TA TALK

Issue 27

January 2018

A warm welcome back to our paraprofessionals from all over Australia. 

We have an awesome year of professional development coming up in 2018 to assist you in your very diverse support roles.

First up, are our exclusive Member Webinars which will be held on the second Tuesday of each month. This year we kick off in February and March, with a step by step guide on how to apply for a position as a teacher aide.

Our Community Webinars will be held on the last Tuesday of each month, and are presented by experts in their field. The live community webinar events are open to all educators, but make sure you get in early and book your spot as numbers are strictly limited. Last year, we were oversubscribed to a number of events and we had some very disappointed people. 

In February, Samantha Taylor returns by popular demand, and this year her presentation is targeted at writing in the middle years. Book your place early to avoid missing out. If you weren't able to attend Samantha's first Big Write and VCOP presentation, or any other presentations from previous years, they are all in our member-only professional development library, available for viewing at a time that suits you.

To find out about other exciting events scheduled this year, go to the Events tab on our website.

If your school is new to ATA and you have not yet booked a new member orientation, please Contact Us as soon as possible to schedule a time for this to happen. Our range of professional development is extensive and we look forward to showing you around.

We wish you a fulfilling and productive year ahead.

Warm regards

Mandy and Stella

Registering for Our Live Webinar Events

If you are registering for a live webinar event for the first time, we recommend you read our 'how to' instructions or watch our video tutorial to familiarise yourself with the process. 

Viewing a Live Webinar at School

Schools planning to use our live webinars to host group PD for teacher aides should check with their IT teams regarding access to the webinar application, Go To Webinar.  Some forward planning may be required to have access approved, to ensure your team is able to join us at the scheduled time.

Remember to observe the time difference if you live in a State or Territory other than Queensland, as all webinars are scheduled in AEST.

Ideas for Start of Year Teacher Aide PD

In this edition of TA Talk we are highlighting the Behaviour resources available to members in our Professional Development library. 

Behaviour Support Skills for Teacher Aides is a three part introduction to behaviour management, and is especially useful for early career teacher aides and Education Support students. It introduces the key concepts of setting clear expectations, using the least intrusive approach, and how to respond to challenging behaviour. The three programs are supported by a workbook, which includes a Certificate of Participation.

For a more in-depth look at behaviour, you can access the five part Balance Model series, which is based on the 10 Essential Skills of Behaviour Management. Originally presented as webinars, each forty minute program includes questions and answers by participants, and a worksheet.

Lastly, there is an excellent program on the effective use of praise and encouragement called 3 Steps to Improving Behaviour in the Classroom. This stand-alone program is practical and strategy based, and suited to teacher aides at all levels of experience. Participants will learn how to build positive relationships with students, why some students learn the wrong way to behave, and the power of encouragement.

How to Apply for a Position as a Teacher Aide: A Step by Step Guide - Part 1

Teacher aide jobs are in high demand, with many people competing for the one position. For most jobs you will need to submit a formal application and answer a set of selection criteria to be shortlisted for an interview.
 
In part 1 of How to Apply for a Position as a Teacher Aide you will learn:
- how to apply for a job: the cover letter, your            resume and selection criteria
- the do’s and don’ts of writing selection criteria
- how to break the selection criteria code
- how to identify key words
- how to demonstrate your experience for the job

Big Write and VCOP in the Middle Years

The focus of our first community webinar for 2018 is Big Write and VCOP where we will be looking at ways to support middle and upper primary school students who are disengaged with writing. ATA guest presenter, Samantha Taylor of Andrell Education, will take you through some fast, fun, oral and written activities suitable for middle years, and beyond, that integrate VCOP (Vocabulary, Connectives, Openers, Punctuation).

How to Apply for a Position as a Teacher Aide: A Step by Step Guide - Part 2

In part 2 of How to Apply for a Position as a Teacher Aide you will have an opportunity to use what you learned in Part 1 to write your own selection criteria during this session. You will learn how to:
- use the STAR model to address selection              criteria 
- respond to each selection criteria
- present and submit your application
- prepare for the interview

Starting School – Transition Strategies to Meet the Needs of Every Child

Starting school is a significant event for children. For some, this transition is exciting and eagerly anticipated, while for others it may be a time of uncertainty. Transition strategies are based on the premise that school experiences should help children feel successful. Transition strategies build on what children already know, and strengthen the continuity of prior experiences. In this webinar, Di Homer, an experienced early childhood educator, will share some transition strategies that help meet the diverse needs of young children. 

Do you have a sensory room at your school?

12,914 views

209 reactions, comments and shares

We know you are always interested in how you can improve support for students, particularly for those students who have additional needs. We saw wistful comments from many of you who would love to have access to a resource like this. A few schools already have a sensory room in place and from all accounts they work wonders.

When reality sets in!

10,750 views
422 reactions, comments and shares

Judging by the reaction to this post, many of you were in 'end-of-holiday' denial which probably means your have had a fabulous break. Most schools are back this week and we are sure you are doing just fine! Hope 2018 is a great year for you all :)

WHY JOIN ATA?

Is your school a member of ATA yet? This year many member schools took advantage of our extensive professional development resource library, to deliver training to teacher aides during pupil free days. 

Australian Teacher Aide is the national industry association for paraprofessional educators in Australian schools. Our purpose is to support schools to develop the capacity and capability of teacher aide teams. 

From as little as $237 per school per year, ATA provides up to date, relevant and practical professional development to your entire support team, year round. We feel sure that your school leaders will be thrilled to know there is now a low cost solution to developing the capability of paraprofessionals in schools.

ATA POLO SHIRTS

You can now personalise your monogrammed ATA polo shirts with your name, at no extra cost. Shirts are available in a range of colours to match most schools, and in two smart styles. Order directly from our supplier, Coast Image Wear, to get the best possible price.