Teacher Support Staff
Amy's Scenario
In Part Three: The Term Progresses, Amy is confronted with the feelings of anxiety and frustration towards the weak relationship between herself and the support teacher. More specifically, "As the days progressed, Amy realised that dealing with the support teacher assigned to Dale was not working, Amy's suggestions were disregarded and it was becoming a greater hindrance than assistance."
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Professional Engagement (understanding the roles of your Support Staff)
To effectively build relationships with your support staff and colleagues, it is vital to educate yourself on the roles and responsibilities they have taken on.
Initially, you may like to simply familiarise yourself with the terminology created for teaching/staff/administrative positions. This will allow you to place a helpful label on each persons role (in your mind) which will allow you to see where your responsibilities and control lie. Once you have gained some knowledge in how to use staff terminology, it is important to familiarise yourself with the Department of Education and Communities "School Support Roles" (SSR) (DEC, 2012). Alternatively, you can see a summarised version of the SSR below.
Initially, you may like to simply familiarise yourself with the terminology created for teaching/staff/administrative positions. This will allow you to place a helpful label on each persons role (in your mind) which will allow you to see where your responsibilities and control lie. Once you have gained some knowledge in how to use staff terminology, it is important to familiarise yourself with the Department of Education and Communities "School Support Roles" (SSR) (DEC, 2012). Alternatively, you can see a summarised version of the SSR below.
Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO)
Aboriginal Education Officers are normally allocated to schools where the Aboriginal population is quite high. The role of an Aboriginal Education Officer is to work with school staff to develop learning experiences that are appropriate to Aboriginal cultural and tradition. These officers encourage students, parents and teachers to learn and communicate with each other to better their student’s education.
With these types of support staff in place, students are able to work towards their ultimate potential and continue to take part in a community which cares about their academic and social progress, needs and achievements. The Department of Education and Communities state that a ‘AEOs provide role models for Aboriginal students and have a positive impact on helping them achieve their potential.’
With these types of support staff in place, students are able to work towards their ultimate potential and continue to take part in a community which cares about their academic and social progress, needs and achievements. The Department of Education and Communities state that a ‘AEOs provide role models for Aboriginal students and have a positive impact on helping them achieve their potential.’
School Learning Support Officers
School learning support officers work under the direction of a regular class teacher to assist with classroom activities, school routines, and the care and management of students with special needs.
According to the Department of Education and Communities, their role includes:
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List of Support Staff
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How does this relate to the National Professional Standards for Teachers?
Professional Engagement
Standard 6: Engage in professional learning and reflection
Focus: Engage with colleagues and improve practice
Graduate: On a graduate level (6.3.1), teachers are strongly encouraged the "seek and apply constructive feedback from supervisors and teachers to improve teaching practices" (NSW IT, 2012).
Standard 6: Engage in professional learning and reflection
Focus: Engage with colleagues and improve practice
Graduate: On a graduate level (6.3.1), teachers are strongly encouraged the "seek and apply constructive feedback from supervisors and teachers to improve teaching practices" (NSW IT, 2012).