So you want to be a Teacher Aide?
What does it mean to be a teacher aide, SLSO, SSO, or para-professional in Queensland high schools today?
In 2024 I took the leap and became a high school teacher aide. Though the work was fulfilling, I quickly realised how little evidence-based research and support is given to these roles.
You are expected to induct yourself;
You work with little guidance, training feedback, processes, instructions or best practice;
You must work within the context of “personalities” and “politics” (and I’m not talking about the students…)
Yet, teacher aides are walking-talking research and innovation labs. We work with students in multiple classrooms, with different teachers, different approaches and get to test in real-time. We see which strategies work best, which tasks our students are struggling with and are able to read their body language for escalation cues.
We’re hype men, advocates, role models, questioners, co-regulators, shame-reducers, conduits, break-takerers, fun-amplifiers, and calm waters for students (and teachers).
This blog seeks to fill a gap in thinking deeply and critically about the teacher aide profession by:
identifying problems and suggesting potential solutions/best practice;
highlighting useful information about induction, professional development, policies, processes; rights and responsibilities;
discussing critical issues (such as escalating behaviours) and future needs;
providing an often unheard voice from the back of the classroom - and build a community of like-minded para-professionals.
As a community - we’re not exactly swimming in money - so I’ve made 99% of posts and archived materials free to access.
I do accept paid subscriptions or gifts, though please do not feel pressured to spend money. Paid subscriptions ensure that you’re able to comment and that you have access to 1% of “nuts and bolts” posts which may prove helpful for new Teacher Aides.
My intention is to write on this blog every week of the Queensland school year - 40 posts - and then reassess. Join me, email, subscribe!
Let’s think this through - together.