A higher level teaching assistant is an educational professional. They cover the classes to ease the pressure on a teacher. They plan and deliver learning activities and often have similar roles and responsibilities to teachers and can handle the whole classroom even in their absence.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant
The role of a level 4 higher level teaching assistant is a blend of a teacher and a teaching assistant. Besides general teaching assistant duties, some common responsibilities of HLTA include the following:
- Planning, preparing and delivering learning activities,
- Assisting learners by keeping them on track with their activities and lessons and ensuring they are motivated and engaged during their lessons,
- Covering lessons in teachers’ absence and in their PPA time,
- Preparing classrooms for lessons – setting up projectors or televisions for video presentations,
- Selecting, preparing and adapting resources for learners of different abilities and learning styles,
- Managing, teaching and working with individuals or smaller groups of learners,
- Assessing learners’ progress and providing focused support in the form of interventions.
What Does It Take to Become a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant?
You can become a HLTA by obtaining additional qualifications like a Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants.
As a higher-level teaching assistant, your day-to-day duties will vary and highly depend on the severity of your learners’ needs. Generally, you will support and work with children, and monitor learners with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and disabilities.
What are the Requirements to Become a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant?
The following are the requirements to become a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant:
- As HLTA is a continuation status from a TA role you must already be working as a teaching assistant in an educational setting having enough experience.
- To become an HLTA, you must be 16 years old or above.
Key Differences Between HLTA and Teaching Assistant Role
A Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) differs from a regular Teaching Assistant in several key areas. Even though both roles involve supporting teachers and helping learners in an educational setting, there are some key dissimilarities between the two positions, such as the following:
- Compared to TAs, HLTAs have more responsibilities; while Teaching assistants help teachers in preparing materials, support learners with their activities and classroom management, Higher Level Teaching Assistants have additional responsibilities including assessing learner’s progress, planning, preparing and delivering lessons and also helping individuals or groups with their tasks.
- HLTAs have more autonomy in their work; they can teach, lead lessons, and guide and manage classrooms. Conversely, TAs work only under the direct supervision of the class teacher.
- Other than that, higher-level teaching assistants have higher salaries due to their additional qualifications than Teaching Assistants. However, salaries may vary and depend on various factors such as level of experience and institution.
If you are a teaching assistant, then you can achieve a salary increment and a more rewarding career by progressing towards a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant course.
What Benefits Can Be Expected from the Course?
Numerous benefits can be availed by becoming a HLTA; besides being a great way to increase your knowledge and responsibility, an HLTA course can provide you with the following benefits:
- By enrolling on the HLTA course, you will be able to face and deal with challenges by developing and evolving your skills, understanding and knowledge within the work environment.
- You can grow intellectually or individually by broadening your knowledge and skills on how to efficiently support small groups or individuals.
- You will efficiently develop transferable skills which will be considered valuable even if you pursue a different path in the future.
- You can assist teachers with planning, preparing and delivering lessons while also helping them in preparing the required material.
- By working with teachers, you will be able to help raise the teaching standards and also help learners in reaching their full potential.
- After successfully achieving, you can upgrade yourself and earn a better salary.
- You will have a flexible working schedule; however, the level of flexibility may vary and depend on the school’s policies.
- Last but not least, you can enjoy each aspect of your job while working with children and young people.
What are the Job Prospects after Achieving a Level 4 HLTA Certificate?
After completing your Level 4 HLTA course, you can apply for educational positions across all educational sectors. Potential Higher-Level Teaching assistant jobs are listed below:
- Higher-level teaching assistant
- Cover Supervisor
- SEN – Special Educational Needs – Support
- Learning Mentor
- Subject Coordinator
- Private Tutor
- Intervention Tutor
- Inclusion and Assessment Coordinator
- Exam invigilator
- School Mentor
Learn more about How to Become a Teaching Assistant in the UK.
All things considered, you can attain a Level 4 HLTA certificate and distinguish yourself from other colleagues because this position goes beyond the traditional role of a TA. You can lead small group activities, provide cover supervision, have a higher autonomy and facilitate student learning efficiently.
On top of that, by achieving HLTA you can become a valuable asset in an educational sector, contributing to the overall educational experience of learners. So, what are you waiting for? Register your interest with us today and get yourself enrolled on our Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistant course.
