Education Support Courses

What is an education support worker? 

An education support worker, also known as a teacher’s aide or teacher’s assistant, is someone who supports teachers and students in an educational setting. Their main duty is to assist teachers with various daily tasks, including preparing classroom learning materials, supervising and supporting students, and managing classroom behaviour. 

Teacher’s aides often work alongside students who require additional learning support, such as those with learning disabilities, behavioural issues, or language barriers. They might also be involved in administrative tasks, preparing equipment and material for activities, and providing general classroom support. 

Education support workers might work in an early childhood centre, primary school, or high school. Their overall goal is to create a positive and effective learning environment for students and support teachers in their work. 

What does an education support worker do?

An education support officer, or teacher’s aide, assists teachers in their classroom duties. Their daily activities will differ depending on the educational setting and the needs of the teacher and students. 

These are some daily tasks an education support worker might be involved with: 

Group learning support

A teacher’s aide might be tasked with helping small groups of students in the classroom. They may participate in group activities, supervise students as they complete tasks, help them stay focused, demonstrate tasks or activities, and explain instructions. 

One-on-one learning support

An educational support worker can support students who require individualised care by helping them with classroom activities such as reading, solving maths questions, and interpreting concepts. They can also provide emotional support to children who require it.

Observational tasks

Teacher’s aides are sometimes responsible for observing teachers in a classroom and making notes on student behaviour, student progress, and any difficulties experienced in the classroom. These observations can be useful for teachers. 

Special needs assistance

Educational support workers are often tasked with providing additional support to students who require more attention than a teacher can give while also teaching a class. These include children with physical or learning disabilities, behavioural issues, or Autism spectrum disorder.

Administrative duties

Teacher’s aides often assist teachers by looking after basic administrative duties, such as preparing equipment and learning materials, creating lesson plans, organising excursions, managing classroom stationery, and tasks such as printing and photocopying. 

General school duties

Some schools ask educational support workers to partake in general school duties which are often assigned to other teachers. These can include playground duty, bus duty, or car park supervision. They might also participate in special events such as sports carnivals, school concerts, and bake sales.

How do I become an education support worker?

To become an education support worker, you can complete a nationally recognised Certificate III in School Based Education Support or a Certificate IV in School Based Education Support. 

These two courses, commonly referred to as a Teacher’s Aide qualification, help prepare you for a fulfilling career as a teacher’s aide or education support worker by teaching you how to:

• Support students with special needs 
• Support the development of literacy and numeracy skills 
• Work effectively with students 
• Identify and respond to at risk children and youth  
• Work with diverse people & international students
• Manage teaching and learning programs
• Interpret legal and ethical obligations 
• Supporting children with Autism spectrum disorder
• Manage workplace health and safety

Enrol in an education support course online

You can enrol in the Certificate III or Certificate IV in School Based Education Support and start earning your teacher’s aide qualification today. The online education support certificate offers flexible learning that can fit into your current work or lifestyle commitments, allowing you to access course materials from anywhere and at any time. 

Find an education support course in Australia

In Australia, there are two main vocational education courses for those who want to pursue a career in an education support environment. These are:

• Certificate III in School Based Education Support

This is an excellent course for those who want to forge a career in the education space. It equips you with all the important knowledge you need to start providing education support. You will learn how to implement educational programs, support literacy and numeracy skills, and work with children with varying needs. 

With this course you can start a career as a Teacher’s Aide or Teacher’s Assistant. 

• Certificate IV in School Based Education Support

This certification is the most popular course for becoming a teacher’s assistant in Australia. It covers all the essential topics, such as supporting students with disabilities and special needs, complying with legislative requirements, working with diverse people, providing first aid, and managing health and safety of students. 

With this course you can start a career as a Teacher’s Aide, Teacher’s Assistant, Education Assistant, or Special Needs Teacher’s Aide

How long does it take to finish an education support course?

This depends on the course you have enrolled in and the training provider. If you choose to enrol online, education support courses are self-paced and can be completed in your own time (within the course expiry date). 

To give you a general idea, however, the Certificate III can be completed in around 12 months and includes about 100 hours of work placement. The Certificate IV in School Based Education Support can be completed in around 18 months and includes about 100 hours work placement. 

How much does the education support course cost?

The cost of a Certificate III or Certificate IV in School Based Education Support will depend on the institution and payment method you use. Many institutions offer payment plans and may even offer a discount for some students. Get in touch with our team to receive a free course pack with all the information you need to get started.  

What are the benefits of enrolling in education support courses?

There are many benefits to enrolling in an education support course. These courses help prepare you for working in an educational setting and managing children with various behaviours and requirements. You will learn how to work with diverse people and support children to learn in a way that aligns with their needs. 

Education support is an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career path with many benefits. If you love working with young people and want to support students in developing various skills, you will love a career as a teacher’s aide or teacher’s assistant. 

As an education support worker you will be based in various learning environments and classroom contexts. You may work in kindergartens, primary schools, high schools, and other educational institutions. You will be able to work in public or private schools and therefore enjoy various work environments depending on the job and the setting. 

How much can you earn after taking an education support course?

The average teacher’s aide in Australia earns between $55,000 and $65,000 per year. An entry level teacher’s aide can expect to earn around $22 per hour while a more experienced teacher’s aide can earn up to $41 per hour.

Best online education support courses to pursue

The best way to start your career in education support is with a flexible online course that allows you to earn a nationally recognised qualification without having to shift your current work or lifestyle commitments. 

We recommend starting with the Certificate III in School Based Education Support. If you prefer to start your career with more knowledge and experience, the Certificate IV in School Based Education Support is the ideal course to pursue.

Education support courses – summary 

Education support is a rewarding and fulfilling career for anyone who loves children and young people. If you’re ready to make a positive impact in the education system, enrol in an education support course and start your new career today!

FAQ

1. What is an education support worker?
   Also known as a teacher’s aide or teacher’s assistant, an education support worker is someone who supports teachers and students in an educational setting.

2. Is education support a good career?
   Education support is a great career choice for anyone who loves working with children or young people, and wants to make a positive impact on their lives by supporting them to advance their skills.

3. Are education support workers in demand?
   Teacher’s aides are in high demand across Australia and that demand is likely to increase in coming years. There’s no better time to start your career in education support!

4. What qualifications do I need to work in education support in Australia?
   You can start your career in education support with a Certificate III or Certificate IV in School Based Education Support.

5. How long does it take to become a teacher’s aide in Australia?
   If you enrol in an online education support course today, you can start your career as a teacher’s aide in no time! Courses are self-paced and can be completed in around 12 months with about 100 hours of work placement included.

6. Do I need to do work placement if I study an online education support course?
   Yes, an online education support course still requires around 100 hours of work placement in order to receive the nationally recognised training.