Education Aide

Overview

Education aides perform non-teaching duties to help teachers in schools, assisting with activities that enhance the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of children. They provide care and supervision for children on a one-to-one basis or as a group, and assistance to students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and students with disabilities.

Work occurs within the school environment, including preschool, primary and secondary schools and special needs units. Escort of students on field trips or to the library or other places in the community may be required.

Suited for people who have a good command of the English language and an understanding of psychology, special needs, computers and technology. The ability to communicate well as part of a team is useful.

Day-to-day

• work with students, following a program prepared by the teacher
• prepare indoor and outdoor areas for learning and recreational activities
• meet with teachers and parents to discuss student progress
• help teachers plan lessons for students with special educational needs
• help students learn English as a second language
• assist children individually to learn social skills
• assist with preparing teaching aids, and copying and gathering classroom resources
• provide assistance, home-school liaison and counselling for students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and students with disabilities and their families.

Considerations

• stressful.