What will my responsibilities as a teacher’s assistant be?
As stated above, these will vary according to the level of your post, and what the teacher you’re assisting wants you to do on a day-to-day basis, But in general a teacher’s assistant’s job usually comprises the following responsibilities:
Overseeing and helping with the teaching activities in the classroom.
Helping the teacher with lesson planning and admin duties.
Creating displays and getting the classroom and resources ready for lessons.
Supporting the teacher in managing difficult pupil behaviour and fostering positive behaviour and attitudes.
Making sure that the pupils understand, get involved in and focus on the work in class.
Giving the pupils emotional support and encouragement, and guiding and monitoring their progress.
Reporting any current or developing problems learners may be experiencing so these can be addressed in good time.
Engaging with and listening to pupils who need help or are upset, sad or worried.
Overseeing pupils’ reading activities, reading to them and telling them stories.
Helping outside the classroom with after-school activities and clubs, school functions, school trips or other school-related activities.
Helping with revision and exams.
How do I apply for a teachers assistant application position?
Young people who want to apply for the government’s teacher’s assistant jobs have to log in on the SA Youth network website at https://sayouth.datafree.co/Home/Index/EN. It’s a zero-rate mobisite that applicants can access on their cell phones. Applicants who don’t have internet access can call 0800 727272, which is a toll-free number. You’ll need your
South African identity document, and you’ll also need your postal code so that the network can try to match your application with opportunities close to you.
Go to SAYouth website
Create an account by clicking on Join the Network and logging in with your details.
Now a list of the available teacher’s assistant jobs in your area will be displayed. This will include the opportunity cards for the schools that are close to you because it’s important that you only apply at schools within a 5km radius of your home.
Click the Read More button which will give you more details about the job.
If you’re interested in the job, click the Apply Now button.
Follow the prompts and provide all the requested information to complete your application.
Alternatively, you can:
Go to https://sayouth.me/DBE and select your province
Complete all the required fields
Search for the school that is closest to you
Check that all the information you’ve provided is correct, and click ‘Submit’
How do I know that being a teacher’s assistant will suit me?
To be a good teacher’s assistant you have to be a ‘people person’! This means you must enjoy working with people and children in particular. You should have a positive outlook on life, have good communication skills, and be quite creative.
Having a strong personality, a good work ethic, and a cheerful disposition will all serve you very well in this job. And having a great deal of patience will also work very much to your advantage!
What documents do I need to apply for a teacher’s assistant post?
You will need a certified copy of your ID, refugee ID, or work permit, as well as your
matric certificate if it is required. You’ll also need a CV, and a reference letter from your former school, a counselor, your local chief, a church leader, or a previous employer.
You’ll need to submit a declaration letter confirming that you’re not employed, training, studying or receiving some form of income or grant. And finally, you’ll also have to submit a Police Clearance Certificate within two months of taking up your post as a teacher’s assistant.
Being a teacher’s assistant can be a very rewarding experience. Helping children to learn is always great, and the experience will also equip you with many useful skills and contacts for the future. Who knows, you may discover that teaching is the career for you!