How do I become an SNA or TA?

Curlyhatescurls · 19-06-2016 11:09AM #1

Hi Boards,

I have a B.A (Hons) in English Studies (Trinity College). I am applying to do a PGCE in Scotland - August 2017 entry.

I am absolutely passionate about working with children and it would be my dream to quit my current job (which I hate- in a very different field but it pays the bills) and work as an SNA or a TA. Would anyone be able to advise me on how I would go about this? Do I need qualifications? And if so, can you recommend an evening training course (my only option would be to keep my job and do this after work)

Alternatively, if there are no options getting a paid job working with children- can anyone recommend weekend or evening volunteering? I would love to work with the dyslexia association but they have not responded to my emails. I am already with an after school tuition programme but that does not start up until September.

I have experience teaching English to children abroad as well as some voluntary experience when I was in college with paired reading programmes etc.

Would appreciate any and all advice please!

evolving_doors · 19-06-2016 12:50PM

you could try www.volunteer.ie or NALA. It might be more geared towards adults but that will also teach you to strip the concepts back to the basics (the basic things you've taken for granted are often the hardest to teach).

Are you considering giving up work all together before the course starts in the UK?

r93kaey5p2izun · 19-06-2016 01:18PM

There's no official position of TA in Ireland. The only requirement for SNA employment is to have your JC, so you could just apply for SNA positions and see how you get on - though of course those who have completed a specific course may be favoured by schools.

There are many providers offering QQI Level 5/6 SNA certs so google and see what's in your area. Don't pay a fortune - the best colleges are usually the ETBs or proper FE colleges, not the cowboys who specialise in rip off private training. SNA jobs have been hard enough to come by in recent years but there's lots of talk of increased allocation for next year.

Regarding the PGCE course - I'm just wondering if you have received any official information on what you will have to do to have it recognised in Ireland? There doesn't seem to be any information available since the requirements here changed and I know somebody interested in taking that route in a couple of years.

byhookorbycrook · 19-06-2016 01:52PM

There's a big oversupply of SNAs, most of whom are trained and experienced, so keep that in mind. If you cannot afford to give up work right now, how would you survive on short term SNA work? The recent announcement by the DES of an extra 800 SNAs is ainly spin- if you check the link out you will see the schools losing hours and how the "jobs" are often for 2/3 hours per week.

http://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/NCSE-Allocation-of-SNAs-to-Primary-Schools-for-September-2016.pdf

Dyslexia tutors are normally fully trained primary teachers, that may be why you haven't heard back.

TheDriver · 19-06-2016 01:58PM

There are loads of SNAs on towns that provide a course yet very hard to get anyone in other towns. Most SNAs seem to want primary school only so sec level could be a way to go. It would usually be norm that someone has the course done though

Terri26 · 20-06-2016 08:40AM

I know someone previously mentioned all you need is a Junior Cert but in my school you would not even be considered without some sort of course behind you. Two if ours have a degree in it/something similar not sure of the exact course. Another course is dine through night schools but it will be hard to get work when so many have qualified already.
Having saying that I think it's a fantastic idea to get this real school experience before you start your teaching course. You'll be way ahead of the rest of your class.

How do I become an SNA or TA?

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