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The Effective Guide on the Side Series for Teaching Assistants

Step into your role with confidence. This interactive three-part webinar series supports Teaching Assistants to grow, reflect, and make a meaningful difference in everyday practice.

Table of Contents

Why this webinar matters

The Effective Guide on the Side is a structured, reflective professional learning journey that supports Teaching Assistants to become more intentional and impactful in their roles. Across three interactive webinars, participants will explore what it means to work alongside learners effectively, not just supporting learning, but actively shaping it.

This series emphasises:

  • reflection on professional identity and purpose
  • taking responsibility for impact on learning
  • understanding the key influences that shape effective practice.

What will you gain

  • three interactive webinars with practical tools and strategies.
  • opportunities to reflect, collaborate, and apply learning to your daily practice.

Webinar series overview

All webinars: 4:00-5:00 pm China Time

TitleDateKey Learning Outcomes
The Teaching Assistant I Want to BeSession has ended

View re-run here

An introductory session focused on building a deeper awareness of what it means to be an effective Teaching Assistant.

Participants will explore the concept of ‘Self’, identify essential traits, and begin to define their professional character and purpose. This session sets the foundation for developing clarity on the type of Teaching Assistant you aspire to be.

Taking ResponsibilityMonday, 20th April 2026

This session examines how Teaching Assistants can take responsibility for becoming the best version of themselves.

Participants will consider the importance of awareness in classroom practice and explore practical strategies to build a positive classroom culture. Key topics include psychological safety, rituals, and understanding the influences that shape student outcomes.

The Key Influences – Being AwareMonday, 11th May 2026

A deep dive into the factors that influence student learning and how Teaching Assistants can maximise their impact.
This session introduces cognitive load theory, retrieval strategies, and ten high-impact pedagogical approaches.

Participants will learn why learning doesn’t stick for some students and how to overcome these barriers effectively.

About the speaker: Andy Hind   

Andy Hind

Senior Educational Consultant at Enhancing Learning Ltd

Andy Hind has over 15 years of experience as an educational consultant, supporting schools across the UK and internationally. He delivers outstanding professional learning for leaders, teachers, and a wide range of educational professionals. His expertise also includes leadership training for managers at all levels within the private sector, along with accredited programmes in mental health and wellbeing for line managers and frontline workers.

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