[senco-forum] The problem with TAs

Following the recent postings the replies I've recieved has shown that

I think it's inevitable that in any group of adults working in any
institution, there will be professional (and occasionally less than
professional) tensions and difficulties.  Staff of longer standing will
always feel that their tenure and experience gives them a sense of 'I'm
slightly higher than you in the scheme of things'.

Most of us also find it difficult to avoid quietly comparing our own worth
against that of others on the same general pay-scale....  And one particular
role or type of role that's allocated to a TA (or other member of staff)
might just be seen by others as...one that they felt should have come their
way.

I know that when I was a secondary SENCO with 26 TAs to manage, I was aware
of tensions and always tried to soothe feathers and remind each of them of
the quality of their work.  Only once did I have to take a TA aside and
explain that her words and actions weren't in the team spirit, so either
they changed or she would have to leave.  Peace broke out.

But I lost an excellent TA who, on reflection, was on the way to becoming a
first class 'SENCO-organizer', but who was gently marginalised by some
others when they saw (before the SENCO did) what was going on.
'Person-management' skills, both individual and collective, are easily
neglected in the hurly-burly of SENCO-land, but at your peril.

Where teachers were less than happy with a TA's general contribution or a
specific incident, I always 'cleared up' the incident (and often understood
the TA's account of events).  I suppose I built up a hazy mental
provision-map of which TAs seemed to be best appreciated in which
situations.  (This didn't always work on the ground quite as well as it did
in my mind.)

I must have been involved in the appointment of about 50 TAs; only one was
not a good appointment.  I've also been directly involved in the appointment
of six SEN teachers.  One was superb; two others wrought havoc within the
department, including among the TAs.  Give me TAs any time!

Biff
----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Cook" <richard_cook at blueyonder.co.uk>
To: "Senco Forum" <senco-forum at lists.becta.org.uk>
Sent: Monday, June 04, 2007 7:03 PM
Subject: [senco-forum] The problem with TAs

> Following the recent postings the replies I've recieved has shown that
many
> sencos are having problems with their TAs.  This seems to centre around
> several themes:
>
> The TAs splitting into sub-groups.  Eg some taking the attitude that their
> job is for: 'something to do', holiday money etc whilst others are working
> hard for the good of the pupils.
>
> Cliques that back bite and niggle over insignificant things, or perhaps
> because another TA 'said something' in the wrong way or even looked!
>
> TAs upsetting teaching staff through thoughtless or even down right rude
> comments.
>
>
> Often the time spent managing these issues is huge.
>
> How do other SENCos avoid these/manage these issues?
>
> Richard
>
>
>
>
>
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12:47
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