Meet Rebecca Murphy

When did you start at SET and in what role?

I began my journey at SET in 2016 as a teaching assistant and was undoubtedly a significant and positive step in my professional development.

What has been your career journey so far?

Embarking on a career in education is both a noble and rewarding endeavour. My journey began as a Teaching Assistant Level 2, where I gained foundational skills in supporting classroom activities, assisting teachers, and providing high quality teaching and learning across a vast range of year groups over the years. This role not only allowed me to develop a strong understanding of the educational environment but also enabled me to build meaningful relationships with pupils and colleagues alike. I soon progressed to Teaching Assistant Level 3. In this capacity, I had taken on more responsibilities, with opportunities to lead small group sessions and undertaking more complex tasks to further enhance the learning experiences for pupils. In 2019, to continue my professional development, I made the decision to train as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA). This move represented a pivotal step in my career, as it required a higher level of expertise and a deeper commitment to the educational sector. The transition to HLTA status not only demonstrated my dedication to personal growth but also the commitment of SET, providing opportunities for high-quality training. This year to continue my professional development, I have successfully completed my bachelor’s degree in Primary Education Studies with the Open University; an achievement that now opens numerous doors for my future career. In September, I begin teacher training at Soke Education Trust, continuing my professional development to further fulfil my aspirations of becoming a teacher.

What do you most enjoy about your job?

Being a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) is incredibly rewarding for a multitude of reasons. One of the most pleasing aspects is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the pupils’ lives. Working closely across the school has provided personalised support, bridging gaps in understanding and fostering academic growth. I have witnessed first-hand the progress and confidence pupils gain, which is immensely satisfying. Another enjoyable aspect of being an HLTA is knowing that my efforts contribute significantly to a child’s educational journey, which provides a profound sense of accomplishment. HLTA’s have a broader range of duties, including planning lessons, delivering instruction, and assessing pupil progress. This variety ensures that no two days are the same, keeping the role dynamic and engaging. The variety assists the role to develop a wide range of skills, from classroom management to curriculum development, which can be both challenging and stimulating. The role of an HLTA fosters a collaborative and supportive working environment. Working closely with teachers, support staff and parents, creates a strong community within the school. This teamwork not only enhances the educational experience for pupils but provides a network of support as an HLTA.

What qualities are most needed to do your job?

Firstly, strong communication skills are imperative. As an HLTA, there must be effective information conveyed to pupils, colleagues and parents, ensuring that instructions, feedback and support are clearly understood. Alongside this, active listening is a critical component of communication, enabling myself to understand and respond to the needs of pupils and colleagues effectively. Another vital quality is adaptability. Knowing the dynamic nature of educational environments means that I often need to adjust my approach and strategies to cater to different learning styles, age groups and individual needs. This flexibility allows us to support a diverse range of pupils and contributes to a more inclusive classroom atmosphere. Lastly, a strong sense of empathy and patience is crucial for HLTAs. Understanding the challenges and pressures that pupils face and responding with compassion can significantly impact their educational journey. By demonstrating empathy and patience. I am then able to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment that encourages pupil growth and confidence.

Where do you think your career in education will go in the future?

My career in education, in the near future, will see me continuing my professional development to become a teacher as I feel it is a deeply rewarding career choice, marked by the opportunity to shape young minds and influence future generations. I hope to continue developing a solid foundation in education. After completing a bachelor’s degree in primary education and beginning the initial steps of teacher training to gain QTS. CPD fosters a culture of lifelong learning and professional growth, which is crucial in an ever-changing educational landscape.

How do you think working at SET is making a difference to pupils and other schools?

Working at Soke Education Trust is making a significant positive impact on pupils and other schools through a range of innovative and supportive initiatives. The Trust ensures that both pupils and educators benefit from shared resources, expertise, and best practices. The collaborative approach helps to raise educational standards across the board, providing pupils with better learning opportunities and fostering personal growth among teachers and support staff. For each pupil to reach their full potential, a combination of teaching methods, digital learning tools, and extracurricular activities are designed to engage pupils and promote a love of learning.

Is there anything else you would like to tell others about your career/aspirations? Any top tips?

‘’ The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery’’ Mark Van Doren