A few years ago my school paid for me to do a course to become a qualified HLTA.
It's a 6-9 month course and you are assessed independently to prove you passed.
I passed and the school gave me various opportunities to gain experience so I could get a HLTA job.
(which massively increases my pay...about 15% pay rise immediately and by over 22% after 2-3 years).
Before covid I covered for teachers and taught classes (a HLTA responsibility) and took shorter lunch breaks to help out.
Over the first lockdown I walked 5 miles a day to work with our kids in other schools.
When we went back to school I designed a piece of work to make a rainbow using hand prints of the kids and staff, their views of what they liked and disliked about lockdown and what they learned (personal stuff or academic).
This is on permanent display and is really striking.
I also taught staff how to use ipads to create art and gave the school a lot of photos I have taken to decorate the school.
Before Xmas the school called me in for a meeting and said that they were embarrassed that I was doing all this HLTA but hadn't been paid for it. They said they were really impressed with my work and said they wanted to offer me a HLTA post, with no interview, and back date it for 4 months!
Just got my new wage a nd back pay this month.
Is really great to be recognised...am 54 and never had it before!
Took out direct debits to Mind and Refuge (domestic violence charity) to share a bit of my luck.
Can now support my youngest through uni when she goes without remortgaging and don't need to look for another job.
Ain't put this here to brag but wanted to share a bit of a good luck story.