It is important to recognize the individual nature of the teaching assistant experience. No two teaching assistants will be in the same situation. Teaching assistants assigned to the same school have different experiences from one year to the next. A tremendous amount of your success depends upon your flexibility and attitude, as well as your general approach to interaction with students and teachers.
We asked former teaching assistants what general advice they would give incoming assistants in order to help them have a successful and effective year. Here’s what they suggested:
General Advice
"Be a part of school events, trips, etc. You get to know teachers and students much better and it helps you with your work.” (BHAK, Lower Austria)
“German! Brush up your German, especially if you are placed in a small town!” (BORG, Styria)
"Keep talking to people, eventually it will be more than 'Grüß Gott' so hang in there! Don't be afraid to say you don't understand something and ask for help when you need it. Always be prepared and be flexible." (BORG, Upper Austria)
Teaching, Lesson Planning
“Be open to change and be ready to think on your feet. Whenever you plan a lesson, have a back-up plan and a back-up, back-up plan.” (HGBL, Vienna)
"I have a folder of last minute lessons and games, which has been very helpful." (BORG, Vorarlberg)
“Establish clear guidelines with your teachers from the start. Make absolutely sure that it is known what is expected of you, and also what you expect from them. You will be working very closely, but one of the hardest parts of my job was coordinating lessons.” (HIB, Liebenau)
Life in Austria
"Dive in! Become involved in different groups or organizations, take classes at a local university or VHS (Volkshochschule), and really explore your community. You feel so much more at home and successful when you actually exert yourself to fit in and experience new things.” (HTL, Tirol)
“Join a Verein or something fun to meet people, especially if you are in a small town.” (BG, Graz)
"Explore! Don’t ask why a particular part of the culture is how it is and think our American way is better. I found if I accept the culture I am living in, I am much happier for it. I have so much fun when I actually take part in the traditions and don’t just watch. See with an unbiased eye and you get to learn so many cool parts of Austrian culture!” (BHAK, Vienna)
It is important to recognize the individual nature of the teaching assistant experience. No two teaching assistants will be in the same situation. Teaching assistants assigned to the same school have different experiences from one year to the next. A tremendous amount of your success depends upon your flexibility and attitude, as well as your general approach to interaction with students and teachers.
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