Struggling as a teaching assistant? Here’s how the HLTA course can help you be one step ahead!

Are you someone who is a teaching assistant and finds it hard to manage and adjust? Moreover, becoming a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) might be the best course of action for you if you're a teaching assistant hoping to progress in your profession. However, what is an HLTA? How can it help you in your career? Well, we will discuss what a higher level teaching assistant does, how to become one, and the special opportunities—all of these questions in this blog! 

What is a HLTA?

A teaching assistant who has received specialised training and taken on more duties to support learning at a higher level is known as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA). HLTAs are better suited to manage more difficult duties in the classroom since they have a deeper grasp of educational procedures. Additionally, HLTAs are not the same as ordinary teaching assistants in a few important aspects. They frequently have to organise and conduct courses, teach classes on their own, and offer specialised assistance to kids with particular needs. A strong foundation in teaching methods and a dedication to ongoing professional development are necessary for this position.

Difference Between HLTA and Unqualified Teachers

A Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) and an inexperienced teacher perform distinct roles in the educational system. HLTAs have received particular training and meet established requirements. Hence, guaranteeing that they have the abilities required to assist in teaching successfully. They generally assist certified instructors in delivering classes under supervision and providing focused support to students. Their tasks include lesson planning, behaviour management, and student evaluation, but they do not assume full teaching responsibilities.

On the other hand, unqualified teachers often lack formal teacher training and certification (Qualified Teacher Status, QTS). Despite this, they assume full teaching duties like qualified teachers. Thus, including lesson planning, delivery, and assessment. They are responsible for managing classrooms and student outcomes, even without formal qualifications. In essence, while HLTAs enhance and support the work of qualified teachers, unqualified teachers take on complete teaching roles without formal certification.

How to become a HLTA?

There are several steps involved in obtaining an HLTA. These are:

• Experience: Get a lot of experience working as a teaching assistant to demonstrate your proficiency in managing classroom responsibilities.

• Training: To acquire the information and abilities needed for the position, enrol in an HLTA preparatory course or you can enrol in the HLTA course offered by us at Training Tale. 

• Evaluation: Go through a formal evaluation process in which the HLTA criteria will be used to gauge your performance.

HLTA Standards

The HLTA criteria are rigorous, ensuring that only the most proficient teaching assistants attain this level. Meeting these requirements demonstrates your ability to deliver high-quality assistance and teaching.

Hence, to become an HLTA, you must complete certain criteria that guarantee you are equipped for the duties of the position. These standards include the following:

• Professional Attributes: Showing dedication to the position and professional growth.

• Professional Knowledge and Understanding: Understanding of the Teaching and Learning Processes.

• Professional Skills: Planning, monitoring, and evaluating student development.

HLTA Roles and Responsibilities

An HLTA's Roles and Responsibilities are various and may differ based on the school and its needs. Common responsibilities include:

• Teaching students one-on-one or in small groups.

• Preparing and delivering lessons in the instructor's absence.

• Assessment comprises observing pupils' progress and providing feedback.

• Classroom management helps with behaviour control and provides a safe learning environment.

• Professional growth means continuously improving your abilities and experience through frequent training.

Conclusion

To summarise, being a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) can greatly improve your career chances and professional satisfaction. By getting specialised training and achieving high HLTA criteria, you may take on additional duties, give more assistance to students, and have a stronger effect in the classroom. Whether you're suffering as a teaching assistant or want to expand your career, earning the HLTA certification can give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to succeed in your profession. Hence, earning a HLTA certificate is more than any other average certificate and for that, doing a course in HLTA is all you need.

Additionally, earning a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Education might be advantageous for those seeking to become Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs), however, it is not a must. So, what are you waiting for? If you're ready to take the next step in your career, consider enrolling in an HLTA preparation course now to open up new options in the field of teaching.