Carmel College .::. Role of the Teacher Aide

Teacher aide roles can vary according to the needs of the students and the teacher in charge of the class. Teacher aides are there to work with, encourage and assist our students requiring learning support, as well as to work alongside and assist the teacher.

Good communication between the teacher and the teacher aide is important. This includes establishing what the teacher prefers the aide to do. It includes mutual respect for the role of the teacher and the teacher aide, eg, the teacher aide would not move around while the teacher is addressing the whole class; students in a class would speak respectfully to the teacher aide.

It is good if teachers introduce the teacher aide to the class and simply explain why they are there.

TEACHING/INSTRUCTION:

The teacher aide may

· assist either individuals and small groups of students with lessons, as well as being a resource for any student where appropriate

· help a student keep on task, simplify instructions, explain instructions, break work down into simpler ‘bites’, fill in a homework diary, give out handouts

· go over something that a student has found difficult and has not understood; help answer questions when a teacher is busy with someone else or explain a concept when needed

· work one on one with a student who has missed work either through absences or by not understanding the basics

· look for simpler or abridged subject related texts eg, in the library

· take notes for students who are away or who are slower with their processing

CLASSROOM ORGANISATION:

· help the teacher implement special programmes for individual students with learning difficulties or prepare and modify materials to suit the students they work with in conjunction with the classroom teacher

· provide input re seating, grouping, and adaptations for student with special needs

· assist with observations and scoring if requested by the teacher

· help with practicals in the classroom

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

· implement an individual behavioural plan developed by the learning support team or teacher

· model and assist students’ interactions,eg, between students or between student and teacher

· provide input or feedback to the teacher regarding the needs, concerns and problems of individual students

· notice any problems with particular students and bring them to the attention of the teachers to see what can be done to help

· support the teacher with behavioural management, using the same emphasis and techniques as the teacher, but with subtle approaches eg, quietly removing or closing something not related to the lesson, giving a glance or nod in the right direction

· be an extra pair of eyes in the classroom to assist and support the teacher

· reinforce the teacher’s authority without criticising the teacher

PARENT COMMUNICATION

· keep contact with parents through homework diaries or by telephone if appropriate

· Provide feedback or information to the teacher following parent communication

· attend meetings as requested by the teacher or learning support team eg for IEP meetings

BUILDING RAPPORT WITH THE STUDENTS is important so teacher aides may

· Take time to listen to the individual student

· Encourage students by bringing out the best in each student

· Be an extra pair of ears for the student who didn’t understand

Guide a student and keep them on track