Teacher's+Aide

Teacher's Aide

Ford & Howard (2007), define the role of a teacher’s aide as one who is to provide direct and indirect support to students under the supervision of teachers and/or administrative staff within a classroom environment. This challenging role is performed one-on-one or in small group settings to encourage the inclusiveness of students with a disability in educational and social activities. (Ford & Howard, 2007) The presence of a teacher’s aide allows high support needs students to have the opportunity to learn alongside their peers without a disability. Participation and inclusiveness of high support needs students is maximised due to the employment of a teacher’s aide (Ford & Howard, 2007).

 Teacher's aides work closely with teachers, developing and obtaining resources, setting up and operatingequipment, undertaking administrative duties, supervising students andparticipating in teaching activities under the direction of a teacher. A teacher’s aide can provide a wide range of support for students who need assistance in order to participate in the educational activities and achieve the learning outcomes that may come naturally to other students. As a teacher’s aide within a classroom environment, it is essential you have good communication skills and are patient when dealing with students who may have more learning difficulties compared to otherstudents in the class. It is important to recognise that you are part of the support network offered to the students in the class. Incorporating a teacher’s aide into your classroom is taking a hands on approach to the students learning and in my opinion can prove to be beneficial to those students that need some extra guidance.

Ford, J.& Howard, R. (2007). The Roles and Responsibilities of Teacher AidesSupporting Students with Special Needs in Secondary School Settings. //AustralasianJournal of Special Education 31//(1), 25-43.