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Supporting effective teacher aide practice
A systems approach for school leaders to support teacher aides to be effective in their roles
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Current page section: Teacher aide practice
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The terms teacher aides, support staff, teaching assistants, and TAs are used interchangeably reflecting the different language used by schools. The content will be most useful for primary and intermediate schools, and also has relevance for secondary contexts.
Strategies for action
Four key strategies for supporting teacher aides to be effective in their roles
Review and refine the TA's role and responsibilities
Teacher aides can positively contribute to teaching and learning when they have the support they need to be effective in their roles and responsibilities.
Three suggestions for implementing this strategy:
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Includes:
- Resources
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Includes:
- Resources
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Review and refine roles, responsibilities, and expectations
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
Develop effective recruitment, induction, and PLD processes
At the outset of employment, make explicit your school's commitment to inclusion and your investment in induction and ongoing professional learning of your teacher aides.
Find the right people who want to be part of your community and who share a vision for the success of all students.
Three suggestions for implementing this strategy:
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Includes:
- Video
- Resources
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Develop an induction programme
Includes:
- Resources
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Provide flexible professional learning options
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
Support and prepare teachers in their role
Teachers need to be well prepared for their role as manager of other adults that work with students in their class. Offer all teachers opportunities for professional learning in this area.
Four suggestions for implementing this strategy:
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Introducing TA to classroom culture and expectations
Includes:
- Resources
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Negotiating support approaches with student and whānau
Includes:
- Resources
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Leading and coordinating learning
Includes:
- Video
- Resources
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Supporting TA to gather useful data
Includes:
- Resources
Identify areas to build TA understanding and confidence
Build teacher and TA understanding of areas where TAs can make the most effective contribution.
Take a coordinated approach to support effective ways of working.
Five suggestions for implementing this strategy:
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Develop effective interactions
Includes:
- Resources
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Includes:
- Video
- Resources
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Includes:
- Resources
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Includes:
- Resources
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Includes:
- Video
- Resources
Key resources
Making best use of teaching assistants: Guidance report
Read time: 54 min
This is a practical, evidence-based UK guide for primary and secondary schools to support effective practices for working with teacher aides. It contains recommendations based on the latest research examining the use of teacher aides in classrooms.
- Download PDF
Making the best use of teaching assistants: A self-assessment guide
This guide describes “ineffective”, “improving” and “exemplary” practice for evidence-based recommendations on the effective use of teacher aides. It is from Maximising the impact of teaching assistants (2nd edition), a UK resource.
Publisher: Centre for Inclusive Education
- Download PDF
Teachers and teachers' aides working together: School leaders
Read time: 10 min
This is a professional development resource for NZ schools, which includes nine modules that teachers and teacher aides can complete together. Downloadable PDF.
Publisher: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Teachers and teachers' aides working together
Nine modules that teachers and teachers’ aides complete together to strengthen working relationships, improve role clarity and build knowledge of inclusive practice.
Publisher: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
The teaching assistant’s guide to effective interaction
This is a practical, evidence-based UK guide to support classroom interactions between teacher aides and students. It contains practical strategies and reflective activities for both teachers and teacher aides.
Publisher: Centre for Inclusive Education
Price: One off charge £20.98
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How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: Teacher aide practice
Strategies for action:
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Review and refine the TA's role and responsibilitiesShow suggestions for Review and refine the TA's role and responsibilities
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Develop effective recruitment, induction, and PLD processesShow suggestions for Develop effective recruitment, induction, and PLD processes
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Support and prepare teachers in their roleShow suggestions for Support and prepare teachers in their role
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Identify areas to build TA understanding and confidenceShow suggestions for Identify areas to build TA understanding and confidence
