The number and variety of international schools around the world is increasing at a remarkable rate. As it does so, the role of the teaching assistant in their classrooms is also undergoing change and expansion. TAs are increasingly recognised as a valuable resource. Where once the focus was on support tasks such as photocopying, tidying up and cleaning paint pots, increasingly the potential of TAs to support learning is being recognised and the role has developed into a diverse teaching and support position. Effective TAs impact on classroom engagement, classroom control, pastoral care, peer...