How to Write a Teaching Assistant CV (with templates)

Introduction

A well-crafted CV is essential for securing a Teaching Assistant position. As a TA, your role is vital in providing support and assistance to teachers and students in educational settings. A strong CV showcases your qualifications, skills, and experience, helping you stand out from other applicants. In this guide, we will provide clear, actionable advice for creating a Teaching Assistant CV that highlights your strengths and maximises your chances of landing your dream job.

Understanding the Role of a Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistants play a crucial role in the classroom, providing support to teachers and students alike. They assist with lesson planning, classroom management, and individualised instruction. Teaching Assistants often work with students with SEN (Special Educational Needs), or who require extra attention, making patience, empathy, and effective communication vital qualities for success in this role.

Teaching Assistant CV Template

For design, we've got you covered. You can find a full summary of where to find great Teaching Assistant CV designs here.

These designs make finalising your CV – and ensuring it stands out to schools – easier than ever. There are a few options in the above article, but our biggest recommendation is the education CV templates page on Canva. Customising your CV to be as minimalist or as fun as you'd like is a breeze. We can't believe it's free to use!

What to Include in Your Teaching Assistant CV

Now, let's get into the content. When crafting your CV, there are several key sections to include:

Personal Information

Include your full name, contact details, and professional title at the top of your CV. Make sure to provide a professional email address and a link to your LinkedIn profile, if applicable.

Professional Summary

Write a brief, impactful statement of around 3 sentences that summarises your experience, skills, and what you bring to a TA role. Highlight your strengths and key qualifications, demonstrating your passion for education and commitment to student success.

Work Experience

Detail your previous work experience, focusing on roles that are relevant to teaching or education. Describe your responsibilities and achievements, emphasising your ability to support teachers and engage with students effectively. Ensure you include the start and end dates for each role!

Education

List your academic qualifications, including any specific training or certifications relevant to being a Teaching Assistant. Highlight any coursework or projects that demonstrate your expertise in education.

Certifications and Awards

Highlight any additional certifications or recognition that could bolster your application. Include any relevant Teaching Assistant certifications, first aid training, or awards that demonstrate your commitment to professional development and excellence in your field.

Volunteer Experience

If you have relevant volunteer experience, particularly in educational or child-focused settings, include it in this section. Volunteer work can demonstrate your passion for education and your ability to work with children.

Apply for Teaching Assistant Roles with Zen Educate

If you're ready to take the next step in your education career, consider applying for supply roles with Zen Educate. Zen Educate connects TAs directly with schools, making it easier to find positions that suit you. Check out the current Teaching Assistant jobs near you here.

What Not to Include in Your Teaching Assistant CV

While it's important to provide a comprehensive overview of your qualifications and experience, there are certain things you should avoid including in your Teaching Assistant CV:

• Personal details unrelated to the job, such as marital status, full address, or date of birth. It might sound obvious, but some people do think some of these are mandatory!
• Clichés and buzzwords without concrete examples to back them up. Focus on providing specific examples of your skills and accomplishments.
• Oversharing personal information. Keep your CV professional and focused on your qualifications for the TA role.

Writing Tips

To create a standout Teaching Assistant CV, follow these tips:

• Use clear, concise language and bullet points to ensure easy readability.
• Tailor your CV to each application, highlighting the experience and skills most relevant to the specific TA position.
• Quantify your achievements when possible. For example, mention how you assisted in improving students' exam results by a particulary percentage, or how you successfully managed a certain number of students in the classroom.
• Use a professional yet approachable tone of voice. Remember, as a Teaching Assistant, effective communication is essential, so your CV should reflect your ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
• Proofread your CV carefully to ensure there are no errors or typos. Attention to detail is crucial in the role of a Teaching Assistant, and a CV with mistakes can create a negative impression.

Example of Skills to Include

When highlighting your skills in your Teaching Assistant CV, consider including the following:

• SEN (Special Educational Needs) support
• Literacy and numeracy support
• Effective communication
• Patience and empathy
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Organisational skills

As important as these are, it's always better not to baselessly name your soft skills – make sure you give examples to back them up!

Tips for Writing a Teaching Assistant CV with No Experience

If you're applying for Teaching Assistant roles without prior experience, there are still ways to make your CV stand out:

• Highlight any relevant extracurricular activities or volunteer experiences that demonstrate your ability to work with children and support their learning.
• Emphasise your education and any training you have received that is relevant to the Teaching Assistant role.
• Showcase transferable skills, such as communication, organisation, and teamwork, that can be applied to the TA position.

Conclusion

Crafting a strong Teaching Assistant CV is crucial for securing your desired role. By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this guide, you can create a tailored CV that showcases your unique strengths and qualifications. Remember to customise your CV for each application, highlighting the most relevant experience and skills. With a well-crafted CV, you can increase your chances of standing out and landing your dream Teaching Assistant position.