Although I am trusted by the teachers with whom I work, I am treated like a political football by my local education authority, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), and other teaching unions, and as a 'quick-fix' solution by the Government.
The problem in Scotland is that classroom assistants are paid as part-time workers, although we only leave 30 minutes before school finishes daily.
I am well aware that some teachers have a poor opinion of classroom assistants, and no doubt some classroom assistants have a poor opinion of teachers.
Many of us have real talents to offer the school; my skill is in music.
Many of us also undertake qualifications in professional development, but those showing such commitment are really being taken advantage of by the LEAs.
Before the creation of the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Office announced it would be looking for motivated and suitable people who would be paid realistic salaries. It works out at 7,000 per annum for me, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for my husband and I to support our three children, who are all in higher education.
Colleen Anderson, Kilwinning, Ayrshire
