What is HLTA? Your Path to Career Success!

HLTA stands for “Higher Level Teaching Assistant”. By moving into the Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) position, teaching assistants can advance their careers and receive more responsibility, higher compensation, and better skill sets. So, knowing what an HLTA is and how to become one is crucial if you’re thinking about a career in teaching or want to grow in the area. A TA, which stands for Teaching Assistant, naturally leads to an HLTA, which you can achieve with TrainingTale. So, we’ll talk about the extra duties of an HLTA, their anticipated pay rise, jobs, and how you can start the process of becoming an HLTA right now in this blog.

What is a higher level teaching assistant?

So, let’s delve deeper into what is a HLTA. A Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) is an important position in education institutes. They offer a wealth of support to educators and learners. Consider them to be the instructor’s right-hand man. They assist students and arrange classes in addition to being ordinary teaching assistants. To put it clearly, HLTAs provide help beyond the essentials. They are more important in ensuring that Students learn in an efficient manner. This might entail assisting with teaching, monitoring student performance, or perhaps even taking over the class. In addition to providing other forms of instruction, they cover for teachers as needed.

However, caring for kids and assisting them in succeeding is more important to an HLTA than simply doing their job. They act as mentors, assisting Students on their journey. Overall, HLTAs are essential members of the school community, making sure everyone gets the support they need to do well. 

How to become a higher level teaching assistant?

Now, the important question is how to become a HLTA. Well, becoming an HLTA is actually easier than other careers. And what others might have guided or told you about. So, here are a few steps that you will need to take. 

Step -1: Get Experience

Well, to start with, firstly, what you need is experience to deal with a class. So, begin by working as a teaching assistant in a school setting or other educational environment. But of course, it will be better if you complete a teaching assistant course, which you can get from TrainingTale. It will help you not face any problems and be able to easily breeze. So, by working as a Teaching Assistant, you will get invaluable experience in classroom dynamics, interacting with students, and helping instructors in this job. You will learn how students engage with one another in the classroom and the daily duties performed by educational support personnel. A course can give you the knowledge and everything you need to know in theory, but getting a part-time job or a job can help you apply the knowledge you have gained and be able to gain experience.

Step-2: Become Qualified 

Although official certification isn’t always required, a lot of industries, like HLTAs, have a recognised teaching assistant certificate. The Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, or in short, Level 3 Teaching Assistant, is a popular credential that addresses subjects including child development, safety, and facilitating learning activities.

Additionally, think about enrolling in classes or completing courses on Level 2 Behaviour Management in the Early Years or Diploma in Special Education Needs (SEN), which are pertinent to the HLTA position, as it will be beneficial for you in the long run as an HLTA.

Step-3: HLTA Status Qualification 

You must get HLTA status certification in order to become a fully certified HLTA. Usually, this involves gaining a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) level certificate at Level 4. Assessments, training materials, and classroom observations may all be a part of the qualifying process. So, to ensure you satisfy the requirements, it is crucial to investigate licenced providers and courses recognised by key education organisations. There are many providers that can provide you with the HLTA level 4 course and also at different prices. So, it’s best to do the proper research before going through the entire HLTA course. Moreover, you can pick TrainingTale, as we are not only officially recognised by many learners and organisations, but we also offer the best price. Also, you can expect 24/7 support from TrainingTale for any kind of help.

Step-4: Assessment

After completing the necessary courses and credentials, you will be evaluated by an outside assessor. The HLTA standards established by educational authorities serve as the basis for this evaluation, which determines your competency and appropriateness for the HLTA function. The evaluation process could involve portfolio evaluations, interviews, and observations of your teaching style. You must demonstrate your ability to satisfy the necessary requirements in areas including lesson design and delivery, student progress evaluation, and learning activity assistance to pass the exam.

Step-5: Apply for HLTA roles

Well, now, the final and most important step. Now that you have the necessary credentials, experience, and certification in HLTA status, you may apply for HLTA jobs in universities, colleges, and other educational establishments. In your application materials, emphasise how you can successfully assist teaching and learning by highlighting your relevant experience, education, and abilities. Prepare for the interviews and tests that are a part of the application process to showcase your dedication to the HLTA position and your love of learning.

HLTA roles and responsibilities

A Higher Level Teaching Assistant’s (HLTA) roles and responsibilities include a wide range of activities designed to enhance instruction and learning in the classroom. Here are the common roles and responsibilities of a HLTA:

• Work together with educators to organise and conduct classes in a way that best meets the requirements of the students and the learning objectives.
• To promote learning and growth, give students—including those with special education needs—one-on-one help.
•  Maintain a supportive learning environment by practising positive behaviour management and disciplinary tactics.
• Help evaluate students’ development through observation, testing, and coursework evaluation; give teachers comments as needed.
• In order to give focused support and reinforcement of important concepts, organise and lead small group activities and interventions.
• While the instructor is away, cover the lessons according to the lesson plans and make modifications to suit the requirements of the students.
• Encourage the creation and application of educational tools and materials to improve instruction. 
• Take part in continual professional development to increase your understanding of and proficiency in teaching and learning.

