The Importance of a Healthy Teacher and Teaching Assistant Relationship in Special Education

A healthy teacher and teaching assistant (TA) relationship in special education is vital. These individuals collaboratively play a pivotal role in creating a conducive learning environment for students with special needs.

The relationship between Teacher and TA has far-reaching impacts on a pupil’s academic, social, and emotional development. Here, we delve deeper into the reasons why this relationship is crucial and should be nurtured:

1. Student Success: A strong teacher-TA partnership ensures that students with special needs receive appropriate and consistent support. TA’s support teachers to implement bespoke and individual learning strategies (in line with their Education, Health and Care Plan, if applicable).
2. Individualised Support: Students with special educational needs (SEND) often have diverse abilities, so a one size fits all approach will not work. Teachers rely heavily on TA’s to deliver each student’s unique requirements effectively from an academic perspective. TA’s will often provide one-on-one support or small group instruction, depending on the learning style required by individual students.
3. Consistency: When teachers and TA’s work together cohesively, they can maintain a consistent and structured learning environment which is often required by pupils with SEN. This predictability of routine can support in reducing anxiety and helps pupils feel more secure and focused.
4. Time Management: Effective collaboration between teachers and TA’s can help manage classroom time efficiently. TA’s often take on administrative tasks, manage classroom materials, and provide support, allowing teachers to concentrate on lesson planning and instruction.
5. Behaviour Management: Students with special educational needs may exhibit challenging behaviours for any number of reasons and is a form of communication about an unmet need. By modelling a positive and strong teacher-TA relationship, the students are more likely to thrive off the cohesion and feel safe within their cohort. The teacher and TA can work together to develop and implement behaviour management strategieseffectively when they understand the student’s individual triggers.
6. Data Collection and Progress Monitoring: TA’s often play a crucial role in gathering and recording data on student progress. This information is essential for tracking growth, adjusting teaching methods, and making informed decisions about modifications to IEPs or recommendations for amendments to the EHCP.
7. Professional Development: Collaborative relationships encourage ongoing professional development for both teachers and TA’s. Sharing knowledge, experiences, and training opportunities helps them stay up to date with best practices in special education.
8. Parent-Teacher Communication: A strong teacher-TA partnership enhances communication with parents and carers. This collaborative approach can lead to more productive parent-teacher meetings and a better understanding of the child's needs and progress.
9. Reducing Teacher Burnout: Special education teachers often face high levels of stress due to the demands of their role. TA’s can provide valuable support, reducing the workload and emotional burden on teachers.
10. Inclusive Classroom Culture: When teachers and TA’s model positive collaboration and teamwork, it sets an example for students, fostering an inclusive and accepting classroom culture where all students are valued and respected.

A healthy teacher and teaching assistant relationship in special education is essential for the well-being and success of students with special needs, and for the mental health and wellbeing of the educators themselves. It enhances overall classroom dynamics, ultimately leading to improved educational outcomes and a more inclusive learning environment.

If you would like further information about mental health and wellbeing in teaching, read our previous blog HERE.

More details on the role of an SEN Teacher can be found by clicking on this link.

Whilst more information about the role of a SEN Support Worker and how you become one, we have everything you need to know in this blog.