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Explore: Teaching Assistant
Brief description of the role
Key responsibilities and day to day tasks of the job
In this role, I played a vital part in supporting the lead teacher with the delivery of Grade 7 Maths and Science lessons. My responsibilities began with helping to prepare and organize lesson plans, worksheets, and hands-on activities that made complex concepts more accessible to students. During lessons, I provided one-on-one and small group support to learners who needed extra help, explaining topics like fractions, basic algebra, or scientific principles in ways that were easier to understand.
Each day, I assisted with setting up and supervising experiments in the science classroom, ensuring that all safety procedures were followed and that students could engage actively and safely with practical work. I also helped manage classroom behaviour by reinforcing positive conduct and helping to maintain a focused learning environment.
I was involved in grading assignments and tests, carefully reviewing student work to give constructive feedback that encouraged improvement. I tracked individual student progress and communicated regularly with the lead teacher about any learners who were struggling or excelling, so that teaching strategies could be adjusted accordingly.
Part of my role was to foster a supportive and inclusive classroom culture by encouraging collaboration through group activities and discussions, helping students build both academic and social skills. I also took care of administrative tasks like organizing educational materials, maintaining attendance records, and ensuring that the classroom was a welcoming and orderly space for learning.
Skills most important for success in this role
Solid understanding of Grade 7 Mathematics and Natural Sciences curriculum.
Ability to break down complex topics into simpler explanations.
Clear verbal communication to explain concepts effectively.
Good listening skills to understand students’ questions and challenges.
Patience when working with learners at different levels of understanding.
Empathy to encourage and support learners who may struggle.
Ability to manage time, prepare learning materials, and assist in lesson planning.
Keep track of students’ progress and provide feedback to the teacher.
School subjects / tertiary courses / required certificates
I did Mathematics, Physics, Biology, English FAL, Life Orientation and Computer Literacy when I was in high school. These are the subjects I assisted the teachers with in my role as Teacher’s Assistant.
Kind of work environment (e.g Office based, remote, fieldwork etc)
The work environment is primarily classroom-based within a public school setting. It involves being actively present in the school, working alongside teachers and students during lessons. The role is dynamic and interactive, with a mix of sitting to help individual students, standing to assist with experiments or activities, and moving around the classroom to support different learners
Potential career progression opportunities in the field
→ After gaining experience and completing a teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE or BEd), you could progress to becoming a qualified Grade 7 or high school Maths & Science teacher.
→ Over time, you could specialise in either Mathematics or Science and become a subject lead or head of department (HoD) at your school.
→ With further training, you could move into designing Maths & Science learning materials or curriculum for schools or educational publishers.
→ Opportunities to work in online education platforms or tutoring companies that focus on Maths and Science.