Teacher’s aides have significant involvement in the classroom, supporting teachers with non-teaching responsibilities such as preparing study materials, assisting with lesson plans, and supervising students. They play a crucial role in Australia’s school system, allowing students to get the most out of their education.
Interested in becoming a teacher’s aide? If you’re thinking of enrolling in a teacher’s aide course, join us as we take a closer look at the role’s key responsibilities.
Day-to-Day Tasks
A teacher’s aide’s duties can vary depending on the kind of classroom environment they’re employed in and the needs of their students. No two days are the same, which is what makes this profession so rewarding.
So, what do teacher’s aides do on a daily basis? These are some of their most important tasks:
- Preparing teaching materials and learning resources
- Attending staff meetings
- Supervising students
- Assisting with the organisation of classroom activities
- Ensuring students are following the teacher’s instructions.
Some teacher’s aides specialise in supporting specific groups of students, such as those with learning disabilities or students who speak English as a second language.
Tops Skills Required for Teacher’s Aides
Enjoy Working with Children
Finding enjoyment in helping children learn is one of most important attributes a teacher’s aide can have. From first graders to high school students, teacher’s aides work with children of all ages. Although supporting students in their educational journey can be extremely rewarding, it also requires plenty of patience and determination.
Organisational and Planning Skills
Keeping a classroom organised is far from easy, especially if it’s a large cohort with diverse learning abilities. This is why it’s important for teacher’s aides to be extremely organised. Advanced organisational skills are crucial for many teacher’s aide responsibilities, including taking attendance, supervising exams, and organising events like teacher-parent interviews.
Effective Communication
Communicating with students, staff and parents is an important part of being a teacher’s aide. From providing clear instructions to speaking with parents about their child’s progress, you’ll need advanced communication skills for several professional obligations.
Computer Literacy
Technology plays an important role in classrooms these days, so you’ll need to know your way around a computer. Being familiar with word processing, presentation software and databases is essential for teacher’s aides, as these are all used to aid learning.
Requirements to Work as a Teacher’s Aide
You don’t need formal training to work as a teacher’s aide, but having a qualification will improve your employment prospects and could entitle you to higher pay.
Completing an accredited course will make it easier for you to acquire the essential skills and knowledge needed to build a successful career as a teacher’s aide, giving you the confidence to work effectively in any classroom. To work with children, you’ll also need to complete a criminal background check.
How to Become a Teacher’s Aide
You can become a certified teacher’s aide by completing a CHC30213 / CHC40213 Certificate III in Education Support + Certificate IV in Education Support. This dual qualification will allow you to develop the skills required to support students in their education, including children with developmental issues. You’ll graduate with the ability to encourage responsible behaviour in children in a safe and supportive learning environment.
For more information on kickstarting your career in education, please read our detailed guide on How to Become a Teacher Aide.
