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Social ServiceISCO 5312

Secondary school teaching assistant

A secondary school teaching assistant is a person who gives secondary school teachers various kinds of support, both instructional and practical.

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Rate 5 of the 17 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

handle children's problems

assess the development of youth

compile course material

manage student relationships

support the positiveness of youths

About secondary school teaching assistant

Instructional support means helping with the choice of methods and materials, and practical support means working with students during lessons. In the classroom, teaching assistants in secondary school help prepare the materials a lesson needs and repeat instructions to students who need extra attention. Teaching methods are adapted to each student's capability.

The assistant supervises students both in the teacher's presence and in their absence, and when the teacher is not in the room, the assistant keeps order and follows the teacher's instructions for the lesson. The assistant supports students in their learning, helps those who have fallen behind, and may teach secondary-level subjects.

The assistant follows students' learning progress and behaviour, assesses the development of young people, and works on the problems children are facing. The assistant also fosters a positive attitude among young people. Basic clerical tasks come with the post as well. Student relationships are managed and discipline is maintained. Qualification requirements differ by country and are set by national education rules.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (17)

secondary school proceduressecondary school proceduresThe inner workings of a secondary school, such as the structure of the relevant education support and management, the policies, and the regulations.handle children's problemshandle children's problemsPromote the prevention, early detection, and management of children`s problems, focusing on developmental delays and disorders, behavioural problems, functional disabilities, social stresses, mental d...assess the development of youthassess the development of youthEvaluate the different aspects of development needs of children and young people.compile course materialcompile course materialWrite, select or recommend a syllabus of learning material for the students enrolled in the course.manage student relationshipsmanage student relationshipsManage the relations between students and between student and teacher. Act as a just authority and create an environment of trust and stability.support the positiveness of youthssupport the positiveness of youthsHelp children and young people to assess their social, emotional and identity needs and to develop a positive self image, enhance their self esteem and improve their self reliance.adapt teaching to student's capabilitiesadapt teaching to student's capabilitiesIdentify the learning struggles and successes of students. Select teaching and learning strategies that support students’ individual learning needs and goals.apply teaching strategiesapply teaching strategiesEmploy various approaches, learning styles, and channels to instruct students, such as communicating content in terms they can understand, organising talking points for clarity, and repeating argument...maintain students' disciplinemaintain students' disciplineMake sure students follow the rules and code of behaviour established in the school and take the appropriate measures in case of violation or misbehaviour.teach secondary education class contentteach secondary education class contentInstruct students in the theory and practice of the secondary school course of your specialisation, taking into account the age of the students and modern teaching methods.provide teacher supportprovide teacher supportAssist teachers in classroom instruction by providing and preparing lesson materials, monitoring the students during their work and helping them in their learning where necessary.support children's wellbeingsupport children's wellbeingProvide an environment that supports and values children and helps them to manage their own feelings and relationships with others.perform playground surveillanceperform playground surveillanceObserve students' recreational activities to ensure student safety and well-being and intervene when necessary.give constructive feedbackgive constructive feedbackProvide founded feedback through both criticism and praise in a respectful, clear, and consistent manner. Highlight achievements as well as mistakes and set up methods of formative assessment to evalu...provide lesson materialsprovide lesson materialsEnsure that the necessary materials for teaching a class, such as visual aids, are prepared, up-to-date, and present in the instruction space.assist students in their learningassist students in their learningSupport and coach students in their work, give learners practical support and encouragement.encourage students to acknowledge their achievementsencourage students to acknowledge their achievementsStimulate students to appreciate their own achievements and actions to nurture confidence and educational growth.
Optional (27) — show
