
The Top 8 Traits and Qualities of a Great Teaching Assistant
Just one sleep to go before our favourite day of the year! Tomorrow, schools across the country will join in a big jamboree in tribute to the unsung heroes of their classrooms on National Teaching Assistants’ Day.
The centrepiece of the annual celebration is our TA of the Year competition. For the last few months, we’ve asked headteachers to nominate the teaching assistants at their schools who they just couldn’t do without; the humble superstars who have kept their classrooms running through hell and high water these past 18 tumultuous months.
We cannot wait to announce our winners tomorrow on the official NTAD website. We’ve received some truly inspirational nominations this year that have left our shortlist looking stronger than ever.
These submissions paint an interesting and honest picture of a line of work that, too often, goes underappreciated in people’s thoughts about education.
Ahead of tomorrow’s grand reveal, we’ve read through our shortlist and picked out the traits that schools cherish the most in their TAs.
1. They go above and beyond
Reading over all the submissions, four words kept coming up again and again: ‘going the extra mile’. The most beloved teaching assistants consistently distinguished themselves by their dedication and willingness to give their all, even when they didn’t have to.
Headteachers praised TAs for giving up evenings, weekends and even holiday time to support pupils, whether through putting on extra Zoom sessions during lockdown, running after-school clubs, or providing hot chocolate and snacks for pupils out of their own pockets.
The best teaching assistants show “superhuman” commitment to their pupils, regardless of whether their own time is at stake. Another reason to raise a glass to them tomorrow.
2. They form crucial relationships with vulnerable pupils
Teaching assistants give children the focused, one-to-one attention that a classroom teacher will normally be unable to provide in lessons of 30 pupils. This personal connection means that TAs can become truly life-changing presences in the lives of some of the most at-risk or disadvantaged pupils.
Several TAs in our nomination list were commended by headteachers for the transformative effects they achieved for individual children. One teaching assistant was there on GCSE results day to celebrate with a child who had previously severely struggled in lessons, another helped a pupil with an Anxiety Disorder successfully overcome her problems with absenteeism, while an autistic child at one school was able to attend a residential camp because his TA was willing to stay there with him for the week too.
3. Teachers find them indispensable
When nominating their favourite teaching assistants, teachers were prone to tell us about how they simply couldn’t do without them.
TAs make these teachers’ working lives immeasurably easier by getting through to pupils where other staff members can’t. Our top 2021 TAs have also supported other staff members more directly by covering for them at short notice, letting them know about struggling pupils and even schooling them in the best techniques for minimising behavioural issues.
This sense of duty to their pupils and their colleagues alike is a quality shared by all the best TAs.
4. Parents love them too
A great TA’s popularity doesn’t end at the school gates. Our nominators were keen to tell us how their favourite teaching assistants were held in high esteem by parents too. And no wonder, given that these TAs were there at the school gates every day to deliver pupils back into their parents’ arms.
5. They are always seeking to learn more
The keenness of our super TAs to upskill and further their knowledge was a running theme across schools’ submissions. Head teachers were eager to let us know about the courses and projects that their TAs were involved in of their own initiative, including Positive Behaviour Support Training and even a fully-fledged degree.
This desire to really apply themselves is part and parcel of why teaching assistants are so treasured by their schools.
6. They are the backbone of pastoral care
Teaching assistants are responsible for so much more than just academic support. A large part of their working day will be dedicated to making sure children are properly looked after.
The TAs on our shortlist have put their time into ensuring children are properly fed, accompanying pupils with ASD to the playground so that they can participate in games with the other children and generally doing their utmost best to give children a sense of “belonging and worth”.
A great teaching assistant helps make a school a safe space. We owe them a lot.
7. They were essential during lockdown
The compassion and diligence of teaching assistants shone through the gloom and misery of our winter lockdowns. A recent UCL study found that teaching assistants were the ‘key’ to keeping schools open for vulnerable and key worker children.
These findings are certainly reflected in the nominations we received from schools. These TAs delivered food and schoolwork to pupils’ houses, delivered ongoing support in schools each day, and took on new skills to set up remote learning technologies.
While we’ve all been through a lot, things could have been so much worse without the dedicated work of our brilliant TAs.
8. They are fonts of positivity
Reading through our nominations, we were struck by how many of them mention the infectious positivity and air of enthusiasm that these TAs carry with them.
Being a teaching assistant is no picnic; the hours can be almost as long as the list of tasks they’re called upon to perform. So it’s even more impressive to hear that these TAs still manage to “bring joy to everybody” in their working lives.
Through their enthusiasm and sunny dispositions, TAs bolster morale among staff and students alike.
One rare silver lining of this last year and all its miseries is that the vital work of teaching assistants has truly been thrown into sharp focus. The qualities and strength of character on display among our nominees can be found in TAs everywhere. It is high time that they are celebrated properly.
That’s what National Teaching Assistants’ Day exists to do. Whether you’re a teacher, senior leader or teaching assistant yourself, click here to find out how you can join in the fun tomorrow. We hope you enjoy the party!
If you’re a teaching assistant in search of work, Teaching Personnel is on hand to help you find your next job.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£23 - 28 per hour
Location free text
Blackpool
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Tutor/Intervention
Location
Blackpool
Description
Engaging and Supportive Maths Tutors Required in the Blackpool Area.Here at TP Tutors (Part of Teaching Personnel) we believe in every child’s right to a quality education. As such, we are looking for
Reference
RVFY1MAT30/04
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
North TuitionAuthor
North TuitionSalary
£21k - 22k per year
Location free text
East Grinstead
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
Sector
Visual Impaired
Location
East Grinstead
Description
Driven and Resilient Individuals Wanted!Teaching Personnel are working with an excellent SEMH School located in rural East Grinstead that caters for students who have mental health needs, and some ha
Reference
PMSTA
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton SENAuthor
Brighton SENSalary
£89.38 - 95.00 per day
Location free text
Crowborough
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
Sector
SEND Support
Location
East Sussex
Description
Make a Real Difference Every Day – Join Us as a SEN Teaching Assistant! Crowborough | Full-Time | Term Time OnlyAre you ready to step into a role where every single day counts? Where your support, k
Reference
SENTACES
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton SENAuthor
Brighton SENSalary
£26,270 per year
Location free text
Horsham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
Sector
Special Needs
Location
Horsham
Description
Driven and Resilient Individuals Wanted! Teaching Personnel are working with an excellent all boys School that cater for students with mental health and behavioural struggles, due to childhood trauma,
Reference
lsaMHH
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton SENAuthor
Brighton SENSalary
£99.96 - 105.00 per day
Location free text
Hailsham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
SEMH
Location
Hailsham
Description
SEMH Mentor We are seeking experienced and energetic SEMH mentors to join the team at our partner school in Hailsham. Our partner school, that's part of an Ofsted 'outstanding' multi-acad
Reference
SMES
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton SENAuthor
Brighton SENSalary
£180 - 250 per day
Location free text
Tower Hamlets
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Tower Hamlets
Description
Launch Your Teaching Career in East London - September 2025 Roles Now Available!Calling All ECTs & Newly Qualified Teachers! Locations: Tower Hamlets & Surrounding East London Boroughs Schools: Primar
Reference
ECT East Sept
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
London SENAuthor
London SENSalary
£96.25 - 110.00 per day
Location free text
Horsham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£20,000 - £29,999
Sector
Special Needs
Location
Horsham
Description
Energetic and Enthusiastic Individuals Needed! We are working with an excellent SEN School located in Horsham who require full time learning support assistants to support pupils 1:1 and in small group
Reference
lsaNBWS
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Brighton SENAuthor
Brighton SENSalary
£180 - 250 per day
Location free text
Enfield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Enfield
Description
Exciting KS2 Teaching Opportunity in North London – September 2025 Start!Position: Full-Time KS2 Teacher (TLR Available for Suitable Candidates) Location: North London Start Date: September 2025 Appli
Reference
KS2 N21
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
London SENAuthor
London SENSalary
£180 - 250 per day
Location free text
Enfield
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Enfield
Description
Exciting Opportunity for KS1 Teachers & ECTs in North London!Position: Full-Time KS1 Teacher (TLR Available for Suitable Candidates) Location: North London Start Date: September 2025 Application Deadl
Reference
KS1 n21
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
London SENAuthor
London SENSalary
£150 - 175 per day
Location free text
Birmingham
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£750 - £1,249 per week
Sector
Secondary
Location
Birmingham
Description
Do you have a passion and desire to support children within a school setting?Do you have ample experience working with 11-16 year olds within a UK Secondary School? Job Role: Head of YearLocation: Bir
Reference
Head of Year 10
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Birmingham SecondaryAuthor
Birmingham SecondaryRelated posts