Higher level teaching assistant standards?

As a higher level teaching assistant, one should have these standards to be successful and stand out in the industry. Here are the HTLA standards you should have: 

Professional Practice and Values:

• Setting high standards and showing consideration for the backgrounds of all students.
• Maintaining and creating effective relationships with students.
• Encouraging students to act with good beliefs, attitudes, and conduct.
• Working productively in teams and asking for assistance when required.
• Communicating with parents in a respectful manner and acknowledging their influence on their children’s education.
• Observing, assessing, and having discussions to improve one’s practice.

Understanding and Knowledge:

• Gaining knowledge of specialised fields to aid in student’s education.
• Gaining knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment systems in schools.
• Understanding the objectives, subject matter, and pedagogy of the class.
• The capacity to improve learning using ICT.
• Gaining knowledge of the variables influencing students’ learning.
• Achievement of credentials in Mathematics and Numeracy and English/Literacy.
• Understanding the SEN Code of Practice and applicable legal frameworks.
• Understanding the methods for creating a focused learning environment and encouraging appropriate behaviour.

Activities for Teaching and Learning:

Organising and Expectation

• Making a valuable contribution to the preparation and planning of lessons.
• Organising a class and giving students feedback.
• Making a contribution to the planning and selection of instructional materials.
• Arranging for after-school education programmes.Observation and Evaluation:

Observation and Evaluation:

• Helping teachers assess the development of their students.
• Observing how students respond to assignments and making adjustments to methods.
• Give instructors feedback and keep track of students’ development.

Instruction and Acquiring Knowledge:

• Creating organised tasks that will engage and inspire students.
• Having successful conversations with students to aid in their education.
• Encouraging all students to participate in learning activities.
• Creating a meaningful learning environment through the application of behaviour control techniques.
• Improving students’ learning in diverse educational environments.
• Supervising the activities of other adults who assist with teaching and learning.
• Addressing concerns of equal opportunity and confronting bullying and harassment in an effective manner.
• Safely arrange and oversee educational supplies and activities.

How much does a higher level teaching assistant earn?

So, you may be wondering, What is the salary of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant in the UK? Well, in the UK, the average salary for a higher level teaching assistant is about £12 per hour, or somewhere about £23000 – 26000 per year. The starting salary for entry-level professionals is somewhere about £18000 – £22000 annually, while the highest salary for experienced professionals is about £29000. Meanwhile, salary ranges for experienced HLTAs and those in high-demand positions can range from £28,000 to £35,000  or more annually. These greater pay might be provided in places where living expenses are higher, positions requiring more responsibility, or positions requiring specialist knowledge.

Conclusion

To conclude, HLTA is a major step for those who have completed TA or are working as a TA. Plus, gaining knowledge about the responsibilities of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) is essential. That is, to advance one’s career in education. HLTAs provide teachers and students with crucial support above the typical duties of a teaching assistant. It may seem hard on paper to become a HLTA, but in reality, it’s quite easy to become one. The HLTA course can be essential for you at the end of the day. You can achieve this with TrainingTale if you want. TrainingTale offers HLTA courses for the best price and is recognised by many learners and officials as one of the best also. Not only that, TrainingTale also has one of the best support to offer to learners. We will offer you 24/7 support for any kind of help. 

Moreover, it is essential that you stick to the HLTA criteria, which place a high value on professionalism, knowledge, and effective teaching strategies. Moving to an HLTA role offers opportunities for growth and impact in the classroom. When properly trained and dedicated, those who work as HLTAs may significantly impact students’ educational experiences. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey now in HLTA and kickstart your journey to one of the most rewarding careers you will find. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can an HLTA teach a class full time?

HLTAs may cover lessons when a teacher is not present, but their main responsibility is to assist with instruction rather than take over it entirely.

What is the difference between an HLTA and an unqualified teacher?

Although they assist instructors and students, HLTAs often do not have the same power or degree of responsibility as certified teachers.

Can you be an HLTA without the qualification?

Getting certified in HLTA might improve your reputation and opportunities as an HLTA. It may even increase your chances or may make it easier for you to better or best institute in the UK for a higher salary. But, usually, if official credentials aren’t usually required.

How can I progress in my career as an HLTA?

Opportunities for advancement for HLTAs might be expanding their education or going for leadership positions in the field of education. It can also specialise in a particular field, like supporting students with special needs. There are many opportunities for a person as an HLTA, which makes it a valuable and rewarding career.