Today was the day to celebrate teaching and classroom assistants across the UK – and schools, teachers, parents and politicians joined UNISON in doing just that.
Although the government has backtracked on plans to phase out teaching and classroom assistants, some government sources are still trying to discredit them by misusing research from right-wing think tanks to belittle the work that they do.
That work, and the incalculable benefits that they bring to pupils across the country, is why they’re held in such high esteem by teachers, parents and the students that they support. It is an esteem that was clear to see today – and not least on social media, where people were more than happy to show their support and offer their thanks.
And in many cases, that thanks came with cakes – which were appreciated from one end of the country to the next.
Teacher Beth tweeted that: “Most schools today couldn’t run their schools without teaching assistants,” adding the day’s hashtag, #loveTAs.
North West UNISON tweeted that “TAs at Neston High School were given a surprise Class Act award today”.
Helen tweeted: “I know an amazing TA. She is my sister. So proud of her for her amazing work. So underrated. Yet so totally vital. Love you Sis.”
Jon Restell added: “What does Mrs Mortimer do? ‘Works with us, reads with us, makes bags for our toys!’ (daughter age 4 on teaching assistant) #loveTAs”.
Adam Catchy tweeted: “Enjoying that #lovetas is a thing. Love being one. Just left Leeds town hall after celebration of TAs”, while Amanda Petrie added: “Our TA does every PE lesson; rain, wind, mud – the SEN kids love her – full of energy – always goes the extra mile, passionate, caring, FAB!”
Mariam Tafsiri said: “My mum works as a TA with children with special needs so happy Teaching Assistants day everyone”, while former learning support assistant and now a teacher herself, @mammybear84, reminded everyone: “Don’t forget to show your TAs some love!”
Nearly a thousand Twitter users contributed a tweet to make a really loud Thunderclap on the ‘crowd-speaking platform’.
Dave Prentis: It’s time to celebrate teaching and classroom assistants
Read all today’s #loveTA tweets
Teaching assistants – a class act on Storify
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