Teacher Assistants

Support for All Kids:  Working as a Teacher Assistant with Students with Special Needs


This book outlines the support role of Teacher Assistants supporting students with special education needs. The role is described by many labels:  paraprofessional, education or classroom assistant, teacher or classroom aide and special needs aide or assistant, etc. The role varies enormously with the student population and school setting. We hope that this book will lead to a better understanding of this essential role in schools.

Students (ages, support needs, communication)
Understanding (your role, inclusion, duty of care, prompt levels)
Prevention (back care, hygiene, child protection)
Positives (student behaviour, motivation, data collection)
Organisation (your self, classroom, excursions)
Resources (care, making, laminating, using Velcro)
Teamwork (working with teachers and others, supporting reading)

The final section is about applying for a job, including writing your application and the interview

Support for All Kids is an invaluable resource for trainee Teacher Assistants, Teacher Assistants beginning work with students with disabilities and for Teachers for a better understanding of the role of their Teacher Assistants.

Download sample page from this book.