National Teaching Assistants Day is on September 16 but why wait until then to show your appreciation for these hard-working people who make such a difference in South Tyneside.
We have picked a selection of photos of teaching assistants from the Shields Gazette archives and we hope they bring back memories of great times in the classroom.
If they do, why not get in touch and tell us more.
1. Having a laugh in 2009
Fun, fun, fun in 2009 at Hylton Castle Primary School where teaching assistant Alison Atkinson was being funny for donations for Red Nose Day. Photo: TY
2. Playtime in 2009
Teaching assistant Fiona Walton gets games underway in one of the new play areas at Murton Community Primary School. Remember this from 2009? Photo: TC
3. Roamin' back to 2008
Portland School teaching assistants Graeme Ferry (2nd left) and Jeffrey Cowell (3rd left) dressed a Roman Centurians for a sponsored walk 12 years ago. Were you a part of the event? Photo: KB
4. Check this out from 2005
St Patrick's RC Primary School pupils are pictured with teaching assistants Sharon Godfrey and Ann Ayre 15 years ago, but what was the occasion? Photo: PB