Being an auxiliar is one of those jobs where you have a lot of freedom, which is amazing, but also means it’s on you to show up the right way. The role itself isn’t hard, but how you handle it makes all the difference. Let’s get into the real do’s and don’ts.
DO: Be on time, reliable, and consistent
This is the bare minimum, but it matters a lot. You’re only working about 12–16 hours a week (and honestly, sometimes it feels like even less), so the expectation is simple: show up and be present during the hours you do have.
- Be on time
- Be dependable
- Bring a good attitude
- Help out when needed
If you’re consistent, teachers will trust you more, give you more freedom, and your experience will be 10x better.
DON’T: Disappear or avoid communication
This one will get you in trouble fast. If you’re:
- running late
- missing a day
- not feeling well
Communicate, always! Let your coordinator or teachers know in advance so they can plan around your absence. It’s just basic respect and professionalism. Also, try not to overuse the “I’m not feeling well” excuse. At a certain point, it starts to look unreliable. If you’re actually sick, a doctor’s note will usually back you up. And a quick reality check: If you miss a Monday or Friday without an excuse, you can be docked €100 from your stipend.
Yes, they’re serious. And yes, it’s to stop people from turning every weekend into a long weekend.
DO: Plan your lessons ahead of time
Please do not be the person who figures it out five minutes before class. You have a flexible schedule and plenty of free time. Use that time to plan activities, create presentations, and actually think through your lessons. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be intentional. When you plan ahead:
- you feel more confident
- your classes run smoother
- the students actually get something out of it
DON’T: Wing it every day
We’ve all been tempted, but it shows. Trying to come up with something on the spot:
- stresses you out
- confuses the students
- makes the class feel chaotic
Even a simple plan is better than no plan.
DO: Be easy to work with
This is a team environment. Be respectful, be flexible, and be open to how teachers run their classrooms. You’re there to support, not take over. The more collaborative you are, the better your experience will be.
DON’T: Create unnecessary tension
Now listen, you should absolutely have boundaries, always. But there’s a way to handle things:
- professionally
- calmly
- without making it a whole situation
If something feels off:
- Address it respectfully with your coordinator or teacher
- Try to resolve it calmly
- If needed, escalate it to the director
Being an auxiliar is one of the easiest jobs you’ll ever have, if you do it right. Show up, be prepared, communicate, and keep things professional. That’s really it. Do those things, and you won’t just “get through” the year; you’ll actually enjoy it, build good relationships, and make the most out of the experience.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
