Specialist HLTA

Description

This programme focuses on Sharon Fry, a learning mentor who has opted to take part in a pilot scheme, training to become a science HLTA.

Sharon progressed from lab technician to learning mentor in the science department at Carleton Community High School in Pontefract. She was keen to progress further and seized the opportunity to take part in the scheme.

The HLTA role offers teaching assistants a new direction for career development. It provides them with a wider range of skills and the ability to focus on one subject; currently either maths or science.

To achieve the enhanced status Sharon must undergo a year of training. This incorporates mostly hands-on classroom experience in addition to online coursework, workshops and observation.

Since joining the scheme, Sharon claims her confidence has grown and says she feels better equipped to help the teachers in the department.

Part of the series: Literacy: The Whole Story