Are you looking to write your perfect Teaching Assistant CV?
Teaching assistants, or TAs, are vital partners in education, providing essential support to both teachers and students. Securing a role in this competitive field requires more than just qualifications — it demands a well-crafted CV that effectively highlights your skills, experience and achievements.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step by step, offering valuable tips and examples to ensure your CV stands out from the crowd and gets you noticed by employers. Sounds good? Let’s get started!
I am a confident, caring, assertive and organised Teaching Assistant looking for a new opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young learners. My main goal in life is to ensure young children are supported and encouraged to achieve their full potential. I am a complete ‘all-rounder’, and I can adapt to any situation, in particular to situations surrounding young learners and their educational environment.
Achievements
Graduated with a Foundation Degree in Education Studies for TAs
Elected class representative in College
Organised a successful ‘Fun Day’, attended by over 100 people
Education
2010 – 2012
FdEd Education Studies for Teaching Assistants
Bath Spa University
Relevant Modules:
Planning, Delivery & Assessment of Learning
Supporting Language & Literacy
Supporting Individuals and Groups
Reflective Practitioner – Research in the Educational Workplace
Learning, Theory and Practice
2007 – 2009 Results: English: A* Maths: B Business: A
A Levels
Easington East College
Work experience
Feb 2013 – Present
Teaching Assistant (TA) Leeds High School
Main duties performed:
Taking a small group of learners for additional lessons
Preparing class registers and accurately and timely updating learners’ records
Monitoring and recording pupil activities
Regularly giving feedback to the teacher on pupil progress and behaviour
Producing individual learning plans tailored to specific students and their learning needs
Liaising with students, teachers, learning mentors, youth workers and peer groups as required.
Working with SEN (special educational needs) children on a one-to-one basis providing them with extra support and assistance in the classroom
Support the Teacher with marking students’ assignments
Planning learning activities & school trips with teachers
ICT Support
Sept 2012 – Feb 2013
Classroom Assistant Woodbridge Academy
Main duties performed:
Supporting the delivery of lessons, workshops and tutorials
Participating in one-to-one support and group activities
Admin duties such as phoning, filing and answering emails
Providing support within the classroom (during literacy and numeracy lessons)
Planning of activities & lessons for literacy on a regular basis
Teaching 1:1 and small groups (for literacy, phonics, reading, etc.)
Helping children with any questions they might have regarding the curriculum and refer them to the teacher when appropriate
Helping children with their playing, learning and social development.
Qualifications
Attended various workshops such as:
Level 3 Award and Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Level 2 Diploma in Support Work in Schools
Level 2 First Aid at Work
Skills
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
The ability to explain a concept or subject in a variety of ways
Excellent understanding of how children develop and learn
IT skills (Microsoft Office)
Excellent reading, writing and proofreading skills
Being patient, polite and understanding at all times, particularly when dealing with learners who have learning difficulties or special needs.
Hobbies and interests
My hobbies are going to the cinema, spending time with my family and friends and babysitting for family members. I also enjoy meeting new people which is also why I have been a volunteer at my local Youth Community Society for the past two years. Recently, I have voluntarily worked at a private nursery to complete my NVQ level 2 in Childcare and Development – something which I am really proud of.
References
Mr Benjamin Power Teacher, Woodbridge Academy Address: 3 Chariton Rd, West Town, SN14 3NL Tel: 0223 8300 5506 Email:[email protected]
Mr Lewis Young Head Teacher, Leeds High School Address: 3 Milk Road, Portsmouth, TR4 8GR Tel: 0080 6778 4334 Email:[email protected]
Preview
What makes this CV good and effective?
The personal details: Clear and concise contact information is provided at the top of the CV, including a professional email address and a phone number, ensuring easy and immediate access for potential employers.
The personal profile: The personal profile is a standout feature, precisely crafted to reflect the candidate’s dedication to supporting education. Tailored specifically to the teaching assistant role, it efficiently communicates relevant skills and a commitment to creating a positive learning environment.
The structure and format: The CV adopts a well-organised structure with clearly defined sections, such as education, experience, and skills. The consistent font and formatting throughout contribute to a professional and easily readable presentation.
The content: The inclusion of detailed information about relevant qualifications, coupled with specific examples of experience in assisting teachers and supporting students, showcases the candidate’s practical skills and commitment to the role.
Length: With a concise presentation ideally fitting within two pages, the CV provides sufficient detail without overwhelming the reader, striking a balance between comprehensive information and brevity.
Overall impression: The CV leaves a positive and lasting impression, effectively showcasing the candidate’s suitability for the teaching assistant role through a combination of clear structure, compelling content, and tailored details.
