinions from the facts. Once you are clear about what is actually happening you can discuss it with the teacher. Ask what her behaviour expectations are and explain that you want to know so you can be consistent as she is in charge of the classroom. Explain that you are willing to support her in any way you can and then outline your past training and experience. I hope you’ll be able to get together regularly. Good working relationships take time but are essential to create a positive learning environment for the children.
A
Q
Have you spoken to the teacher? Maybe she is unclear about how to direct you in the classroom, or perhaps she feels uncomfortable asking you to do things for her. Perhaps you need to make time to get together and have a talk about what she expects your role to be. Negative behaviour can affect children’s learning, and needs to be addressed. Take a step back, and try to
I’ve recently been asked to support a statemented child in KS2. The problem is that the child’s mum is also a TA here at the school and she keeps stopping me in the corridor to ask about her son. I have also heard her speaking sharply to him when she thinks he has not been working hard for me. Louise
A
Good working relationships take time but are essential to create a positive learning environment for the children 30 Learning Support Autumn Term [1] 2010
I can see that this could be a problem. You need a productive and friendly relationship with his mum, but you also need to have boundaries in place to protect the relationship you are building with the pupil. The child’s mother may be feeling embarrassed and anxious about his having support. I’d be inclined to chat with the head or the SENCO. A timetable change could ensure you and she don’t work in the same areas as each other, removing the risk of Mum overhearing you and the pupil. You could also mention your concerns to the teacher. If Mum then waylays you for a progress update, you could suggest that she sees you with the teacher at a specified time to suit you all. As a TA herself, she should really be aware of the correct procedure to follow to inquire about her child’s progress; she may just need a gentle reminder.