Welcome to the October edition of TA Talk.
Foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with those communities in the eastern states of Australia being inundated with wet weather, once again. In some instances, school closures and evacuations are necessary to keep people safe, and the organisation and 'upset' around this is simply mind boggling.
We were mildly affected as we travelled to Victoria earlier this month to meet with our Australian Teacher Aide of the Year, Kerry Walker, from Wedderburn P-12 College. Sadly, Wedderburn was one of the towns evacuated, and roads into the town were cut, so we were unable to keep this much anticipated commitment. On a brighter note, ATA was invited to present Team Tally Teacher Aides, winners of the Australian Teacher Aide Team of the Year, with their award at a ceremony held at Tallebudgera State School in Queensland. Whilst the oval was in flood, we were high and dry in the school hall celebrating the achievement of 20 amazing educators. Last week we met with the industry reference group to continue the development of the Australian Standards for Paraprofessional Educators in Schools. We considered the survey feedback received from teacher aides and other educators (thank you!) along with the focus areas for each standard, and collaborated on our approach to writing the descriptors. As end of year looms, it is about to get very busy and we encourage schools to purchase or, if due, renew their ATA memberships in readiness for next year's staff PD days. This also enables our team to meet your needs in a timely and efficient manner. Last but not least, can you believe ATA is 7 on 30th October! We took a quick trip down memory lane, and listed some of the things we are proud of, below.
Until next time, take care and stay safe. Warm regards Mandy and Stella |
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| ATA is turning 7 and since we began our mission to empower educators to help students succeed in 2015, we have proudly: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US :) |
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AWARDS CEREMONY FOR TEAM TALLY TEACHER AIDES |
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On Monday, we had the great privilege of presenting at a special ceremony for Team Tally Teacher Aides from Tallebudgera State School, winners of 2022 Australian Teacher Aide Team of the Year. The event was hosted by principal, Zoe Harlow, (pictured far right) and the school executive including Professional Learning Mentor, Amy Stockbridge, (pictured far left) and attended by Laura Gerber MP, Cr Gail O'Neill, Australian Teacher Aide, the P&C executive, and students. We have posted a few videos on our website which will give you a great sense of who they are and what they do, along with some lovely images. Congratulations Team Tally Teacher Aides on your well deserved win! You are awesome!
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| Supporting Students with ADHD
Tuesday 8 November 2022 @ 3:30pm AEST |
ADHD is characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. In this webinar, Dr. Caroline Stevenson, a Clinical Psychologist with the ADHD Foundation will help you develop a clearer understanding of ADHD, and share practical strategies for working with students with ADHD. |
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Building Stronger Teaching Teams – Observations of Teaching Assistants in Action
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In this webinar, Leanne Hillman from Bolster Education shares her observations of teaching assistants in action, and how teachers and teaching assistants are collaborating to build stronger teaching teams through lesson preparation and professional practice. |
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We are delighted to announce that the Industry Reference Group (IRG) has started work on Stage 3 of the Australian Standards for Paraprofessional Educators in Schools. Stage 3 involves writing the descriptors for each of the 7 Standards, and to ensure they are an accurate reflection of the work being done by paraprofessional educators in all schools, we are requesting feedback via a survey.
Last week, the IRG met to consider the feedback we have received to date from participants who attended our September webinar: Have Your Say: Australian Standards for Paraprofessional Educators in Schools.
You can view a preview by IRG member, Claire Jackson from Monash University, on how professional standards can benefit teachers and teaching assistants to work together more effectively. Then, click through to watch the full video, and use the survey link to provide your input. |
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Tomorrow, Friday 28th October, is World Teachers' Day. At Australian Teacher Aide, we 'take our hats off' to all teachers, as they are the 'yin to the yang' of teacher aides, and without them, our children's futures would be less promising.
Above is an image kindly sent to us by Sue Shimmin from Good Shepherd College in Victoria showing their students celebrating teachers. The funky eyewear represents their lovely message 'You make our futures brighter'. How are you celebrating your teachers this year? |
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NEW ADDITIONS TO TA TOOLBOX - Additional Needs and Disability |
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| Are you looking for resources on dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia?
We have added some practical info sheets on adjustments for students with specific learning disorders. They are written by SPELD NSW and provide practical information about adjustments for classroom and homework, assessments, programming and intervention.
If you would like to learn more about dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia, make sure you also check out our video on Understanding Learning Difficulties. |
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AUSTRALIAN TEACHER AIDE APPRECIATION WEEK COMPETITION WINNER |
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| Congratulations to the team at Good Shepherd College in Victoria, who were the 2022 Australian Teacher Aide Appreciation Week Competition winners. Pictured enjoying a morning tea on us, this team's school won with an entry that included video stories about the TA team, a special prayer adapted for them, and descriptive word clouds inspired by their students. Congratulations Good Shepherd College! |
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WHAT'S TRENDING ON THE ATA FACEBOOK PAGE |
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| ← We can imagine this might work at least once with the ← younger years!
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12,386 views 891 reactions, comments and shares
We loved this post, and when we asked what tricks you have up your sleeve to calm a rowdy classroom, Luke shared his strategy: It's a bit noisy in here, why don't you all show me what sound a rock makes? Works 7 out of 10 times so far! |
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Leaders in Professional Learning for Schools |
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