Teaching assistants deserve to be paid more

Teaching assistants are underpaid teachers. People think TA's start at 8:30am and finish at 3:00pm, this is not the case. Teaching assistants get to work before 8:30am to set the classroom up and talk to the teacher about what they are expected to do that day. TA's help dismiss the children at the end of the day, discuss with the class teacher about any problems that have occurred that day and fill in any paperwork. For example, filling in a restraining or safeguarding form which couldn't be done during the school day. Some teaching assistants stay in their own time to help set the class room up for the next day and create resources because teachers have a lot to do. TA's are also cheap teachers when teachers are off or on training courses.
Teaching assistants are expected to show good will and help at extra curriculum activities and events. For example, sporting events, school discos and school residential. Planning for children who need more support so they can teach to the child's understanding. Acting like play therapists for children which don't know how to play. Human punch bags to children who have behaviour problems. Being family support workers, nurses, counsellors and parents. The class teaching assistant know the children in their class more than the teachers. TA's sort problems out with the children like arguments and friendship issues. They fight for every child, they know when something isn't quite right. For example, when they have a Special, Educational Need, when they need extra support or a change in behaviour (however small). Parents would rather speak to the TA then the class teacher. TA's are every job role in one. This is why Teaching assistants deserve to be paid more. They deserve to be appreciated and noticed more worldwide.