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The aim of the EA International Certificate for Teaching Assistants is to recognise this work by raising the status of the local TA, offering opportunities to contribute even more effectively to the school community.

The benefits can be summarised as:

• Providing a systematic framework for the candidate to focus on, and develop, key areas of their work.
• To ensure that the local TA is a full part of the school community and support team for children’s learning.
• To recognise the support given by the school to the local TA in such a way that parents and accreditation agencies can be increasingly confident that all members of the school’s teaching and learning support team are fully integrated and have a clear understanding, knowledge, and competence in providing the best possible education for the children in their care.

In addition, this course can provide a starting point for a career in Learning Support by offering a structure which shares common elements and approaches with NVQ Certificate.

Course structure

Six modules must be completed in the context of the age range/phase in which the TA regularly operates:

1. Understanding and supporting child development
2. Understanding and supporting child safety, mental health and wellbeing
3. Understanding and supporting the school curriculum
4. Understanding and supporting school procedures, policies, and the school community
5. Understanding and supporting children with Special Education Needs (SEN) including EAL
6. Understanding and using technology to support teaching and learning

The portfolio

Each candidate/learner will compile a portfolio as part of their learning process and as an item to be assessed, and provide a basis for dialogue, during the assessment interviews.

Assessment (For multiple entries some tasks will be assessed by the school-based assessor, some by EA)

• Present your portfolio to your assessor and be willing to answer questions and discuss any issues raised.
• Talk through your self-review with your school assessor.
• Upload the requested sections (to be individually negotiated) for moderation/assessment by the EA supervisor.

For Employed Teaching Assistants and Secondary School Students

• Increase effectiveness and be recognized for abilities in assisting teachers in guiding student learning.
• Increase understanding of the teaching/learning process and school policies and procedures.
• Develop skills.
• Gain an internationally recognised certificate of achievement.

Teaching Assistants/Paraprofessionals better able to help assure student learning, increased status in the eyes of parents and accreditation agencies. and teachers with improved mentoring skills.

The course can begin anytime the participant’s school is in session.
The course is best done during a single school year but there is no time limit for completion.

As EducatorsAbroad supports the teaching assistant profession, we are offering a reduced cost of 300 GBP for individuals, 200 GBP each for ten or more enrolled from the same school at the same time. The reduced cost is valid until the 31st December 2023. Full payment must be made before this date to qualify for the offer. These charges presume school provision of mentor/observer services and a consultative/non-directive role for the EA assessor.

The focus of the EA Teaching Assistant International Certificate course is on observing and reflecting on classroom activity and school procedures.

Candidates complete assigned tasks associated with learning outcomes in four instructional units:

• Child development and awareness of particular needs (e.g. ESL) in the school context.
• Child safety.
• The school's curriculum and comparison with other approaches.
• School procedures as they impinge on child development, safety, and the curriculum.

The Learning Outcomes are fixed and not negotiable, and all must be met to achieve the certificate. The assigned tasks to achieve the learning outcomes can be adapted to the school setting or the TA’s particular role. Schools usually find that the tasks set by EA are entirely appropriate as provided.

A school based mentor and EA faculty member guide candidates through completion of each task and recording evidence of their understandings and abilities in preparation for internal and external assessment.