Abi Joachim
ATT Institute SEND Specialist
After graduating, I was unsure which career I wanted to pursue but knew I enjoyed working with young people. I initially applied for a job as a teaching assistant to gain experience, with a view to exploring teaching, however I quickly realised teacher training was not for me.
I returned to working as a TA, the career I loved! In this role I was really fortunate, accessing a range of opportunities to develop and grow as a TA, alongside the flexibility to raise my son.
Since then, I have completed my master’s degree in education and progressed to the role of HLTA in English. In 2020, I was fortunate to secure funding to establish a network for teaching assistants across Suffolk and this role expanded my experience, which has included speaking at national conferences.
This passion I found for professional learning paved the way for my current role at the ATT Institute, leading on professional development for pupil-facing support staff across the whole organisation. A challenge I embrace wholeheartedly as my belief in the importance of professional development for support staff is unwavering.
I am proud of the unique path my career has taken and grateful for the chance this has given me to combine parenthood with my professional passions.