Hi

Thanks for reading this and I hope people can help me.

I went to an interview on friday (my 1st in 15 yrs for my 1st job in 15 yrs!) which was nerve racking. I didn't get the job although they seemed to like me in that they asked if I would consider supply work with them now and that they would be happy for me to apply again in future. Apparently what let me down was that my answers were not "meaty" enough and the one in particular was when I was asked the differing roles of TAs and teachers. Could you tell me how you would answer this question so I can compare it to my answer? I didn't give enough detail on the TA role and the importance in learning that they play...... i guess not clear enough on the diffs etc.

PLEASE HELP!!!!!

I'm not surprised if it is your first interview in 15years.I think you did well to get one it isn't easy now.

It is a difficult one to answer without knowing what type of TA role it is.

A TA supports the children in the lesson and generally follows the plan the teacher has set.It varies from school to school as to whether you actually see the planning.You might also support the teacher by helping to keep the classroom organised and reasonably tidy.You would use your initiate to replenish pencils,books, art materials. You might be working with children with SEN or EALs and would then be supporting them by following their IEP's and plans, keeping notes and liasing with both the teacher and outside agencies.
Hope this helps a bit but I need to go to work now.Good Luck.

thanks for taking time to reply.

It was a SEN school ....my answer was basically that the main diff was that teacher does the most of the planning but that ta role is to support the teacher in her role and the children in their learning and making sure the classroom is run efficiently and that the children are happy and that their needs are taken care of.

I wasn't sure what else I could say. Anyone else have any ideas?

I thinl that was a pretty good answer.I suppose if it was a Special School things like observations, inititive, working as a team, supporting one to one, keeping diaries, working on IEP's. If you feel comfortable about it perhaps you could email them and ask them.If you are going to be used as a supply ask the person who got the job!