Education Careers >> Ask a Teacher >> Teacher's Assistant Vs. Substituting
Teacher's Assistant Vs. Substituting
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Posted 5 months ago I would like to hear from others on here their point of view regarding a Teacher's Assistant position and landing a teaching job. You may have already read my other posts, but incase you haven't, I'm already an "experienced" substitute of 4 years (on a part-time basis of course!) and I'm thinking of Plan B jobs for next year that A) Will help me get a teaching job B) Steady income I went back to school last year to work on a Special Ed. Endorsement so I'm hoping that will help me. There are school districts hiring but they are also located more than I'd like to drive after a school day. I'm also trying to figure out if I should do something different for a year. I really LOVE teaching, especially when the kids are well behaved. I am tired of being rejected and filling out paperwork that doesn't lead to an interview.
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| Posted 5 months ago I would take the assistant job. It is a way to get noticed and hopefully respected. If you like the school that you work in, you can seek out jobs in that school and get in that way. I have been in and out of teaching jobs over the past several years and it is very frustrating. I too live in an area that is competetive. I have been bumped out of my position, hired as a one-year temp., and I subbed for 2 years. I am currently looking for a job. I can't stand the interviews and the trick questions that they ask. I too know that I am a good teacher. However, with the lack of continuity in one place, it is really hard to feel secure with my abilities. I see a lot of disrespect going on in districts and a ton of behind the scene games. I too am trying to figure out where to go from here. I have a Masters Degree in Special Ed. and I think that in some respects, I seem overqualified. The economy is poor and district don't really want to pay me what I'm worth. Hang in there. You are not alone. |
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| Posted 4 months ago Any updates on your job search? I'm going to be at a private school so I am sacrificing pay but at this point anything is fine. |
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| Posted 2 months ago I have taught both full-time in Houston and San Antonio. I have also taught in public as well as private schools. I am now in the Corpus Christi area. I am working for CCISD as a sub. I am hoping to get noticed and later get hired as a regular teacher. I too, have considered taking a Teacher's Assistants job rather than subbing, but I do not know if that will get my foot in the door any better! When I was a substitute for SAISD that just got me "typed-cast"as a sub! I do hope my luck is better here! And although CCISD pays better than anybody you always have to find that summer job to help out with the bills until school starts again. Does anyone have any suggestions? C. Adams |
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| Posted 2 months ago Let me respond as a former prinicipal in Texas. I say that because I am going to make a general statement that may not be true in all states. I would see a substitute that regularly subbed in my building in the same light as one of my para-educators if they were asking for a teaching job. The para would have a slight advantage in a couple of areas: 1. they are on staff already and I may feel a loyalty to move them forward 2. I would have a chance to see them around the other staff to see if they could get along 3. the para would have had a chance to go above and beyond. That being said, many of my paras came from volunteers who were active in my school. Teacher positions were filled with certified people who subbed. I would suggest going with which ever one you could make the most amount of money for your family. Keep in mind the other benefits like insurance and retirement. If you sub, get into the school you would like to work, sub regularly and talk to the principal. Tell the principal what your long term goal is and say hello everytime you sub. Offer to stay and help at the end of the day. Attend any evening events like PTA and be seen. Ask if you can attend any "in house" staff developments or faculty meetings. Become as active on the staff as you would as a teacher. When early spring comes around, set a meeting with the principal and tell them again you would like to work at the school. Tell the principal you will send a friendly, "I am still here" email once a week. Believe it or not, when the principal starts to interview, some times you forget the jewels that are right under your nose. Hope this helps. Lisa |
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| Posted about 1 month ago Wow. what a question. I have been both. I have been a substitute and I have been a teacher assistant. Both times I was a certified teacher. I interviewed for several teacher assistant positions and I found out that I did not get the job because they would have to pay me more based on the step pay scale. I also got a lot of flack from the principals wondering why I was applying as an assistant if I was a certified teacher. I thought they would be happy having a certified teacher as an assistant. Anyway... I like the consitstency with being an assistant and I really got to know the school and the class. It really depends on who you are working with. I worked with one teacher and we were not a good match. Another teacher I really enjoyed my job. I am thinking right now at this moment if I want to apply for a teacher assistant position or go back to subbing OR just go for the teacher positions. I just moved to NC from Fl. Good luck to you and do what makes you HAPPY |
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| Posted about 1 month ago How about being a leave replacement. That's how a lot of teahcer get hired? |
