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HLTA status. Is it worth it?

Last post 10/03/12 at 22:51 by SimplePimples, 49 replies
Post started by SimplePimples on 12/11/11 at 18:41

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  • SimplePimples avatar
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    Posted by: SimplePimples 12/11/2011 at 18:41
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    Two TAs where I work have recently gained HLTA status. They are used to cover when teachers are out on courses and for when teachers have their subject leader time. PPA is covered by other teachers. The HLTAs are only paid at the HLTA rate for this work, at all other times they are paid the same as the other TAs. I am considering working towards the status, school are going to fund it ( possibly to stop me asking about NVQs!) but I don't want my role to become about being cheaper than a supply teacher. Any thoughts?
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    Posted by: snugglepot 12/11/2011 at 19:57
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    After the week I've just had I would say 'Don't do it!' They use you whenever they want cheap cover.I don't mind covering for classes I already work in or regular cover for PPA in but not to be thrown in with no planning (verbal outline), no support and a class full of little people whose names I don't know.Soon learnt some names.Take my hat off to the teacher she deserves a medal. We were paid like that to begin with then one of the HLTAs went to Headteacher and insisted we were paid properly.If you think about it a Ass.or Deputy Head is paid when they are a class teacher they don't suddenly get demoted. It was meant to raise standards and not necessarily to have HLTAs teaching.If you are working at that level you should be working at it all the time.
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    Posted by: LaureRichis 13/11/2011 at 11:21
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     If you don't want to do regular whole class teaching then don't do it.

    If you are flexible, willing to leave what you are doing at the drop of a hat, don't mind leading the work of other TAs in the classroom then HLTA may be for you.

    I moved from the top of level 3 TA pay scale to the bottom of the HLTA pay scale and two years on I take home £100 per month more than I did before. When I look at some of my colleagues still working as classroom TAs I do sometimes wonder whether it is worth the extra responsibility for £25 per week .

    However if you are lower down on the pay scale the bigger jump onto the HLTA pay scale may be worth it. I knew that prior to gaining HLTA status I  was already doing a lot of things that a HLTA does so it made sense for me to do the HLTA training. I was at the top of my pay scale and could go no further so I know that I now have the opportunity to move up the HLTA pay scale.

    It's not all about pay at the end of the day and you really have to look at how HLTAs are used in your school and how TAs in general are treated by your Head. If you work in a happy school where communication is good between everyone it is worth considering. If you are simply there to cover whole classes then you should consider carefully whether that is what you really want to do.

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    Posted by: rohirrim 13/11/2011 at 18:43
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    In all too many schools, HLTAs are being used as cheap teachers. But that is the way education is going. It was Blair who thought up the idea of schools only having a few teachers, lots of computers and TAs. I don't know about the computers but part of his idea is coming to fruition. perhaps you could see yourself as being in the vanguard- altho I wouldn't want it whilst others are being paid a load more for the same thing.And don't forget you also get the accountability and the stress.

    Ahh, but I'm just an old cynic and maybe I've just become jaundiced after all these years in classrooms. But I've seen changes in all sorts of areas-  and in some areas not necessarily for the better.

  • SimplePimples avatar
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    Posted by: SimplePimples 14/11/2011 at 22:07
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    Thank you all for your replies. I shall mull them over :)
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    Posted by: t0neloc 19/11/2011 at 13:38
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     I think it very much depends on how a school treats the HLTAs. I don't believe they should be used as a cover teacher on a per lesson basis and paid that way. There needs to be a commitment to work with you in an appropriate way & not exploit you as a cheap stand in for short term absences.

    My own experience has been very positive. I decided to get out of my long term career in I.T. 4/5 years ago. I took a job as a TA and really enjoyed it. The school supported me in obtaining HLTA status (& science specialism). I was given a role within the science department working very much in partnership with the teaching staff and in situations where extra support and knowledge was of great advantage to the students. The experience of working in class, planning lessons and support sessions etc was very useful to me along with the understanding how to work with children and get the best out of them.

    I am now a non-teaching head of year and I would not be there without the HLTA status and the experience it gave me. Go for it - it can open doors in the right places.
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    Posted by: hubcap 19/11/2011 at 23:22
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    Or maybe get a qualification and do the foundation degree that could lead you on to PGCE!
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    Posted by: nessyville 20/11/2011 at 14:43
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    There are no HLTA's at my school and normal level 2 TA's often cover PPA time without any extra pay!

    I definitely would go for it if the schools paying for it, judging by some of the other messages thats an extra £1200 that i bet you could really use!
  • SimplePimples avatar
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    Posted by: SimplePimples 21/11/2011 at 14:19
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    Very true Nessyville. Hubcap, I'm not sure if I actually want to be a teacher. I already have a degree, amongst other qualifications. I've looked into PGCE courses but I can't find one that fits with my other commitments at the moment (I run a childcare business and am a single parent with no family nearby).
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    Posted by: denbarrett 23/11/2011 at 16:48
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    does anybody know if the funding for HLTA statue is still out there for us>  I am a teaching Assistant who holds NVQ level 3 already and work in reception and yes covering PPA cover.
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