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
In 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) highlighted the crisis in the SEND system, noting limited progress in making mainstream schools more inclusive. Without further investment and changes, t
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The True Worth of Professional Exam Invigilation When schools and colleges across England and Wales prepare for examination periods, the pressure to maintain JCQ compliance while ensuring fair ass
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
With the Easter break and end of term coming up, it’s time to get your payroll sorted! Our Payroll team has outlined the key dates you need to ensure you receive your pay on time. Check out the ta
by
Zuzana Vrtalova

Teaser
Special Educational NeedsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD03YY
Summary
The landscape of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is transforming. The number of pupils in the UK with special educational needs (SEN) has increased over the last five years. Toda
by
Adam Davies

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD02YY
Summary
As Spring approaches, it's a critical date for many teachers in the UK who may be contemplating their professional future ahead of the February 28th resignation deadline. While teaching remains on
by
Adam Davies

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD02YY
Summary
Teaching assistants support teachers and students in the classroom. The role is invaluable and continues to grow in importance as school environments become larger and more diverse. In fact, teach
by
West Yorkshire Primary

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
When you worked as a teacher, you may have looked forward to retirement, as it meant having more time for leisurely activities or spending more time with loved ones. However, the novelty of retire

by
Scott Owen
.jpg)
Teaser
Tips and AdviceContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD01YY
Summary
In the last three years, the likelihood of young people having mental health problems has increased by 50%. According to a report by The Health Foundation, one in six children aged six to 16 in Englan

by
Scott Owen

Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD12YY
Summary
Recent reports state that special schools are seeing a decrease in enrollment. Many local authorities aim to integrate more children with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) into mainst
by
Adam Davies
.jpg)
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD12YY
Summary
The festive season and the end of term are quickly approaching! To help you prepare, our Payroll team has shared all the essential dates you need to ensure you get paid before Christmas. Check out t
by
Zuzana Vrtalova
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job