Crafting a teaching assistant (TA) CV is an important step in securing a position within a school. Aspiring teaching assistants must showcase their qualifications, experiences, and passion for supporting student learning in a clear and compelling manner to stand out.

 

A well-crafted CV should not only highlight an individual’s skills and accomplishments but also demonstrates their suitability for the role and commitment to the field of education. Creating a resume that highlights your strengths will ensure that you stand out and will maximise your chances of landing your dream job.

 

In this guide, we’ll provide you with tips on how to create a standout CV tailored specifically for the role of a teaching assistant. We also share an example of a teaching assistant CV to help get you started.

Understanding the Role of a Teaching Assistant

 

Before diving into CV writing tips, it’s crucial to understand the role of a teaching assistant.

 

TAs play a vital role in supporting teachers in the classroom. They assist with lesson preparation, student supervision, and provide additional help to students who may need it. They work collaboratively with teachers to create inclusive learning environments.

 

Teaching assistants often work with students with special educational needs who require extra attention. This makes empathy, patience and communication vital for success in this role.

 

TAs work directly with students, providing individualised assistance and guidance to reinforce learning, address challenges, and promote progress. They facilitate small group activities, assist with classroom management, and provide one-on-one support to students, ensuring that every child receives the attention and support they need to succeed.

 

Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of a TA

What to Include in Your Teaching Assistant CV

 

Personal Information

Include your full name, address, phone number, email, and professional title at the top of your CV. You can also include a link to your LinkedIn profile if applicable.

 

Professional Summary

Provide a brief and impactful overview of your background, skills, career objectives and what you bring to a TA role. This should be around 3 or 4 sentences long. Highlight your strengths and key qualifications as well as demonstrating your passion for education.

 

Work Experience

Detail any relevant work experience, including roles where you have supported children or worked in educational settings. Emphasise your responsibilities and achievements, focusing on tasks related to assisting teachers and working with students. Be sure to include the start and end dates for each role and include the latest experience at the top, working your way down.

Education and Qualifications

List your educational qualifications, including any relevant degrees, certifications, or training programs relevant to being a TA. Highlight any coursework or specialised training related to education or child development.

 

Certifications and Awards

Showcase any relevant certifications, awards, or professional development courses you have completed. This could include first aid certification, safeguarding training, or awards for outstanding performance in educational settings.

 

Volunteering Experience

If you have any volunteering experience relevant to child-focused settings, include it here to demonstrate your commitment to working with children. Highlight your contributions and the impact you made in your volunteer roles.

What Not to Include in Your Teaching Assistant CV

 

Personal Details

Avoid including personal information such as your date of birth, marital status, gender, or nationality. This information is not relevant to your qualifications for the teaching assistant role.

 

Hobbies and Interests

While it’s important to showcase your professional skills and experiences, including hobbies and interests that are unrelated to the teaching assistant role is unnecessary and takes up valuable space on your CV.

 

Irrelevant Work Experience

Only include work experience that is directly relevant to the teaching assistant role. Avoid listing unrelated jobs or experiences that do not demonstrate your qualifications or skills for the position.

Generic Buzzwords

Steer clear of using generic buzzwords or clichés without providing concrete examples to back them up. Instead of simply stating that you are a “team player” or “detail-oriented,” provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated these qualities in previous roles.

 

References

It’s unnecessary to include references or the phrase “References available upon request” on your CV. Employers will typically request references later in the hiring process if they are needed.

 

Salary Expectations

Avoid including salary expectations or requirements on your CV. This information can be discussed during the interview process if necessary.

 

Negative Language

Keep your CV positive and professional by avoiding negative language or criticism of past employers or experiences.

Tips to Consider When Writing your CV

 

Use Clear and Concise Language

Communicate your qualifications and experiences clearly and concisely, avoiding unnecessary jargon or overly complex language. Aim for clarity and readability to ensure that employers can easily understand your CV.

 

Highlight Key Skills and Experiences

Identify key skills and experiences that are particularly relevant to the teaching assistant role and highlight them in your CV. This could include skills such as communication, teamwork, organisation, and patience, as well as experiences such as previous work in educational settings or with children.

 

Provide Concrete Examples

Instead of simply listing skills or experiences, provide specific examples that demonstrate how you have successfully applied these skills in previous roles. Use quantifiable achievements and outcomes to illustrate your capabilities and accomplishments.

Use Action Verbs

Start bullet points with strong action verbs to convey your contributions and accomplishments effectively. Action verbs such as “assisted,” “collaborated,” “implemented,” and “organised” demonstrate your proactive approach and initiative in previous roles.

 

Emphasise Results and Impact

Highlight the results and impact of your actions in previous roles, focusing on tangible outcomes and achievements. Quantify your contributions whenever possible to provide context and demonstrate your effectiveness in supporting student learning and success.

 

Proofread Carefully

Before submitting your CV, thoroughly proofread it for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Typos and mistakes can detract from the professionalism of your CV and create a negative impression. Consider asking a trusted friend or colleague to review your CV for feedback.

Teaching Assistant CV Template/Example

 

[Full name]
[Address]
[City, post code]
[Phone number]
[Email address]

 

Professional Summary

I am a dedicated and results-driven teaching assistant with a passion for supporting student learning and creating inclusive classroom environments. With 2 years of experience as a TA within a primary school setting, I have a strong understanding of the primary school national curriculum. I have proven experience assisting teachers with lesson planning, classroom management, and providing individualised support. With my strong communication and interpersonal skills, I am able to develop successful working relationships with school staff and students.

 

Work Experience 

Teaching Assistant 
ABC Primary School, Anytown, United Kingdom
September 2022 – Present

  • Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement lesson plans tailored to students with diverse needs.
  • Successfully provided teacher assistance to a large maths class of 36 students from 6 different nationalities.
  • Provided one-on-one and small group support to students, including those with special educational needs, to reinforce learning.
  • Assisted with classroom management and behaviour reinforcement strategies.
  • Supported and guided a core group of 4 students to achieve Grade B in their GCSEs.
  • Prepared and organised instructional materials, resources, and equipment for classroom activities and lessons.
  • Participated in parent-teacher conferences and meetings to discuss student progress and provide feedback to parents.

 

Education and Qualifications

Teaching Assistant NVQ Level 2
XYZ College, Anytown, United Kingdom
Course completion: May 2020

 

8 GCSEs including Maths (C), Science (C), English (B)
XYZ Secondary School, Anytown, United Kingdom
Graduated: May 2018

 

Certifications/Awards 

  • Five day intensive First Aid and CPR course (2015)
  • Child Protection Training (2018)
  • Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, ABC Primary School (2023)

 

Volunteering Experience 

Tutor 
XYZ Tutoring Centre, Anytown, United Kingdom
September 2016 – May 2018

  • Provided support and mentoring to primary and secondary school students in various subjects, including math, reading, and science.
  • Developed individualised learning plans and tailored instruction to meet the specific needs and learning styles of each student.
  • Monitored student progress and adjusted teaching strategies as needed to facilitate comprehension.

Remember, your CV is your opportunity to make a positive impression and demonstrate your suitability for the role of a teaching assistant.

 

By following these tips and guidelines, you can create a compelling CV that highlights your strengths, experiences, and passion for education. Good luck on your journey to becoming a successful teaching assistant!

 

If you’re looking to start your career in education, we have a wide range of teaching assistant roles to suit you. Click below to view our latest vacancies for TAs or contact us today.

 

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