So you want to become a teacher aide!

Here is some information to help you make this important career decision:

To become successful as a teacher aide, you need a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of children and young people. Teacher aide jobs are in high demand, staff turnover is low, and the hours and holidays are attractive, even though weekly earnings are lower than the national average, and about half of the workforce are employed casual or part-time. Currently you do not require a qualification to become a teacher aide, which means it is possible to gain employment before starting any studies, however most employers prefer that you have an Education Support qualification. Volunteering is a great way to get your foot in the door in a competitive job market! 

Did you know that Teacher Aides are known by a range of titles throughout Australia, including:

  • Teaching Assistant
  • Education Assistant
  • Education Aide
  • Education Support Officer
  • School Learning Support Officer (SLSO)
  • School Services Officer ( SSO)
  • Integration Aide
  • Special Needs Teacher Aide
  • School Mentor
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Education Officer
  • Homeland Teaching Assistant
  • Paraprofessional Educator

What do Teacher Aides do?

Teacher Aides work in prep, primary, and secondary schools. Their key role is to support student learning and wellbeing, under the guidance of teachers. The role is incredibly varied and includes general classroom support, implementing structured literacy and numeracy intervention, contributing to the planning and delivery of lessons with participating teachers, organising and preparing materials and resources, and performing administrative duties and records management.

Many Teacher Aides provide support in specialist areas such as:

  • language and culture for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students
  • specific learning needs
  • students with a disability
  • behaviour
  • English as a second language
  • secondary school subjects such as home economics, science and technology

Use the links below to find out more about the role of teacher aides in schools: