Date
24 March 2024

Leading and coordinating learning and support for all students

Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Supporting and preparing teachers in their role’

Lead and guide learning

Lead and guide learning

Planning for learning is determined by the teacher.

Discuss with teachers how you can support them in adopting this approach.

10290 [Cycle-of-support-1.jpg]

Source: Adapted from Causton-Theoharis, J. (2009). The Paraprofessional's Handbook for Effective Support in Inclusive Classrooms

Source:
Adapted from Causton-Theoharis, J. (2009). The Paraprofessional's Handbook for Effective Support in Inclusive Classrooms

Provide direction to teacher aides

Provide direction to teacher aides

Teachers provide teacher aides with information about lesson content.

Outline their role, who they are working with, the data to be collected, and the expected learning outcomes.

10267 [DSC-1044.jpg]

Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Source:
Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

Reduce student isolation or dependency

Reduce student isolation or dependency

Avoid approaches where teacher aides are assigned to specific pupils for long periods.

Encourage teachers to adopt approaches to ensure all students receive equal time working with the teacher, the teacher aide, their peers, and independently.

Consider how to give teacher aides a more visible and active role in teaching during whole-class delivery by, for example, inviting them to record answers on a whiteboard, or to demonstrate equipment.

Source: Adapted from Making best use of teaching assistants: Guidance report (opens in a new tab/window)

Optimise the physical layout to support belonging

Optimise the physical layout to support belonging

Use classroom layout and teacher aides support to encourage students’ learning and peer interaction.

Model effective approaches

Model effective approaches

Encourage teachers to take time to model approaches and give clear direction to teacher aides.

Useful resources

Useful resources

Website

Module 3: Supporting students with complex needs

This module from Special Education Online includes a workbook for teachers and teacher aides to work through together. It focuses on how teacher aides can provide extra support for students’ communication needs and their physical and personal care.

Visit website

Website

Module 9: Creating inclusive classrooms

This module from Special Education Online includes a workbook and presentation for teachers and teacher aides to work through together to identify effective ways to create an inclusive learning environment.

Visit website

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Support and prepare teachers in their role”:

Return to the guide “Supporting effective teacher aide practice ”

Top