ABSTRACT
In September 2003, the first of the new workload agreement changes came into force with 24 things that teachers should not do, like photocopying or other administrative type duties. The proposals to alleviate teachers’ workload also included an increasing use of TAs, and more particularly from your point of view, the defining and training of new higher level TAs (HLTAs). The proposals for new standards have been accompanied by comprehensive consultation and suggested new regulations to ensure their continued proper supervision. Most teacher unions are supportive of the proposals, but the National Union of Teachers is concerned about the usurping of the teachers’ traditional roles by untrained staff. It is important that TAs recognise their limitations and that schools – managers and teachers – do not ask of people more than they are qualified or experienced to do. The new regulations introduce the concept of compulsory supervision for all support staff, to be written into the job description both of the support and supervisory staff who would be qualified teachers. The school management would determine the levels of supervision and its nature. This means it will be much clearer what TAs with differing qualifications and job descriptions can or should not do, the size of groups they can work with, the nature of their tasks and responsibilities.
