Taking the Leap: My Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship

Dawn Crowe was a Teaching Assistant at Eaton Park Academy, a primary academy in Staffordshire and part of the Alpha Academies Trust. In this role she showed her passion for helping young people achieve their potential, and developed valuable experience supporting pupils' learning and wellbeing across the school. Acknowledging this impact and potential, she was offered the opportunity to take NITE's Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship in January 2026 - and took it. Here, she reflects on her journey so far and the impact the apprenticeship has had on her personal and professional development.

When it didn’t feel possible

Starting the Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship was something I never really believed was possible for me. I lacked confidence in my own ability and often questioned whether I could take on such a challenge alongside my existing responsibilities. With the encouragement and support of my family, friends and colleagues, I decided to take the leap. Their belief in me helped me begin to believe in myself and recognise that I was capable of more than I thought.

Learning on the job

One of the things I have enjoyed most about the apprenticeship is the opportunity to learn on the job. Being able to put theory into practice has made my learning meaningful and relevant. Observing other teachers has been particularly valuable. I can see how they approach different situations, communicate with pupils and use a range of teaching strategies. I can then reflect on what I have observed and consider how I can adapt these skills within my own practice. This has shown me that learning happens every day, not just through university assignments or formal training.

Finding the balance

Balancing work and learning has been a learning curve. Managing teaching, university work, assignments and personal commitments has sometimes been challenging. However, I have learnt the importance of being smart with my time. Planning ahead, prioritising tasks and making the most of the time available has helped me manage the different demands of the apprenticeship. I am becoming more organised and confident in managing my workload.

Building my confidence

Teaching most days has really helped to build my confidence. The more opportunities I have to teach, the more comfortable I feel in my role. Every lesson gives me the chance to practise new skills, reflect on my teaching and identify areas for development. I have realised that confidence does not always come before you take an opportunity. Sometimes, confidence develops because you take the leap, challenge yourself and learn from your experiences.

The importance of support

The support I have received from both my university mentor and school-based mentor has been incredibly important. Their encouragement, guidance and constructive feedback have helped me to grow both personally and professionally.

Positive and constructive feedback has also strengthened my reflections. It has encouraged me to think more deeply about my practice and recognise how I can continue to develop and improve. I now see feedback as an opportunity to learn rather than something to be worried about.

Looking towards the future

The Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship has been a fantastic opportunity for me. It has allowed me to develop my knowledge, strengthen my practice and, most importantly, build my confidence.

When I started, I struggled to believe that this journey was possible for me. Now, I can see how much I have already achieved and how much I am continuing to grow. This apprenticeship has changed my outlook and made me realise that what once felt impossible may actually be possible. I am excited to continue learning, developing and discovering what the future could hold.