Utilise a clear and professional layout: Ensure your CV has a clean design with clearly defined sections, making it easy for recruiters to navigate and locate key information.
Quantify achievements: Where possible, quantify your accomplishments, such as “Assisted in the improvement of student test scores by 15% through targeted one-on-one support.”
Demonstrate classroom management skills: Highlight your ability to manage a classroom effectively, mentioning any strategies you’ve employed to create a positive learning environment.
Emphasise team collaboration: Highlight instances where you collaborated with teachers, parents and other staff members to enhance the overall educational experience for students.
Utilise a professional font: Choose a readable and professional font, such as Verdana, Times New Roman, Open Sans or Calibri, to enhance the overall readability of your CV.
Demonstrate technology proficiency: Highlight your proficiency in relevant educational technology, such as interactive whiteboards, online learning platforms or educational apps.
Proofread for accuracy: Ensure your CV is free from grammatical errors and typos, reflecting your attention to detail—a crucial skill in a teaching support role.
In your CV’s personal details section, you introduce yourself to potential employers by including essential information like your full name, contact details (phone number and email address) and address.
Don’t include sensitive information such as your date of birth, marital status or national insurance number, as these details are often unnecessary for the application process and may lead to potential bias.
In the personal profile section of your CV, you briefly highlight your key skills, experiences and career goals, providing employers with a snapshot of what you bring to the role.
Guidelines for crafting an effective personal profile:
Concise Introduction:
e.g., “Enthusiastic teaching assistant committed to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.”
Key Skills Highlight:
e.g., “Strong communication, empathy, and adaptability in supporting students’ educational journey.”
Relevant Experience Snapshot:
e.g., “Proven record in providing tailored support, contributing to improved student outcomes.”
With a proven track record as a teaching assistant, I bring a wealth of experience in creating engaging lesson plans and fostering a supportive learning environment. My commitment to individualised student assistance is evidenced by implementing tailored strategies that resulted in notable academic improvement. Proficient in utilising innovative teaching tools and maintaining open communication with both students and educators, I am dedicated to contributing positively to the educational journey.
Achievements
The achievements section of your CV is a platform to showcase notable successes, which can stem from various aspects of your professional and personal life.
Attained a distinction in a professional development course, enhancing classroom management skills.
Achieved a promotion to Senior Teaching Assistant due to consistently high performance.
Secured funding for a classroom technology upgrade, enhancing the learning environment.
Completed a first aid certification, ensuring a safe and secure environment for students.
Coordinated and facilitated a series of workshops on study skills, benefiting students across year groups.
Employment and work experience
The employment and work experience section of your CV provides a detailed account of your professional journey, highlighting your roles, responsibilities and significant contributions in various positions throughout your career.
You can include full-time positions, voluntary roles, part-time jobs, internships, freelance projects and other relevant work experiences.
June 2018 – Present
Teaching Assistant St. Mary’s Primary School
Main duties and responsibilities performed:
Facilitated interactive and engaging lessons for diverse student groups.
Provided tailored support to students with learning difficulties, resulting in a 20% improvement in academic performance.
Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement innovative teaching materials and strategies.
Assisted in the organization and execution of school events, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Achievements: Received the “Excellence in Education” award for outstanding contributions to student development and a positive classroom atmosphere.
Assisting in the planning and delivery of engaging and inclusive lessons.
Providing one-to-one support for pupils with varying learning needs.
Collaborating with teachers to create and implement effective learning materials.
Supporting the maintenance of a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
Assisting in the assessment and monitoring of pupil progress.
Facilitating group activities to encourage pupil interaction and teamwork.
Contributing to the development of individualised education plans for pupils.
Organising and participating in extracurricular activities to enhance pupil experiences.
Providing constructive feedback to pupils to aid in their academic and personal development.
Collaborating with parents and guardians to ensure effective communication and support for pupils’ educational journey.
Educational background
The education section of your CV outlines your academic background in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent qualifications.
Include your university degrees, A-Levels, GCSEs, diplomas or any other relevant qualifications, providing details of the institution, dates attended and the grades achieved.
Example:
September 2015 – June 2018
A-Levels
Sheffield City College
Grade achieved: BBB.
Subjects Studied:
English Literature: Explored classic and contemporary literature, honing analytical and communication skills.
Psychology: Delved into the complexities of the human mind, developing a deep understanding of behaviour and cognition.
Sociology: Explored societal structures and dynamics, enhancing critical thinking and social awareness.
September 2011 – June 2015 Results: 9 GCSEs at Grades A*-C, including Maths, English and Humanities.
