I just started a course to become a teacher aide
And I wanted to get some teachers and teacher aide views on what you think makes a great teacher aide!
Also what sort of clothing do you wear to work? I’ve been a hairdresser for so long that I have no clue 😂 I do have a large thigh tattoo that needs to be covered too
7 Replies
Teacher here. Target has good workwear. Short sleeve shirts/ tops with wide shoulders and high cover at front. 3/4 skirt or pants. I love teacher clothes, quite casual, as long as it's nice and comfy and covers well (imagine squatting, bending, cuddling, sitting in it) it's all good.
A great teacher aide works well alone. Organises their time. Sees what needs to be done and gets things done. Interacts well with kids and is a presence to keep things from going crazy when the teacher is busy or tied up. You won't be expected to do all that from the start. But being proactive instead of shy will help you.
Can you give me any advice on how to best succeed?
I have to do 100 hours of prac :) I’m 25 but have no children and I’m worried that will show as the only kids I have worked with are through baby sitting, nieces and nephews, and when I was a carer for a young disabled child
So with kids, they feed off you. If you're friendly and kind, they will be as well. Be kind, chatty, firm, but always gentle. Make small talk, learn their names one by one, get to know them. You'll find your own way it will take time and watching others. That's what pracs for.
With teachers and co-workers, for the most part they work closely together and do it well. So learn their names, offer to help, learn where to find things, be punctual, roll with it and you will find your feet and do fine. Good luck.
Can I ask where u went through with the course? I have been interested for many years but something has always put it on the back burner .
Just at Tafe
I’m doing a cert 3
Learning about disabilities would be a start!
You’re in the classroom because a child or children have funding due to their disability.
Do some research for goodness sake. It’s not an easy job, just because it’s school hours and it only requires a Cert 3, it attracts the wrong people and our children suffer.
If you’re honest, caring, kind and willing to learn then you’ll do well.
Start doing some disability support work as a way of learning and understanding how families operate and the types of support required. Look at Hire Up or Mable
Wow that was kinda rude
Yes I do have experience with disabilities as quite a few of my cousins have autism
My nieces have learning disabilities and I myself have ADHD
Just because it requires school hours and is only a cert 3 doesn’t mean I’m doing it for the wrong reasons. I’m doing it because I’ve always wanted to work with kids and I’ve always wanted to help kids.