adolescent socialisation behaviouradolescent socialisation behaviourThe social dynamics through which young adults live amongst each other, expressing their likes and dislikes and the rules of communication between generations.social developmentsocial developmentThe learning process of a child through social interaction. Among the various activities that it encompasses, social development supports children in obtaining and fortifying learning skills and havin...disability typesdisability typesThe nature and types of disabilities affecting the human beings such as physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional or developmental and the specific needs and access requirements of disabled peop...learning difficultieslearning difficultiesThe learning disorders some students face in an academic context, especially Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and concentration deficit disorders.instructional strategiesinstructional strategiesThe techniques that instructors use to deliver lessons. The aim of these strategies is to make students become more involved in the learning process.pedagogypedagogyThe discipline that concerns the theory and practice of education including the various instructional methods for educating individuals or groups.teamwork principlesteamwork principlesThe cooperation between people characterised by a unified commitment to achieving a given goal, participating equally, maintaining open communication, facilitating effective usage of ideas etc.curriculum objectivescurriculum objectivesThe goals identified in curricula and defined learning outcomes.first aidfirst aidThe emergency treatment given to a sick or injured person in the case of circulatory and/or respiratory failure, unconsciousness, wounds, bleeding, shock or poisoning.assist in the organisation of school eventsassist in the organisation of school eventsProvide assistance in the planning and organisation of school events, such as the school's open house day, a sports game or a talent show.identify learning disordersidentify learning disordersObserve and detect symptoms of Specific Learning Difficulties such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia, and dysgraphia in children or adult learners. Refer the student to t...consult student's support systemconsult student's support systemCommunicate with multiple parties, including teachers and the family of the student, to discuss the student's behaviour or academic performance.consult students on learning contentconsult students on learning contentTake students' opinions and preferences into consideration when determining learning content.prepare lesson contentprepare lesson contentPrepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.recognise indicators of gifted studentrecognise indicators of gifted studentObserve students during instruction and identify signs of exceptionally high intelligence in a student, such as showing remarkable intellectual curiosity or showing restlessness due to boredom and or ...escort students on a field tripescort students on a field tripAccompany students on an educational trip outside the school environment and ensure their safety and cooperation.arrange parent teacher meetingarrange parent teacher meetingSet up joined and individual meetings with students' parents to discuss their child's academic progress and general well-being.monitor educational developmentsmonitor educational developmentsMonitor the changes in educational policies, methodologies and research by reviewing relevant literature and liaising with education officials and institutions.prepare youths for adulthoodprepare youths for adulthoodWork with children and young people to identify the skills and abilities they will need for their transition to become independent and self-sufficient adults.assess studentsassess studentsEvaluate the students' (academic) progress, achievements, course knowledge and skills through assignments, tests, and examinations. Diagnose their needs and track their progress, strengths, and weakne...assist students with equipmentassist students with equipmentProvide assistance to students when working with (technical) equipment used in practice-based lessons and solve operational problems when necessary.promote the safeguarding of young peoplepromote the safeguarding of young peopleUnderstand safeguarding and what should be done in cases of actual or potential harm or abuse.keep records of attendancekeep records of attendanceKeep track of the pupils who are absent by recording their names on a list of absentees.advise on lesson plansadvise on lesson plansAdvise on the ways in which lesson plans for specific lessons can be improved in order to reach education goals, engage the students and adhere to the curriculum.perform classroom managementperform classroom managementMaintain discipline and engage students during instruction.liaise with educational staffliaise with educational staffCommunicate with the school staff such as teachers, teaching assistants, academic advisors, and the principal on issues relating to students' well-being. In the context of a university, liaise with th...maintain relations with children's parentsmaintain relations with children's parentsInform children`s parents of the activities planned, program`s expectations and children`s individual progress.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a secondary school teaching assistant do?

Secondary school teaching assistants provide various support services to secondary school teachers such as instructional and practical support. They help with the preparation of lesson materials needed in class and reinforce instructions with students in need of extra attention. They also perform basic clerical duties, monitor the students' learning progress and behaviour and supervise the students with and without the teacher present.

What skills does a secondary school teaching assistant need?

A secondary school teaching assistant needs 17 essential skills, including secondary school procedures, handle children's problems, assess the development of youth, compile course material, manage student relationships.

Will AI replace secondary school teaching assistant jobs?

The AI disruption score for secondary school teaching assistant is 14/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: keep records of attendance, compile course material, provide lesson materials. Most resilient: support children's wellbeing, first aid, escort students on a field trip.

Quick Facts

SectorSocial Service
ISCO GroupPersonal care workers
Essential Skills17

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