Here at Smart Teachers, we want to make a positive impact in education. That includes supporting staff from a variety of backgrounds to follow their passion for working with children and young people in education into roles such as teaching assistants, cover supervisors, support staff and SEND support staff, plus a range of other roles. We also help people expand their experience while they are retraining. Discover how others have made their move into education and followed their passion.

“I’ve been involved with sport for a long time and found it made a positive impact on the life of young people, and it’s this passion that made me want to start working in education. I left my role with the Local Authority after 24 years and started working as a sports coach in a school and I loved every minute, so I decided to retrain as a teacher. I started working on supply whilst looking for a permanent teaching role, and it’s given me the chance to get experience in school environments that I otherwise might not have had. I have worked as a Behaviour Support Assistant in a PRU, and I have covered mainstream and SEND, working right the way through from Early Years to Post-16. Wherever I go, I get to work with fantastic children and meet lots of new people.” Neil Jones, Teaching Assistant

“I worked as a designer for 15 years, but once my children were old enough, I decided to follow my passion for education as a teaching assistant. My children had both been diagnosed with autism and I knew I wanted to go into SEND settings to support other children like mine. I decided to work on supply because I struggled to balance my children’s needs with a full-time role. Supply offers flexibility and I love getting to visit lots of schools and learn from all sorts of people. I really love that I get to help children with a variety of needs and that every day is different.” Refet Parveen, Special Needs Teaching Assistant

“I wanted to start working in education so I could fit in with my children and make sure I could help them with their education. So, I volunteered at my children’s school and absolutely loved it. I started working on supply because supply offers flexibility – I can do part-time, full-time or day-to-day. And for those just starting to work in schools, you can try lots of different age ranges and environments. I’ve found it gives you the chance to find your feet and gain confidence.” Claire Pollitt, Teaching Assistant

Make your move into education

If you are ready to make your move into education and start a new career, search our job vacancies and register with us today, we’d love to help you.