ABSTRACT
Without a doubt the support a brilliant teaching assistant (TA) could give can be endless, and if the partnership between a teacher and a TA is strong, then the result can only be an amazing educational experience for all. In reading statistical information regarding the number of TAs and teachers in schools, the numbers are often presented in terms of headcounts, that is, the actual number of individuals working in schools. As early as 1960 TAs had arrived, though during this time they were referred to as general assistants or welfare assistants. TA responsibilities will vary from school to school; however, whether they have a pedagogical focus or a non-pedagogical focus their ultimate aim, whether direct or indirect, is to support learning and teaching and ultimately aid pupils to achieve their potential. When applying for a TA role it is worth noting that jobs in education mainly appear at certain points of the year.
