Are you interested in a career as a Teaching Assistant?
Here is some information to help you make this important career decision.
- You need to have a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of children and young people
- Teaching Assistant jobs are in high demand, staff turnover is low, and the hours and holidays are attractive, even though weekly earnings are lower than the national average
- About half of the workforce are employed casual or part-time
- Currently, there is no national mandate for a minimum qualification, which means it is possible to gain employment before starting any studies
- Most employers prefer that you have an Education Support qualification (Certificate III or IV in School Based Education Support OR equivalent)
- Volunteering is a great way to get your foot in the door in a competitive job market!
Who are Teaching Assistants?
Teaching assistants are dedicated school staff who provide support for teachers and students and are known by a variety of titles in schools and educational systems and sectors across Australia. They help teachers with routine school duties, classroom activities or the care and management of students, including those with specific needs. Teaching assistants may work across multiple year levels and/or classrooms, and support one or more teachers and one or more students. They work in all school contexts, across mainstream and specialised education settings.
- Guidelines for the Optimal Deployment of Teaching Assistants in Australian Classrooms, AITSL, 2025
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Titles as listed by the Guidelines for Optimal Deployment of Teaching Assistants in Australian Classrooms (2025)
What do Teaching Assistants do?
Teaching Assistants work in a variety of places - primary, and secondary classrooms, and schools for specific purposes. Their key role is to support student learning, under the guidance of teachers.
The role is incredibly varied and can include:
- general classroom support
- supporting students with disability
- supporting students with medical needs
- student support (outside the classroom/excursions)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural knowledge
- implementing structured interventions (literacy and/or numeracy)
- limited delivery of lessons with participating teachers
- training and induction of staff
- organising and preparing materials and resources
- performing administrative duties and records management.
Helpful Links for Teaching Assistants
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