Get Pro
Menu

Teaching assistant

A member of support staff who helps the class teacher, for example by supporting individual pupils or small groups.

Also called
TA
Used in
All four UK nations (details may differ)
Topic
School roles

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

Classfern Pro: report writer, Ask Fern, forum and jobs – no ads. What's in Pro Join the waiting list

Higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) England Wales
An experienced teaching assistant who has met professional standards allowing them to plan and deliver learning and sometimes cover classes.
Learning support assistant (LSA) All four UK nations (details may differ)
A teaching assistant who mainly supports pupils with special educational needs.
Paraprofessional United States
A school employee, also called a para, paraeducator or teacher's aide, who supports students under a teacher's supervision. UK: teaching assistant.

More terms: School roles

Assistant headteacher · Bursar · Childminder · Cover supervisor · Data protection officer · Deputy headteacher

More terms starting with T · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class

Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.