Rochford Life: Tracy, you are a teaching assistant, I believe?
Tracy: Yes, and I work with special needs as well, working one to one giving that bit of extra support and encouragement so that eventually they can work independently. I’m in the class for years 5 & 6 and so I help generally in the class as well.
RL: So how long have you been a teaching assistant?
Tracy: I’ve just qualified with my level 3 Diploma so I’ve been working the last five years working up. There are levels that you work up to. I started off doing voluntary work and then there are NVQ’s and diplomas you can work for. The level 3 is a longer course and it covers special needs and I can actually work with adults as well.
RL: It seems you are continually learning? Have you had to go to college?
Tracy: Yes, that’s right. Yes, I have been to college in the last two years.
RL: How do you manage it?
Tracy: Well, yes, I have been having to work to fit it all in. I also have two children who are now older and in secondary school
RL: Do you work the hours of a normal teacher?
Tracy: No, I am part time at the moment I do half a day every day and I will stay if I am needed but there are a number of us; there are normally two or three in each class and of course there are four classes so, as I say, there are a number of us.
RL: Well, Tracy, thank you. That’s enough to give us a glimpse of teaching today
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Of course, as Tracy has indicated she is but one of a number in the school. So that we can honour them all, if you’d like pick up on the rest CLICK HERE