Empowering Teaching Assistants through the Australian Teaching Assistant Professional Standards (ATAPS)
Do you recognise the growing need for teachers and teaching assistants to be upskilled in effective collaboration for student success?
The Australian Teaching Assistant Professional Standards (ATAPS) framework supports the strategic development of the teacher - teaching assistant collaborative relationship. The benefits of using ATAPS are more impactful than you might think!
Recently published by Australian Teacher Aide, the Australian Teaching Assistant Professional Standards provide an essential framework that:
- Is meaningful and relevant to teaching assistants in all school settings
- Supports the performance and professional growth of teaching assistants
- Contributes to role clarity, and
- Facilitates teacher and teaching assistants working together more effectively, for better student outcomes
"As a school we recognise that whilst our teacher development is guided by the AITSL Teaching Standards and our Teacher Performance and Development Framework, we do not have a similar framework for our ESOs. The implementation of ATAPS will allow us to raise the status of our ESOs, facilitate their reflective practices, target their professional development needs, acknowledge their experience levels, and support their career aspirations." Ros Sullivan (Deputy Principal) - The Sycamore School, NSW
"When EAs have clear standards to follow, it ensures consistency in their approach and helps them understand what excellence looks like in their profession. This, in turn, benefits students as they receive consistent and high-quality support, regardless of the classroom or school they are in." Jay Morris (Head of Learning Support) - Ocean Reef Senior High School, WA
The ATAPS framework is evidence-based and designed to transform the way teaching assistants support learning and teaching across Australia. The standards support their professional performance and growth, and align with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, creating a shared language to talk about the role of the teaching assistant.
The ATAPS framework describes the Professional Knowledge, Professional Practice, and Professional Engagement, required by teaching assistants working in any school setting, enabling them to reflect on their practice, set goals, and plan professional learning to improve their knowledge and practice.
There are four Professional Growth Stages: Developing, Proficient, Accomplished, and Advanced. Each stage sets clear benchmarks for progressive professional knowledge, practice, and engagement, empowering teaching assistants to take control of their growth and development.
Australian Teacher Aide has published a variety of resources to support leaders and teaching assistants using ATAPS in their schools. The ATAPS Resources can be downloaded from the Australian Teacher Aide website.
Teaching assistants now have the framework they need to perform at their highest potential, ultimately ensuring greater collaboration with teachers, and better support for students. With ATAPS, we are not just training teaching assistants, we’re actively shaping a more effective, collaborative, and impactful learning environment for students across Australia. Explore ATAPS on our website today!