GCSEs
Sheffield City Secondary School
Professional training
The professional training section of your CV highlights any specific courses, workshops or certifications you’ve undertaken to enhance your skills and knowledge, providing evidence of your commitment to continuous professional development.
For your role, this section may include qualifications such as a CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning, Safeguarding Training, First Aid Certification and any specialised courses related to child development and education.
Example:
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning – ABC Awards
CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools – NCFE
Safeguarding and Child Protection Training – Local Education Authority
First Aid at Work Certificate – St John Ambulance
Skills
In the skills section of your CV, you showcase your specific abilities and attributes that make you an effective support in the classroom.
Highlight skills such as excellent communication with both students and teachers, proficiency in creating engaging learning materials and a keen understanding of classroom dynamics.
Also include practical skills like behaviour management, one-to-one support and your ability to adapt to diverse learning needs.
Example:
Effective communication: Adept at fostering clear and open communication with both students and teachers, ensuring a supportive learning environment. This is demonstrated through facilitating regular parent-teacher meetings and actively participating in staff meetings.
Resource development: Proficient in creating engaging learning materials tailored to individual student needs. Developed a range of interactive resources that contributed to a 15% improvement in student engagement during lessons.
One-to-one support: Skilled in providing personalised support to students, offering one-to-one assistance to enhance their understanding of the subject matter. This approach has significantly contributed to improved academic performance among targeted individuals.
Classroom support: Proven ability to assist teachers in managing and maintaining an effective learning environment.
Adaptability: Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to different teaching styles and classroom dynamics.
Organisation: Strong organisational skills to efficiently handle lesson preparation, materials and administrative tasks.
IT competence: Proficient in using educational technology and software to enhance teaching and learning.
Patience: A patient and understanding approach when working with students, ensuring their individual needs are met.
Teamwork: Collaborative mindset, working effectively with teachers and other support staff to enhance the learning experience.
Resource management: • Efficiently manage and distribute educational resources to support classroom activities.
Individualised support: Provide tailored support to students with diverse learning needs, ensuring inclusivity in the classroom.
Data recording: Experience in accurately recording and maintaining student progress data for assessment purposes.
Empathy: A compassionate and empathetic approach, understanding the varying needs and emotions of students.
Hobbies and interests
This section provides a glimpse into your personal interests and activities outside of work.
Include hobbies that highlight your teamwork, communication, and organisational skills, such as team sports, volunteering or involvement in community events.
Tips:
Relevance: Choose hobbies that showcase skills relevant to the teaching assistant role, such as teamwork, communication and organisation.
Diversity: Include a mix of hobbies to present a well-rounded personality, demonstrating versatility and adaptability.
Positive Impact: Highlight hobbies that reflect positively on your character, contributing to a positive and inclusive school environment.
Example:
Enthusiastic about team sports, participating in local football matches that enhance my teamwork and communication skills. Volunteering at community events highlights my commitment to inclusivity and fostering a positive environment. Avid reader, showcasing a passion for continuous learning and supporting literacy initiatives.
Referees
In the referees section of your CV, you provide individuals who can vouch for your professional abilities and character. Choose referees who have directly observed your work, such as former employers, supervisors, mentors or colleagues.
Including referees in your CV is optional, but it can add credibility to your application.
Refer to the example below for the details you need to provide for each referee.
Example:
Miss Louise Walker Principal, Harmony High School Address: 8 Pine Grove, Leeds LS6 7JX Tel: 0113 567 8901 Email:[email protected]
Tailor for each application: Customise your CV for each application, emphasising specific experiences and skills relevant to the particular school or teaching environment. Remember, no two roles or two employers are the same.
Prioritise key responsibilities: Place a focus on your primary responsibilities, such as assisting in lesson planning, implementing IEPs and providing one-on-one support to students with additional needs.
Emphasise educational background: Showcase relevant qualifications and training, including any special certifications related to supporting students with diverse learning needs.
Quantify impact on student progress: Where possible, quantify your impact on student progress, whether it’s through improved exam results, increased participation or enhanced learning outcomes.
Include relevant hobbies: Incorporate hobbies that align with the role, such as involvement in school clubs, sports, or community activities that showcase teamwork and dedication.
Proofread for perfection: Before submitting your CV, meticulously proofread it to eliminate any grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or formatting issues. A polished and error-free CV demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, crucial qualities in a teaching assistant role.
Written by Sobhan Mohmand Sobhan is a qualified Careers Advisor and Professional CV Writer with over 10 years of experience in helping job seekers get a job. He is a Member of the Careers Development Institute (CDI) and is listed on the official UK Register of Career Development Professionals. He holds a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (QCF).
