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Graduate case studies

Graduate case studies
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Gillian - 
Specialist Speech & language TA

Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

About the job

Main responsibilities

To support/teach with teachers direction, children with specific speech & language difficulties.

Typical day

In a six-subject timetabled day, support & teach with direction children of secondary age who are diagnosed with specific speech & language difficulties.

What do I enjoy about my job?

Everyday is eventful & full of different challenges.

Challenging aspects

Dealing daily with difficult children from all sorts of backgrounds.

Why did this area of work appeal to me?

I was SENCO in a previous school and my degree is in Special education.

Skills/qualifications I use in my job?

SEN and Speech & language level 5.


Career information

Brief history since leaving University

I continue to work as a specialist TA alongside specific speech & language teachers, within an inner city Secondary Academy.

Where do I see myself in the future?

In the future because of government funding cut backs, and reorganisation, this time next year the Speech & language service will no longer exist. I will either be redeployed or I may choose to work in a different type of post.


Advice to students

My piece of advice to students

To train as an Autism specialist TA as they are being retained. There seems to be more demand for these types of roles in schools.


Last updated: 29 Jun 2017