In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the significance of teaching assistants cannot be overstated. To address the dynamic needs of Primary and Secondary school teaching assistants, we present a comprehensive series of four one-hour-long webinars. This engaging and informative series is meticulously designed to empower teaching assistants with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective support in the classroom.
Throughout these webinars, participants will embark on a transformative journey of professional development. The initial session lays the foundation by delving into the multifaceted role of teaching assistants. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on their personal career trajectories, identifying key points of development and establishing goals that resonate with their professional aspirations.
The subsequent sessions are dedicated to exploring best practices in the crucial moments of classroom engagement. From navigating the intricacies of lesson introductions to facilitating effective group work, and culminating in an exploration of the plenary, participants will gain insights into optimizing learning experiences. Emphasis will be placed on the strategic use of scaffolding techniques to nurture students’ independence, fostering an environment conducive to holistic development.
Recognizing the critical role teaching assistants play in supporting students’ social, emotional, and mental health needs, the third webinar concentrates on strategies tailored for this purpose. Participants will gain valuable insights into fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment, equipped with tools to address the diverse socio-emotional needs of students.
The final session is dedicated to honing the leadership skills of teaching assistants. By delving into the art of leading high-quality interventions and effectively transferring the acquired knowledge back into the classroom, participants will emerge as adept leaders in education. Practical resources will be systematically signposted, ensuring that teaching assistants have a robust toolkit at their disposal.
As an added bonus, quick-win strategies will be highlighted throughout the series — easily deployable support mechanisms with maximum impact. These practical tips aim to provide immediate solutions to common challenges faced by teaching assistants, allowing for seamless integration into daily classroom interactions.
Originally published in January 2021, these webinars continue to serve as a beacon of professional development in the realm of education, empowering teaching assistants to excel in their roles and contribute meaningfully to the academic journey of their students.
