Career Paths for Teaching Assistants and Opportunities to Grow in Education

Working as a teaching assistant is a rewarding way to support children’s learning and development in the classroom. For many, it is also the first step toward a long and fulfilling career in education. Whether you are new to the role or considering your next move, there are several career paths available that allow you to build on your skills, increase responsibility, and progress professionally.

Becoming a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

One of the most common pathways is progressing to Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status. HLTAs take on greater responsibility, often leading lessons, managing groups of pupils, and supporting teachers with planning. This role provides more autonomy and can be a strong stepping stone for those considering teacher training later. To become an HLTA, you will typically need experience in a teaching assistant role, relevant training, and support from your school.

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support Roles

Many teaching assistants discover a passion for supporting children with additional needs. Working as an SEN teaching assistant allows you to provide tailored support to pupils with learning difficulties, autism, speech and language challenges, or other educational needs. This path can lead to roles such as SEN specialist, learning mentor, or even SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) with further qualifications. Schools highly value skilled SEN support staff, making this a strong area for long-term career development.

Training to Become a Qualified Teacher

For those who wish to lead their own classroom, becoming a qualified teacher is a natural progression. Your experience as a teaching assistant gives you valuable classroom knowledge, behaviour management skills, and confidence in supporting pupil learning – this provides a strong foundation for Initial Teacher Training (ITT) routes such as:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• School Direct
• Apprenticeship-based teacher training
• Undergraduate teaching degrees

Many schools actively encourage teaching assistants to pursue formal teacher training and may offer placements or mentoring to support your journey.

Behaviour Mentor or Pastoral Roles

If you particularly enjoy supporting pupil wellbeing, building behaviour strategies, or providing emotional guidance, you may be suited to pastoral career paths. Roles such as behaviour mentor, learning support mentor, or pastoral officer allow you to work closely with students who need additional encouragement and care. These roles contribute significantly to school culture and pupil success.

Educational Administration and Leadership

Some teaching assistants move into school administration or leadership roles. Working in the school office, attendance team, or administration support can lead to positions such as school business manager or office manager. These roles require strong organisational and communication skills, both of which are gained through classroom support experience.

Start Your Next Step with Prospero Teaching

Whatever direction you take, your experience as a teaching assistant builds strong skills that are valued across education. At Prospero Teaching, we support teaching assistants in finding roles that match their career goals – whether you want to explore special education, progress to HLTA status, or take the next step toward becoming a teacher.