What is a Higher Level Teaching Assistant? Roles and Responsibilities

If you’re thinking about a career in education, you may have encountered the term “higher-level teaching Assistant” (HLTA). But what exactly does it mean, and what responsibilities does this job involve? This question has been gaining attention, especially as schools strive to provide the best possible support for their students.

In this blog, we will explore what a Higher Level Teaching Assistant is, what skills are required for the role, and their work environment.

What is a Higher Level Teaching Assistant?

A Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) is a very important member of a school team who helps both teachers and students. Unlike regular teaching assistants, HLTAs have more training and are given more responsibilities. Although they don’t lead full classes like teachers, they still help with lesson planning, teaching, and managing the classroom. Therefore, their profession is extremely valuable in ensuring students get the support they need to succeed in their learning.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) can vary depending on the school and its needs. However, there are several core responsibilities that are usually part of the role:

Supporting the Teacher in Lesson Delivery

HLTAs often help plan and deliver lessons. While teachers create the lesson plans, HLTAs assist in carrying them out, especially for small groups or one-to-one sessions. In this way, they support the teacher by reinforcing key concepts and making sure students understand the lesson content.

Providing Additional Support for Students

HLTAs work closely with students who may need extra help, such as those with special educational needs (SEN). They provide assistance with tasks, offer extra explanations, and give emotional support to help students stay engaged with their work. As a result, students feel more confident and are able to keep up with their learning.

Managing Classroom Behaviour

Classroom behaviour management is one of HLTAs’ other key duties. They guarantee that pupils abide by the rules and assist in maintaining classroom focus. An HLTA may keep an eye on other students while the teacher is working with a group in order to keep things peaceful and productive. This guarantees that the lesson goes smoothly and that everyone stays on topic.

Monitoring Student Progress

HLTAs also monitor the academic and personal development of their students. They give the teacher comments and assist in evaluating the performance of the kids. By doing this, they assist in identifying pupils who might require more assistance or learning enhancement.

Administrative and Classroom Support

HLTAs help with administrative duties such as creating lesson plans, organising materials, and grading assignments. By doing these tasks, sessions go more easily and the instructor can concentrate on instruction rather than managing the details. As a result, both teachers and students are able to concentrate on studying while the classroom atmosphere stays organised.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Being a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) requires a special set of skills and knowledge to support both teachers and students successfully. These include:

• Communication Skills: Good communication is key for an HLTA. They must be able to explain things clearly to students, listen to their needs, and talk with teachers and other staff members. This helps everyone stay on the same page and ensures students get the support they need.
• Organisation Skills: HLTAs often help with lesson planning and classroom management, so being organised is very important. They need to manage their time well and be able to handle multiple tasks at once without feeling overwhelmed.
• Patience and Empathy: HLTAs work with students who might have additional learning needs, so patience and empathy are essential. They need to understand the challenges these students face and offer support in a caring and thoughtful way.
• Leadership Abilities: Since HLTAs have more responsibility than regular teaching assistants, they must have leadership skills. They may need to take charge of a classroom or lead small groups. Being able to guide and motivate students while keeping the classroom calm and organised is an important part of the job.
• Knowledge of Educational Practices: HLTAs should have a good understanding of teaching methods, especially for students with special educational needs (SEN). Knowing how to manage student behaviour and applying the right techniques for different learning needs is also essential for the role.

Education and Qualifications

To become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, certain educational qualifications are necessary. While the requirements can vary by school, here are the most common qualifications and steps to take:

• GCSEs or Equivalent: Most HLTAs will need to have at least a level of education equivalent to GCSEs, particularly in English and Maths. These are fundamental skills that are important for the role, as HLTAs will need to communicate effectively and support students with literacy and numeracy tasks.
• Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant Qualification: Generally, in order to become an HLTA, you must finish a Level 4 Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification. Those who want to assume more senior roles in the classroom are the target audience for this qualification. Lesson planning, evaluation, behaviour control, and helping kids with specific needs are some of the topics it addresses
• Continued Professional Development (CPD): After qualifying, HLTAs are encouraged to continue developing their skills through CPD. CPD includes attending workshops and conferences, or undertaking further qualifications that can improve their role within the classroom.

Work Experience

Experience is important when becoming a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA). Most people start out as Teaching Assistants (TAs), where they get hands-on experience in the classroom. This helps them build important skills for the HLTA role, like managing the classroom and supporting students with different needs.

To move into an HLTA role, you usually need several years of experience as a TA. During this time, you’ll learn how the classroom runs and how to support students in their learning. Some schools also offer extra training to help TAs get ready for the added responsibilities of being an HLTA.

Salary Expectations

The salary of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) can vary based on things like where the school is located, how much experience you have, and the qualifications you hold. On average, an HLTA in the UK earns between £18,000 and £25,000 a year. However, with more experience and qualifications, this amount can increase. In some places, like London or other areas with higher living costs, HLTA salaries may be higher.

Conclusion

A Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) is very important for supporting both students and teachers. The job requires a mix of skills, qualifications, and experience, and HLTAs often take on more responsibility than regular teaching assistants. They help with lessons, manage student behaviour, and make sure every student gets the support they need.

If you’re thinking about becoming an HLTA, gaining the right qualifications, experience, and skills will help you start a rewarding career in education. With chances for further training and career growth, being an HLTA can bring both personal satisfaction and professional development.

Start your journey with the HLTA course from Open Learning Academy, designed to equip you with the expertise for a successful career in education.